When you buy an electric vehicle, you no longer need to go to the gas station, and you can charge your car at home. But before you put an EV charger in your garage or driveway, you need to make sure your home’s electrical system can safely handle the extra load.
Installing a home EV charger isn’t just a matter of sticking the equipment on the wall and plugging it in. Depending on your home, you may need a new dedicated circuit, electrical panel upgrades, more wiring, or even an electrical service upgrade.
Being prepared will make the entire installation a lot smoother and avoid any nasty surprises when the bill comes in.
Decide Where You Want to Charge Your EV
Start by thinking about where you normally leave your car overnight. Often homeowners install their EV charger in the garage or on an outside wall near the driveway, just a few feet from where their car will actually be parked.
It’s a good idea to put the charger someplace near where you’ll actually park your car. You also want to be sure the cable is long enough to reach without you having to stretch or worry about tripping over it.
You should also think a bit about the future. If you predict you’ll be bringing home another EV, you might want to consider getting a charger that’ll be able to handle a second vehicle to avoid having to pay for a second installation later on.
Your electrician will be able to help figure out the best spot based on your parking arrangement, where your electrical panel is, and just how much wiring you’ll need.
Determine What Type of EV Charger You Need
When charging at home, you will usually be deciding between level 1 and level 2 charging.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. No special charging equipment is required, but charging is very slow. Depending on your driving habits, it may be adequate if you drive only a limited number of miles each day.
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit and is substantially faster. This is the best option for most EV owners for everyday home charging.
Different Level 2 chargers can draw different amounts of power, so don’t buy one just based on charging speed. Make sure the unit you buy is compatible with your vehicle and with your home’s electrical capacity.
Have Your Electrical Panel Evaluated
One of the most important things you can do before you install an EV charger is to make sure your existing electrical system has sufficient capacity.
Installing an EV charger is going to put a new level of demand on your electrical system. An electrician should take a close look at your home’s electrical setup and existing loads, including what you have for major electrical equipment, such as:
- Central air conditioning
- Electric heat
- Electric water heaters
- Electric stoves and dryers
- Hot tubs or pools
- Other large electrical appliances
The electrician should also check your electrical panel to see if there’s enough room for the new EV charging circuit and whether the system can actually handle it.
Just because a breaker slot is empty doesn’t mean your electrical system can handle the extra load. You also need to consider the total electrical load on your home.
Find Out Whether You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade
Many homes have 100-amp electrical service, particularly the older ones. Depending on what you already have that uses electricity in your home and the charger you’re looking to get, adding an EV charger could put a strain on your electrical system.
In that case, it might be a good idea to increase your electrical service to 200 amps. Upgrading from a 100 amp to a 200 amp can be useful not just for an EV charger but for any number of other things you might want to add later on, such as heat pumps, induction cooking, or electric water heaters. Or perhaps a second EV charger.
That said, you don’t have to automatically upgrade to 200 amp service just because you want to charge an EV. A qualified electrician can do a load calculation to see what your home really needs and then discuss options with you for your situation.
Consider the Distance From the Panel to the Charger
How far the electrical panel is from your electric car charger can make a big difference in how easy (or expensive) the installation will be.
If your charger is right next to your electrical panel, the wiring job is probably going to be a simple one. But if the panel is in the basement on the other side of the house from where you park your car, your electrician will have to run a lot more wire and do a lot more work.
The electrician may need to run wires through finished walls, up into the attic, down into the basement, or use specialized conduit to get them from outside to inside.
Working with your electrician to pick a practical charger location can help you find a balance between how convenient the charger will be and how much it will cost to install.
Choose Between a Hardwired Charger and an Outlet
Some Level 2 chargers plug into a 240-volt outlet, while others are installed and wired directly into the house.
There are advantages to both approaches.
A plug-in unit is a lot easier to swap out or take with you if you end up moving, and you’ve also got more flexibility if you decide to change your charger later on.
However, if you are installing the charger outside or want to make the installation a little more permanent, hardwiring is often the better choice.
Ultimately, your electrician can advise you on whether plugging it in or hardwiring the charger is the best way to proceed, depending on the charger you pick and where it’s going to be installed.
Make Sure the Installation Meets Electrical Code Requirements
EV chargers can draw a lot of power over a pretty long period, which is why proper installation is so crucial.
To be on the safe side, your installation needs to meet the relevant electrical codes and manufacturer requirements. Depending on your project, you may also need a permit and an inspection from your local building department.
Working with a licensed electrician will help ensure that everything from the circuit to the wiring to the charger itself is properly sized and installed.
Don’t treat EV charging equipment like an ordinary appliance that you can simply connect to any available outlet or circuit.
Think About Your Future Electrical Needs
An EV charger may be your first major step toward electrifying your home, but it may not be your last.
Think about what you may add over the coming years. Are you considering a second electric vehicle? Replacing a gas heating system with heat pumps? Installing a hot tub? Remodeling the kitchen? Adding an accessory dwelling unit?
Discussing those plans with your electrician now may help you avoid making an electrical upgrade today that needs to be expanded again a few years from now.
Schedule an Electrical Evaluation Before Installation
The easiest way to prepare for an EV charger installation is to have your electrical system evaluated before purchasing equipment or scheduling the installation.
A licensed electrician can help you determine:
- If your electrical service has enough capacity
- If your panel has room for the necessary circuit
- What size circuit your charger needs
- If a panel or service upgrade is necessary
- The best location for the charger
- If a hardwired or plug-in installation makes sense
- What permits or electrical upgrades might be required
With proper planning, you’ll have home charging that is convenient, reliable, and designed to safely meet the electrical needs of your vehicle.
Ready to Install an EV Charger at Home?
If you’re considering an electric vehicle or already have one sitting in the driveway, don’t wait until you need to charge it to find out whether your home’s electrical system is ready.
KC Electrical Contracting can evaluate your electrical panel, service capacity, and proposed charging location. You’ll know what the installation requires, what upgrades may be necessary, and what to expect before the work begins.
Then you can plug in at home and start every day with your EV ready to go.