EV Chargers
Level 2 at home adds roughly 25 to 40 miles of range an hour. Permitted install, and load management often skips the panel upgrade.
A regular garage outlet adds about four miles of range an hour. Fine for short commutes. A Level 2 charger on a 240 volt circuit fills most cars overnight.
New panel first? Often not. On a tight panel, a load management device slows the charger while the dryer and AC run, and saves many homeowners thousands.
EV charger work
- EV Charger InstallationLevel 2 charging at home, permitted.
- Charger BrandsReliable chargers with good apps and warranties.
- Charger Outlet OnlyA 240V outlet for the charger you own.
- Charge Without a Panel UpgradeAdd a charger, often with no panel upgrade.
- EV Charger Repair & ReplacementChargers that fault, trip or charge slowly.
Signs you're ready for a home charger
- New EV or plug-in hybrid on the way
- Level 1 from a wall outlet can't keep up
- Charger faults, trips or charges slowly
- A second EV is coming
How a charger install goes
- Load calculation. We look at your panel, service size and the route to your parking spot.
- Pick a charger. Hardwired or plug-in, 40 or 48 amp, cable long enough for your space.
- Install. Dedicated circuit, breaker and protection sized to the charger.
- Test and inspect. We set up the app and Wi-Fi, run a test charge, and book the inspection.
What a charger install costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| EV charger circuit and installation (plus charger and permit) | $1,200 to $2,800 |
Prices updated October 2026.
Charging around here
Davis, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin and Natomas keep us installing chargers weekly. Overnight is cheapest on most SMUD and PG&E time-of-use plans, and most chargers schedule it. Rebates come and go; ask us where to look.
EV charger questions
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
Typically $1,200 to $2,800, before the charger and permit. Distance from the panel and panel space set it. Prices updated October 2026.
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger?
Often not. Load management or a lower charger setting usually handles a tight panel. If an upgrade is smarter, we price both.
What size circuit does an EV charger need?
Usually 40 amps for 32 amp charging, or 60 amps for 48 amp charging, depending on your car and panel.
Should I hardwire the charger or use a 14-50 outlet?
Hardwired charges faster and spares the outlet. A NEMA 14-50 suits the portable charger many cars include. Both get a dedicated, code-protected circuit.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.