Home EV Charging Installation
Charging at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to power your electric vehicle. Professional installation ensures safe, reliable charging and takes advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
Benefits of Home EV Charging
Home charging offers unmatched convenience. Charge overnight while you sleep, start each day with a full charge, avoid trips to public charging stations, benefit from lower electricity costs compared to public charging, and enjoy faster charging than standard outlets. Most EV owners do 80-90% of their charging at home.
EV Charger Types and Levels
Understanding charging levels helps you choose the right equipment for your needs.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and provides 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. While the slowest option, Level 1 requires no special installation and works for plug-in hybrids or drivers with short daily commutes. Most EV owners prefer faster Level 2 charging.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 uses 240-volt power (like an electric dryer) and provides 12-60+ miles of range per hour depending on the charger and vehicle. Level 2 is the ideal home charging solution, fully charging most EVs overnight (4-8 hours). We install Level 2 chargers with 30-amp or 40-50-amp circuits for optimal charging speed.
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
Level 3 (DC fast charging) is typically found at commercial charging stations. These high-power chargers aren’t practical for residential installation due to power requirements and cost. Level 2 provides adequate charging speed for home use.
Popular EV Charger Models
We install all major EV charger brands and models. Popular options include Tesla Wall Connector (for Tesla vehicles), ChargePoint Home Flex (universal, smart features), JuiceBox (WiFi-enabled, affordable), Grizzl-E (weather-resistant, durable), Emporia (energy monitoring), Wallbox Pulsar Plus (compact, smart), and ClipperCreek (reliable, simple operation).
Smart vs. Basic Chargers
Smart chargers offer WiFi connectivity, smartphone control, charging schedules, energy monitoring, and voice assistant integration. Basic chargers are simpler, more affordable, and extremely reliable. We help you choose based on your preferences and budget.
EV Charging Installation Process
Professional installation ensures your charger operates safely and efficiently.
Site Assessment
We visit your property to evaluate your electrical panel capacity, determine the best charger location, assess wiring route requirements, verify circuit availability, and identify any installation challenges. This assessment ensures we can complete installation properly.
Electrical Requirements
Level 2 EV chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit with 30-50 amp capacity depending on the charger model. We install a new circuit breaker in your electrical panel, run appropriate wiring (typically 6 or 8 gauge), install a NEMA outlet or hardwire the charger, and ensure proper grounding and protection. All installations meet NEC requirements and local codes.
Installation Steps
Installation typically takes 3-6 hours and includes obtaining necessary permits, installing the dedicated circuit breaker, running conduit and wiring to the charger location, mounting the charging station, connecting and testing the charger, arranging final inspection if required, and demonstrating operation.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation
EV chargers can be installed indoors (garage) or outdoors (driveway, carport).
Garage Installation
Most homeowners install chargers in their garage for weather protection, security, and convenience. Garage installations typically cost less than outdoor installations due to shorter wiring runs and simpler mounting.
Outdoor Installation
Outdoor chargers require weather-resistant (NEMA-rated) equipment and additional weather protection for connections. We install outdoor chargers on exterior walls, carport posts, or dedicated posts. Outdoor installations often require conduit for above-ground wiring protection.
Electrical Panel Capacity
EV chargers draw significant power. Your electrical panel must have adequate capacity to support charging along with your home’s other electrical loads.
Panel Assessment
We calculate your total electrical load including existing circuits, the new EV charger, and reserve capacity. If your panel lacks capacity, we may recommend load management solutions, a panel upgrade to increase capacity, or a lower-amperage charger.
Load Management Systems
Load management devices allow EV charging even with limited panel capacity. These systems automatically reduce charging current when your home’s electrical demand is high, ensuring you never overload your electrical service. Load management provides cost-effective charging without panel upgrades.
Multiple Vehicle Charging
Households with multiple electric vehicles need planning for adequate charging capacity. Solutions include installing multiple chargers with load sharing, using chargers with built-in power sharing, staggering charging times, or combining Level 1 and Level 2 charging. We design systems that accommodate multiple vehicles efficiently.
Commercial EV Charging Installation
CERG installs commercial EV charging stations for businesses, apartment complexes, and commercial properties. Commercial installations involve multiple charging stations, higher power requirements, networked smart chargers, payment processing integration, ADA-compliant placement, and parking space planning.
Workplace Charging
Offering EV charging attracts and retains employees, demonstrates environmental commitment, and provides a valuable employee benefit. We design workplace charging systems that balance capacity, cost, and user convenience.
Multi-Family Housing
Apartment and condo buildings need specialized EV charging solutions with resident access control, usage billing, multiple simultaneous users, and scalable installation. We install systems designed specifically for multi-family properties.
EV Charger Repair and Troubleshooting
When your EV charger malfunctions, we diagnose and repair the problem quickly. Common issues include no power to charger, charging interruption, error codes, slow charging, and connection problems.
Diagnostic Services
We test charger functionality, verify electrical supply, check all connections, inspect for damage, and identify the problem source. Many issues involve simple fixes, while others require component replacement.
EV Charger Replacement
Upgrading to a new charger provides enhanced features, faster charging, or compatibility with a new vehicle. We remove your old charger and install the new unit, typically reusing the existing circuit if it’s adequately sized.
Permits and Rebates
EV charger installations typically require electrical permits. We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections. Many utility companies and government agencies offer rebates for EV charger installation. We provide documentation needed for rebate applications and can help you identify available incentives.
Available Incentives
Check for federal tax credits for EV charger installation, state rebates and incentives, utility company rebates, and local government programs. Incentives can offset installation costs significantly.
Charging Cost vs. Gasoline
Home charging costs dramatically less than gasoline. At average electricity rates, charging an EV costs roughly $10-$15 to drive 300 miles, compared to $40-$60 for a gasoline vehicle. Charging during off-peak hours when rates are lowest maximizes savings. Over a vehicle’s lifetime, fuel savings alone can offset installation costs.
Future-Proofing Your Installation
We recommend installing infrastructure that accommodates future needs including higher capacity circuits than currently needed, conduit for easy wire upgrades, multiple circuits for additional chargers, and smart chargers that support future features.
Why Choose CERG for EV Charging Installation?
Our licensed electricians are experienced with EV charger installations. We install all major charger brands, provide expert guidance on equipment selection, ensure code-compliant installation, handle all permits and inspections, and offer competitive pricing with quality workmanship.
Schedule Your EV Charging Installation
Ready to charge at home? Contact CERG for a free EV charging consultation and estimate. We’ll assess your electrical system, recommend the right charger, and provide detailed pricing. Call 312-502-9394 or schedule online today.