The average cost to install an electric vehicle charging station is $966, though it can cost as little as $300 or as much as $2,500. What you’ll pay in total depends on the charger type and additional features.
Installing an EV charger at home costs $966 on average, with the typical price range falling between $551 and $1,385. The cost varies primarily by the type of EV charger, your location, and what features the charger comes with. If you’re considering taking the EV plunge, here’s what you need to know about installing an electric car charging station so you can have a maximum range with a minimal wait.
Many prospective EV owners don’t always know that there are two different methods to charge most EVs at home: Level 1 charging and Level 2 charging. Each requires a different voltage level.
Level 1 charging stations cost $300 to $600, while Level 2 charging stations start at $300 and can easily exceed $1,000, depending on additional features like more amps or touchscreen displays. With the labor cost to install the charger factored in, your total cost will be $700 to over $2,000.
While Level 1 chargers are much more affordable, they’re also significantly slower—it can take almost four days to fully charge your electric vehicle.
| Charging Station Type | Voltage Requirements | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 110V–120V | $300–$600 |
| Level 2 | 220V–240V | $700–$2,000 |
Fortunately, every electric car comes standard with a 120-volt charging option, which means you can charge from a regular household outlet. Unfortunately, using a standard household outlet through what’s known as Level 1 charging takes approximately four to five hours per driving hour charged.
That means that if you Level-1 charge for eight hours, you might only store about 35 to 40 hours of driving range. That’s where Level 2 charging comes in.
Level 2 charging uses a special 240-volt outlet, similar to major home appliances like ovens, clothes dryers, water heaters, and central air conditioners. The advantage of Level 2 charging is that you can charge in less than half the time as Level 1 and can easily gain a whopping 180 miles of driving range from the same eight-hour charging cycle.
Needless to say, installing a Level 2 electric charging station outside your home or inside your garage is an ideal way to optimize your time and investment in your EV.
It’s best to hire an EV charging expert near you to install an EV charger. You’ll pay between $400 and $1,200 for professional EV charger installation. Electrical work must adhere to local building codes and regulations, and professional electricians have the experience and tools necessary to perform a high-quality installation.
After finding a good location for the charger and obtaining the necessary permits, the electrician will:
Securely mount the charger to the wall
Run wiring from the electrical panel to the charger
Ensure the charger is correctly grounded to prevent electrical hazards.
Once everything is set up, the electrician can show you how to use the charger and answer questions.
Depending on your vehicle and your home setup, you may need additional features and upgrades that can affect the total cost of your home EV charger. You’ll also want to account for permits. Make sure you discuss the features and options you’re most interested in with your electrician and what will work best in your installation location.
Many modern EV chargers come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your charging sessions through a smartphone app. These features allow you to start or stop charging remotely, schedule charging times, and track energy usage. Chargers with these capabilities cost $200 to $600 more than basic models without smart features.
A good Level 2 charger will feature lightning protection, overheat protection, overvoltage protection, leakage protection, and a waterproof rating of at least IP67. IP67 provides 100% protection against solid objects like dust and sand and will work for at least 30 minutes while under up to 1 meter of water.
Chargers with these built-in safety protections can cost $100 to $500 more than basic models.
Some states require a permit to install an EV charging station, which typically costs $100 to $200. For example, California requires an electrical permit for a new 120-volt outlet, but Level 1 EV charging stations that are 110 volts don’t require a permit. Meanwhile, some cities in Texas, like Austin and Houston, require a permit while others, like Dallas, don’t.
Permit requirements may vary by state and city. Check with your local building authority to ensure you don’t need a permit before installing to avoid any fees. Alternatively, check with the U.S. Department of Energy for state laws, codes, regulations, and incentives pertaining to EV charging station installations.
If your current electrical panel can’t handle the additional load of an EV charger, you might need to upgrade it. This can involve adding a new circuit or replacing the panel entirely. Upgrading your electrical panel can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000.
Additionally, older homes may need new wiring to support the charger. Running new wires through walls or from the basement to the garage can add $500 to $1,500 to the project’s total price.
The closer the installation point is to your main electrical panel, the less it will cost. If your garage or driveway is far from the panel, you may need to add wiring.
The cost also varies depending on whether the charger is indoor or outdoor. Installing an EV charger inside a garage is typically simpler and cheaper than an outdoor setup. Outdoor installation may require weatherproofing and more extensive wiring.
Some municipalities require a Level 2 charging station to be hardwired rather than plugged into an outlet. If you choose an installation location outside your home, the charger is open to elements, so a hardwired installation is a safety requirement.
While you would obviously never charge your EV during a rainstorm or flood conditions, it’s important that your charger can hold up to the elements. A simple cover might cost around $50, while a heavy-duty, lockable enclosure can cost around $200.
Depending on your setup, you might need special mounting hardware to attach the charger to a wall or stand. Wall mounts usually cost between $50 and $150, while free-standing pedestals cost at least $300.
Public charging stations are more expensive, take a long time to charge, and could be offline or occupied. This makes for a major inconvenience if you depend on your EV to take you to work. You’ll spend around $2.50 to $14 to fully charge a standard-sized EV at home. Compare that to public charging stations, which cost anywhere from $12 to $24 to charge an EV.
Even with all of these considerations, an at-home charging station might not be a good fit for your home. Below are the pros and cons of a home charging station to help you decide if it’s right for you.
| Pros of an EV Charging Station | Cons of an EV Charging Station |
|---|---|
| Charge your EV whenever you want | Most chargers can only reach up to 25 feet away and may not reach detached garages or street parking |
| Faster charging with Level 2 chargers compared to standard outlets | Older homes may require electrical system upgrades |
| More affordable to charge a standard-sized EV at home | Higher initial installation costs |
As with any complex electrical installation, installing a Level 2 charging station is best left to the pros. At 240 volts—twice the voltage of a standard household outlet—the risks of a fatal electric shock can’t be overstated.
Fortunately, with the popularity of electric vehicles, a licensed electrician near you can safely install a Level 2 electric charging station.
Of course, the rates for a licensed electrician, which start around $400 and can go as high as $1,200 or more, need to be factored into the overall cost of the charging station.
Some chargers qualify for the 30% Federal tax credit of up to $1,000 for equipment and installation to help offset some of the costs, which the IRS provides a form for.
If you haven’t already purchased an EV and are planning ahead by looking at charging stations, there’s good news regarding your potential purchase. The IRA also offers up to $7,500 in tax credits through December 2032 for EVs, while used EVs over two years of age are eligible for a separate tax credit of $4,000 or 30% off, depending on which value is less. This can help you save for your charging station.
Keep in mind there are many requirements, which greatly restrict who can qualify for the IRA tax credit, so keep the following in mind:
The battery components of your EV must be manufactured in North America.
Critical minerals used in your EV must derive from the U.S., countries in compliance with the free trade agreement, or recycled materials.
The assembly of the EV must occur in North America.
EV cars must cost less than $55,000.
SUVs, pickup trucks, and larger vehicles must cost less than $80,000.
Heads of household become ineligible for the tax credit if their gross income is greater than $225,000 ($150,000 for all other taxpayers).
Joint married couples become ineligible if their gross income is greater than $300,000.
You can also search on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center website to see if there are any rebates or tax credits for installing an electric charging station in your state.
While California has the largest range of rebates, discounts, and credits for EV buyers, many other states also have generous programs and incentives at the local city and utility company levels. It’s all well worth investigating to see even greater returns on your EV investments.
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Having a Level 2 charger can increase your home value, especially as electric vehicles become more popular. Homebuyers who have EVs or are interested in getting one will appreciate the convenience of a ready-to-use charging station. The added value can vary based on location and buyer preferences.
Charging your EV every night isn’t always necessary. Most EVs have sufficient range to cover daily commutes without needing a nightly charge, particularly if you have a Level 2 charger. Charging once every few days or as needed can prolong the battery’s lifespan.
You can plug your electric car into a regular 120-volt household outlet only if you’re using a Level 1 charger. This method is slower and may take several days to fully charge your EV. For faster charging, you’ll need a Level 2 charger, which requires a 220- or 240-volt outlet.
