EV Charger Installation

Level 1 or Level 2

Many EVs come with a cord that plugs into a regular 120-volt outlet. That is Level 1 charging, and it adds only a few miles of range per hour. It can be enough if you drive little and park for long stretches. Most owners want Level 2, which runs on a 240-volt circuit like a dryer or a range and can usually cover a typical daily commute overnight with time to spare. A Level 2 charger often sits on a 40- or 50-amp circuit, though many chargers can be set to draw less when the panel is tight.

Will my panel handle it

This is the first question we answer. We do a load calculation that looks at your service size, the big appliances you already have and anything else you plan to add, such as a heat pump. Plenty of homes have room for a charger as they are. When the panel is tight, a full upgrade is not the only option. A charger can be set to a lower amperage, a load management device can pause charging while the house is using a lot of power, and some chargers can share one circuit between two cars. If an upgrade does make sense, we price both and explain the difference.

Hardwired or plug-in

A charger can be wired directly to its circuit or plugged into a 240-volt outlet, usually a NEMA 14-50. Hardwiring is often the better choice. It allows a higher charging rate on the same wire size, there is no outlet to wear out from plugging and unplugging, and it avoids a common nuisance. Current code generally calls for GFCI protection on a 240-volt outlet in a garage or outdoors, and some chargers have their own ground fault protection that does not always get along with it, which leads to tripping. If you want an outlet so the charger can move with you, we use a heavy-duty receptacle and the protection the code requires.

Placement, wiring and permits

We place the charger where the cable reaches the car's charging port without stretching across the floor, and away from spots where a door or a bumper will hit it. In an attached garage near the panel, the run is short. Detached garages and driveway chargers need a longer run, sometimes underground, and that changes the price. Outdoor chargers need a rating for wet locations and a sturdy mount. EV charger circuits need an electrical permit in Colorado, and we pull it and arrange the inspection.

Rebates and the charger itself

You can buy the charger yourself or have us supply it. We are happy to install a unit you already own as long as it is listed by a recognized testing lab. Utility rebates are sometimes available for chargers and wiring, and some utility plans offer lower rates for charging overnight. Rebate programs and tax credits change often, so check the current rules before you count on one. We note the programs that may apply when we quote.