EV charger installation

What this covers

A home EV charger is a level 2 unit on its own 240-volt circuit, sized to the charger's draw and to what the panel can spare. The electrician checks the service with a load calculation, adds a breaker and runs the circuit, in conduit where it is exposed, to the spot where the cable reaches the car's port. The charger is either hardwired or plugged into a heavy-duty receptacle, mounted at a comfortable height, and set up with its app or load management if the panel is tight. Outdoor installations use weather-rated equipment. Where the local code requires a permit, the company pulls it and schedules the inspection.

When to call

• An electric vehicle in the driveway, or one on order.
• Overnight charging from an ordinary outlet that does not finish by morning.
• A second EV or a car that parks outside the garage.
• A panel that may not have the capacity for a new 240-volt circuit.

What to expect

1. Load checkThe electrician confirms the panel and service can carry the charger, or recommends load management or an upgrade.
2. CircuitA dedicated breaker and circuit are installed and run to the charging location.
3. MountThe charger is mounted, hardwired or plugged in, and its cable reach checked against where the car parks.
4. Inspect and testThe inspection is passed and a first charging session confirms the rate and the settings.