How Much to Install an Electric Car Charger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Costs at a Glance

Average total cost: $1,200
Typical price range: $850-$2,200
EV charging station cost: $200-$800
Labor cost per hour: $40-$120

In many places in the U.S., you might be able to get away with charging your electric vehicle exclusively at public charging stations. Other areas have yet to build up electric vehicle infrastructure. Whatever the case, installing a charging station in your home can do a lot to reduce your range anxiety — that is, the fear you'll get stranded far from a charging station when your electric vehicle runs out of charge.

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Worried the price to install an electric charging station will give you sticker shock? Here's a breakdown of what it'll cost.

Cost to Install a Charging Station

When it comes to charging an electric vehicle, a standard wall outlet just won't do. Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that allows you to plug into standard 120-volt outlets, but these can take up to 12 hours to fully charge your vehicle.

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The cost to install a new electric vehicle charger depends on several factors. One of the most common EV charging stations is a wall-mounted system with a Level 2, 240-volt outlet. Installed, these systems cost between $850 and $2,200, or $1,200 on average.

Itemized Installation Costs

Expect to pay $200 to $800 for the EV charging station itself. There will be additional costs for labor and materials. These include:

Materials

For an average, 240-volt system, new circuits cost $10 to $40. Conduits, which protect electrical wiring, cost $120 to $200. New outlets cost between $1 and $5 each.

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Labor

Labor is usually charged per hour. The hourly rate should be included in your electrician's quote, as should the expected time to complete the project. Most electricians charge between $40 and $120 per hour, depending on their level of expertise and experience. An electrician who specializes in installing electric car charging stations may offer a flat rate.

Other Factors

An initial walk-through with your electrician should give you a good idea of the end price. As with any electrical service, the average cost increases when additional work is required, like:

Adding a dedicated circuit to the electrical panel: $148 to $200
Replacing an old electrical panel: $2,500
Wiring from the charging station to the electrical panel: $7.79 per linear foot

Types of Charging Stations

Price also varies based on the type of system you install. Here are some of the most common ones:

EV Juice box charger installed at home

Level 1 or Level 2?

A Level 1 charging station works through a 120-volt alternating current plug — the standard household outlet. Though they require a dedicated circuit, Level 1 EV chargers don't require professional installation. They're also portable. They work with a standard three-prong household plug, with one end plugging into the vehicle and the other plugging into the connector. Level 1 charging stations will take 8 to 12 hours to completely charge a depleted battery, so you'll have to leave your vehicle plugged in overnight.

Level 2 charging stations use 240 volts with an AC plug, the same as electric dryers or ovens. These stations require professional installation and a dedicated 40-amp circuit. Compatible with all electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, they utilize the same port to which Level 1 chargers connect. Level 2 chargers take 4 to 6 hours to fully charge a vehicle's battery. These chargers are also more expensive.

Hardwired or Plug-In?

A hardwired EV charger comes with a flexible conduit that allows you to easily install it into a junction box. They work both indoors and outdoors. Hardwired chargers are also more permanent. Though you can move them, you'll need a professional electrician to do so.

Plug-in EV chargers use a high-quality, 240-volt plug without a conduit. Though all are 240 volts, these come with a wide variety of plugs. Many homes already have 240-volt receptacles, in which case there is no additional cost to install.

Cost by Amperage

Amperage is the measure of the flow of electricity. The higher the flow, the higher the amperage. The cost to install an EV charging station depends on your vehicle's capabilities and your home's wiring. Most electric vehicles can charge at up to 32 amps. A 32-amp EV charger adds about 25 miles to the vehicle's range per hour of charging.

The National Electrical Code requires that a home's electrical circuit is rated for 25% greater amperage than the charger. To install a 32-amp charger, for example, the amperage of your home's electrical circuit would need to be 40 amps. A smaller, 16-amp charger would require an electrical circuit rated for 20 amps and would give your vehicle 12 miles of range per hour of charging.

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EV Charger Maintenance

Regularly inspecting your EV charging station will help you identify potential issues early and keep problems from becoming severe. Include these tasks in your routine preventive maintenance:

Check that the connections and controls operate correctly.
Inspect surrounding areas to ensure safety and optimal charging conditions.
Visually inspect to ensure components are clean and functioning properly.

A Wi-Fi-enabled charging station allows you to monitor its functions while it's in use. This will let you know when the station isn't working at its full potential and will help diagnose issues as they arise.

Additional Costs

On top of the installation costs, you may have to shell out a little bit extra to ensure your charger works optimally. Depending on your situation, these are some added costs you may need to consider:

Garage Alterations

EV chargers are generally mounted on walls and connected via cabling up to 25 feet long. Installers can usually do this in an existing garage or driveway, though sometimes it's necessary to modify your garage to make it easier to access. Modifying your garage costs $150 per square foot on average.

close-up of an electrical service panel showing a 50amp circuit breaker labeled car charger

New Electrical Circuit Panel

If your current circuit board is unable to handle the additional load of an EV charger, you may need to install a new one. The price will vary depending on distance and load it needs to carry, but expect to pay between $1,300 and $3,000.

Pedestal Kit

While most people opt for wall-mounted or portable chargers, it's possible to purchase pedestal kits, which are particularly useful when charging two vehicles. These cost $500 to $2,000.

Wi-Fi Capabilities

Some chargers allow you to monitor charging from a smartphone via mobile apps. These are only available in select models but are especially useful as many manufacturers recommend only charging batteries up to 90% capacity. There's no additional cost associated with Wi-Fi capabilities, though a charger with Wi-Fi capabilities may cost you more than one without.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

The average price per kilowatt-hour in the United States is 12 cents. Charging your electric vehicle increases electricity usage by about 3,500 kW per year. On average, this will cost you $420 over the course of a year, or $1.15 per day.

By pairing an EV charger with a rooftop solar panel, you can reduce both your overall energy consumption and the costs associated. Solar installers may offer package deals that include a charging station for an electric car.

Can I Charge a Tesla at Home?

With the mobile connector, Tesla vehicles can plug directly into standard 110- or 120-volt electrical outlets. However, Tesla recommends owners use this only as a backup charging option. The EV manufacturer recommends owners install wall connectors as described above for efficient home charging and faster charging speeds. Tesla's own brand of wall connector sells for $500.

Since we're all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you the peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.