Charging an electric car at home is convenient, but a faster Level 2 charger needs its own circuit and enough capacity in your electrical panel. A licensed electrician can tell you what your home needs and install the charger safely with the right permit.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent electrical provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Things to check before installing a charger
These questions decide what the installation involves.
- Whether you want Level 1 or faster Level 2 charging
- How much spare capacity your panel has
- How far the panel is from where you park
- Whether the charger will be indoors or outdoors
- Whether your utility offers rebates or special rates
- Whether you rent, and need permission
What to do right now
Do not plug a car charger into an extension cord or an overloaded circuit. Charging draws a lot of power for hours at a time.
- Find your panel and note its size, if it is labeled
- Decide where the car will park and charge
- Check your car’s charging speed
- Ask your utility about rebates and charging rates
- Get quotes from licensed electricians
- Plan the permit and inspection
Level 1 or Level 2
Level 1
Uses a standard 120 volt outlet. Slow, but often enough for short daily trips.
Level 2
Uses a 240 volt circuit, similar to a dryer. Much faster, and the most common home charging choice.
Hardwired or plug in
A Level 2 charger can be wired directly or plugged into a suitable outlet installed for it.
Smart chargers
Can schedule charging for cheaper hours and track use.
How a charger is installed
- The electrician checks the panel’s capacity and your future needs.
- A permit is pulled.
- A dedicated circuit is run from the panel to the charging spot.
- The charger or outlet is installed and tested.
- The work is inspected.
Planning ahead
- A panel upgrade may be needed if there is no spare capacity
- Load management devices can sometimes avoid a panel upgrade
- Outdoor chargers must be rated for outdoor use
- Check current federal, state and utility incentives, which change often
- Think about a second car or a future upgrade when sizing the circuit
Questions to ask before you hire
- Do I have enough panel capacity, or do I need an upgrade?
- Should the charger be hardwired or plug in?
- Is the permit and inspection included?
- Are you licensed as an electrician in my state?
- What warranty do you give on the installation?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for an EV charger?
In most areas, yes. The electrician usually pulls the permit and arranges the inspection.
Can I use a normal outlet?
Yes, for slow Level 1 charging, if the circuit is in good condition and not shared with heavy loads.
Will I need a panel upgrade?
Not always. An electrician can calculate your load and may suggest load management instead.
How long does installation take?
Often a few hours, plus time for the permit and inspection.
Learn more
Our main electrical guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.