Making the switch to an electric vehicle is an exciting step toward a cleaner, more efficient way to drive. But once you've got your new EV in the driveway, you'll quickly realize that charging it at home is far more convenient than relying on public charging stations. Before you can enjoy the ease of plugging in overnight, though, you need to make sure your home's electrical system can handle the demand of a Level 2 EV charger.
Don't wait until your EV arrives to think about charging. Contact Next Level Pros today through our online contact form or call (970) 406-4850 to schedule an electrical assessment for your home.
Why Home EV Charging Matters
Charging your electric vehicle at home offers convenience that public charging stations simply can't match. You'll wake up each morning with a full battery, ready for your daily commute or weekend adventures. Home charging also saves you time—no more waiting at charging stations or planning your routes around where you can plug in.
Most EV owners find that a Level 2 charger is the sweet spot for home charging. While a standard 120-volt outlet (Level 1) can technically charge your vehicle, it's painfully slow, often taking 24 hours or more for a full charge. A Level 2 charger operates at 240 volts, similar to your electric dryer or oven, and can fully charge most EVs in 4 to 8 hours.
Understanding Your Home's Electrical Capacity
Before installing an EV charger, you need to know whether your electrical panel can handle the additional load. Your electrical panel is the metal box that distributes electricity throughout your home, usually located in your garage, basement, or utility room. Every home has a maximum electrical capacity, measured in amps, and most modern homes have either 100-amp or 200-amp service.
A Level 2 EV charger typically requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit with a capacity of 40 to 50 amps. If your panel is already near its maximum capacity—because you're running air conditioning, heating, kitchen appliances, and other electrical devices—adding an EV charger could overload the system. An overloaded panel can trip breakers, cause safety hazards, or simply prevent your charger from working properly.
During an electrical assessment, a licensed electrician will evaluate your current panel, measure how much capacity you're using, and determine whether you have room for an EV charger circuit. They'll also check the condition of your panel and wiring to identify any potential issues.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Not every home will need a panel upgrade to support EV charging, but several factors might indicate that your electrical system needs attention. Older homes, in particular, often have panels that weren't designed to handle modern electrical demands.
Here are common signs that you may need an upgrade:
- Your home has a 100-amp service panel, which may not have enough capacity for both your current electrical needs and an EV charger
- Your circuit breakers trip frequently, even before adding an EV charger to the mix
- Your panel is more than 25 years old and may not meet current safety standards
- You have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, which is outdated and should be replaced
- Your home uses aluminum wiring, which requires special considerations for new electrical work
- You notice flickering lights, buzzing sounds from the panel, or a burning smell near the electrical box
If any of these issues sound familiar, scheduling an inspection before attempting to install an EV charger is the smart approach. Upgrading your panel isn't just about accommodating your new vehicle—it's also about ensuring your entire home's electrical system is safe and up to code.
What to Expect During an Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade involves replacing your existing panel with a larger one that can handle more electrical capacity. This process typically takes a full day, though more complex situations may require additional time. Your electricity will be shut off during portions of the work, so plan accordingly.
The upgrade process generally includes these steps:
- Initial Assessment: An electrician evaluates your current system and determines the appropriate panel size for your needs
- Permit Acquisition: Electrical work requires permits from your local building department to ensure all work meets safety codes
- Utility Coordination: If you're increasing your service capacity beyond what your utility line can support, the power company may need to upgrade their connection to your home
- Panel Installation: The old panel is removed and the new one is installed, with all circuits carefully transferred to the new system
- Inspection: A building inspector reviews the completed work to verify it meets all safety standards and codes
While a panel upgrade represents a significant investment, it's often necessary for older homes and provides benefits beyond just EV charging. You'll have capacity for other electrical upgrades you might want in the future, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your home's electrical system is safe and modern.
Choosing the Right Location for Your EV Charger
Once you know your electrical system can support an EV charger, you'll need to decide where to install it. Most homeowners install their chargers in the garage, but outdoor installations are also common. The ideal location balances convenience, cost, and practicality.
Consider these factors when selecting a location:
- Distance from Your Panel: The farther your charger is from your electrical panel, the more wiring you'll need, which increases installation costs
- Parking Position: Install the charger where your EV's charging port will be when parked, typically on the driver's side for most vehicles
- Weather Protection: If installing outdoors, choose a location with some overhead coverage if possible, though modern chargers are designed to withstand weather
- Cable Length: Most EV chargers come with cables between 18 and 25 feet long, which determines how far from the charger you can park
Your electrician can help you determine the most practical location based on your home's layout and your specific vehicle. They'll also ensure the installation meets local building codes, which may have specific requirements for outdoor installations or garage placements.
The Complete Installation Process
After your electrical system is ready, the actual EV charger installation is relatively straightforward. Your electrician will run a dedicated circuit from your panel to the charging location, install a mounting bracket for the charger, and connect all the wiring according to manufacturer specifications and local codes.
Most installations take between 2 and 4 hours once the electrical system is prepared. Your electrician will test the charger to ensure it's working properly and show you how to use it. Many modern chargers include smart features like scheduling, which allows you to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and remote monitoring through smartphone apps.
You'll want to verify that your installation includes proper grounding and that the circuit is protected with the appropriate breaker size. Your electrician should provide you with documentation of the work completed, which is useful for your records and may be required if you sell your home in the future.
Costs and Incentives to Consider
The total cost of preparing your home for EV charging varies widely depending on your specific situation. If your panel has available capacity and the charger will be installed close to the panel, you might spend $800 to $1,500 for the installation alone. If you need a panel upgrade, expect to add $2,000 to $4,000 or more to that total.
However, several incentives can help offset these costs. Federal tax credits are available for EV charger installations, and Colorado offers additional state incentives for electric vehicle infrastructure. Your utility company may also provide rebates for installing EV charging equipment. These programs change over time, so check current offerings when planning your installation.
When budgeting, remember that you're also saving money by charging at home versus using public charging stations. Home electricity rates are typically much lower than public charging costs, and the convenience of charging overnight means you'll rarely need to use paid charging stations for daily driving.
Ready to Install Your Home EV Charger?
Getting your home ready for electric vehicle charging doesn't have to be complicated. The team at Next Level Pros has extensive experience assessing electrical systems and installing EV chargers throughout the Denver Metro area. Whether you need a simple charger installation or a complete panel upgrade, we'll walk you through every step of the process and ensure your home is ready to power your electric future.
Reach out through our online contact form or call (970) 406-4850 to schedule your electrical assessment today.