When most homeowners ask what the EV charger installation cost is, they are looking for a simple amount, but that’s where the confusion begins. We install Level 2 chargers throughout Puyallup, Tacoma, Seattle, and Western Washington, and the truth is, you will find that your price will depend on your panels, garage layout, and the distance between your electrical service and the charger. Simple installation on an existing 200A panel is a different cost than a job requiring a 200A panel upgrade first.
What Drives EV Charger Installation Cost Up or Down
Your number was determined by three things.
- Panel capacity. If you have an older 100A panel and it’s already full to capacity with all of the big appliances, such as an HVAC, a range, and others, you may need to upgrade your panel before your charger can be safely installed. This is typically the largest movement in price.
- The distance between the panel and the charger. A garage is a short conduit run directly adjacent to an electrical panel. If you have a detached garage or a charger on the opposite side of the house, you will need to run additional wire, hire more workers, and possibly trench.
- Permit and inspection requirements. We obtain the permit, arrange your inspection, and complete the process, but the cost of a permit is part of your overall expense.
Other than the cost of the charger unit itself, a simple Level 2 installation, with no panel work, costs, on average, low to mid hundreds. If you’re thinking about adding a panel upgrade, then you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars. These are typical industry ranges, not a quote. All houses will vary, and after a walk-through, we provide you with an exact number.
Level 2 EV Charger Installation: What You’re Actually Paying For
A Level 2 charger operates on a 240-volt circuit, which is the same as what is used for your range or dryer. Takes a standard EV 4-8 hours as opposed to 24 hours or more using a standard wall outlet. This is what a good install contains:
- An appropriate circuit rated for the correct amount of amperage for your charger (typically 40-60 amps)
- A breaker whose capacity is equal to the circuit load.
- Install conduit when the run is in an unfinished space or outside area (weatherproof it)
- A safe and accessible installation point that complies with clearance and access code.
- Grounding and bonding per NEC requirements
Not using all of them is the reason why you trip the fuse every time you plug something in at home, or even worse, you have a fire hazard there. This is not something a regular handyman can do. It requires a licensed electrician who pulls permits and knows the load calculations.
Choosing Who Handles Your Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
The first step in hiring is to ask these questions:
- Do they have a Washington State license and insurance?
- Do they pull permits or ask you not to bother?
- Will they do a load calculation on your existing panel before quoting a price?
- Do they provide you with a written estimate prior to work beginning?
- What brand of charger have they fitted, and would they have a preference for reliability?
If your electrician has not been able to see your panel, they are only guessing. Well, after someone sees your breaker box, counts the amount of amps you have in your circuit, and measures how far you need to run your charger, they can present a real quote.
Why Puyallup and Tacoma Homeowners Call Trident Electrical
We are licensed and insured, and we’re a woman-owned electrical company in Puyallup, having worked on over 300,000 square feet of work in over 30 cities throughout Western Washington, including Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, and Federal Way. We have a 5.0 rating on Google; we are honest and fulfill our commitments.
We do all the work for EV charger installs, from load calculation to permit filing, the install itself, and final inspection. We will let you know right away if you need an upgrade to your panel before it gets started, rather than finding out halfway through the work. All quotes are clear, and there are no hidden costs when the job begins.
There’s also a 24/7 emergency line available in case of any issues with the electrical system later on, while same-day service is available for most requests. To obtain a real number to your house, please call (253) 386-3036 or schedule an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of home electric vehicle charging?
For most installs without upgrades to the panels, the labor will be in the low to mid hundreds, with the added cost of the charger unit. Panel upgrades come with more. This will vary according to the capacity of your panels and the distance from your garage/driveway.
Is a permit required for EV charging in Washington?
Yes. Any new dedicated circuit in Washington, such as an EV charger, must be issued an electrical permit and inspected. Trident Electrical does the permit filing and the scheduling of inspections.
Will my current electrical service panel agree to accommodate a Level 2 charger?
It depends on the amount of power your panel is consuming and what else is using up power. We do a load calculation during the estimate to determine the actual requirement and not just based on panel size alone.
How much does it take to get an EV charger installed?
Upgrading the panels is typically half a day. If an upgrade to the panel is required, allow for a full day to be spent or a second visit once the upgrade is complete and inspected.
Should you get a Level 2 charger or a standard one?
Yes, for day-to-day travel. Most EVs can be charged in the evening at a Level 2 charger, but it can take more than 24 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. For people who are driving all day, the time difference is important.