The US electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly expanding, comprising over 3 million EVs, including hybrid (HEVs), battery EVs (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) as of the end of 2024. Despite the growth potential and government support, public charging infrastructure still faces issues of availability. This means that there’s also the need to have your own charging station at home to avoid disappointments.
If you’ve just acquired an EV for the first time, you need to learn how to install electric vehicle charging station at home so you never run out of charge when public charging points are unavailable. By installing a charging point at home, you get a reliable solution to keep your battery fully charged and avoid the challenges experienced by those who rely on public charging stations.
In this guide, we explain all you need to know about installing electric vehicle charging station at home. This includes space requirements, features, and costs involved.
What Type of Charger Do You Need for Home Installation?
An EV charging station (or EV charger) is equipment that delivers just the right amount and type of power to recharge EV batteries. These chargers are available in three groups, namely Level 1, 3, and 3 governed by the size of power output and the charging requirements of the target clients.
EV chargers are available in three types: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The type goes hand in hand with the size, average charging speed, and power output.
Level 1 Chargers
These charging systems require 120V AC, the standard home wall socket output, which is why they’re for residential use only. A level 1 charging port has the slowest charging speed, offering about 2 to 4 miles of charge in one hour. These chargers are the least expensive and doesn’t need major modifications to your home electrical circuit. Most EVs nowadays come with OEM Level 1 charger units, which are similar to large mobile phone chargers and have the same functionality.
Level 2 Chargers
You’ll find these chargers in most homes, and unlike Level 1, they use 240V AC power. This means they offer a bit faster charging speeds to achieve about 12 to 21 miles of charge in an hour. Since they need 240V to function, if you’re planning to install a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical panel and have 240V power access.
Level 3 Chargers
Level 3 chargers are also known as DC fast-chargers (DCFC). You’ll find them most on commercial properties or public charging stations like Electrify America or Tesla Superchargers. These chargers have an input voltage of 400V and convert the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), which significantly increases the charging speed. Level 3 chargers need an average of 45 minutes to provide between 100 and 250 miles of range.
Which Charger Should You Choose?
Before delving into how to install electric vehicle charging station, you need to establish the right type of charger to go for. Generally, EVs come with Level 1 chargers, allowing owners to charge their vehicle battery using the standard home electrical outlets. But if you rely on your EV for daily commute, this type of charger is slow and unreliable. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) says that a Level 1 charge will require approximately 40 hours to charge a battery EV (BEV) to 80%.
That means EVs that have higher battery capacities like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan Plus, or Lucid Air may require much longer to charge to 100%. So, Level 1 chargers aren’t the best to install at home, unless you rarely use your car daily.
Level 3 chargers have the fastest speeds and are mainly available in commercial charging points. They’re also way too big and unrealistic to have them installed in a residence. That leaves us with Level 2 charging stations as the most ideal for use in residential settings. Next, let’s take a look at how to install level 2 charger at home.
How to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Now that we’ve figured a Level 2 EV charging station is the most suitable for home use, here’s how to install it.
Pre-Installation Factors
The first step in the installation process is evaluating your home’s electrical circuitry to ascertain whether your setup can handle the extra load from the EV charger. It’ll also help you determine whether an upgrade is even necessary. Your local electrical contractor or electrician will assess your home’s electrical panel, breaker box, and overall load.
If your home doesn’t have a 240V outlet, your electrician should install it to support the charger. The location where you want to install the charger should be the same spot you park your EV every day, like the garage. Consider the charger cable length and how close it is to your EV’s charging port.
In most cases, it’s a good idea to set up a dedicated 40-amp circuit for a Level 2 charger, although this may vary depending on the specifications of the charger.
Check Local Regulations
Before the installation, you need to know what your local authority says about installing an EV charger in your residence. If the installation demands modifying the property structurally, you may be required to obtain a building permit as well.
Get The Right Connector Type
In the US, most EVs use either a J1772 or a NACS (for Tesla) connector. Some older EV models, like the 1st generation of Nissan Leaf, have a CHAdeMO connector, so they might require an adaptor to work with a NACS or J1772 charger.
A charger with a higher amperage rating offers faster charging, however, it may need a more robust electrical infrastructure. Also, consider smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity to allow you to monitor and control charging remotely.
Hire a Professional EV Charging Station Installer
The next step of EV charger installation is to get a professional installer to do the work. Level 2 chargers are a bit more advanced than Level 2 and will need specific expertise to install, unlike the plug-and-play Level 1 type. Be sure to choose local electricians with experience in installing Level 2 chargers. They should also adhere to safety guidelines and meet all the building codes of your area.
Actual Installation of the Charger
With everything set, the actual installation work begins. Your electrician should prepare the installation site to ensure that it is safe, convenient, and suitable. They should inspect the site for obstructions to ensure the charger will be easy to access after installation. Once done, the installer will test the setup to ensure it works just as intended and is safe for use.
Evaluate The Available Incentives
Part of how to install electric vehicle charging station is taking advantage of government incentives that encourage the widespread adoption of EVs. Research these incentives to help you lower the cost of installing your own EV charger at home. Check out the tax credits offered by the federal government for installing an EV charger. Also, some state and local programs offer incentives or rebates to offset the cost of installation.
The most ideal way to access information about the available incentives is to consult your utility company or local government. This can help you offset the installation cost and make your EV transition less costly.
Proper Maintenance of Charging Station After Installation
After installing the charger and using it for some time, it’s important to inspect it from time to time, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Always handle the cables carefully and inspect them regularly for any signs of damage.
- Use mild soap, water, and lint-free cloth to clean the station. Ensure all connectors and cables are free of dirt, grease, grime, and debris.
- Ensure the charging cables are free from humidity and assess the connectors regularly for corrosion.
- More importantly, consult the OEM’s manual and stick to the recommended maintenance instructions.
How Much Is the Cost of Installing a Level 2 Charger?
So, how much does it cost to install an electric vehicle charging station? A Level 2 charger costs from $500 to $700, depending on which brand you go for. You’ll need to add the installation expertise cost, and if your home doesn’t have the necessary 240V outlet, you must factor in the upgrade cost.
The labor cost for installing a Level 2 charger can vary according to the local contractor rates and the region. However, it should range from $200 to $500. If the local regulations demand a permit and inspection, you may consider adding an extra $400-$500 to your overall cost.
If your home’s electrical circuitry needs an upgrade to provide a 240V outlet, you can factor in the cost of updating the electrical panel and breaker box. These could demand an additional $850—$4,000.
Final Thoughts
Recent reports indicate that the US has more than 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations. While that number seems big, it’s still not enough to meet the increasing EV sales, which surpassed the 1.3 million mark in 2024. With the rising adoption of EVs, much of the charging demand at the moment is met through home charging. This means that installing your own Level 2 charging station at home can save you from the hassle of finding available public charging stations within your area.
This guide shows you how to install electric vehicle charging station at home to bring convenience and help you align with the worldwide shift towards a more sustainable means of transport. By taking your time to understand the different aspects of installing an EV charging station, you’re better positioned to make informed decisions as you embrace the shift to sustainability.