EV Charger Install Guide

So, you’ve joined the electric revolution, or at least you’re thinking about it.

Whether you’re already zipping around town in your new Tesla or just fantasizing about waving goodbye to gas stations forever, one thing is certain: you’re going to need a place to charge up.

Welcome to the wild and wonderfully wired world of EV charging at home. Buckle up (get it?), and let’s get into the nuts, bolts, and kilowatts of it all.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream, we are often asked: How much does it cost to install a Level 2 EV charger at home?

While exact pricing varies pretty drastically, this guide explains everything you need to know to help you understand the process, evaluate your options, and avoid expensive and costly mistakes.

1. What’s the Difference Between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV Chargers?

Level 1 EV Charger

• Uses a standard 120V household outlet.
• Adds real world range of around 1 mile of range per hour.
• Slow and very detrimental to the GFCI/circuit they’re often plugged into.

Level 2 EV Charger

• Requires a dedicated 240V circuit (much like an electric dryer or oven).
• Adds 10–40+ miles of range per hour in most cases.
• Ideal for daily charging needs at home.

Level 3 EV Charger (DC Fast Charging)

• Typically used commercially; not normally suitable for home use.
• Provides rapid charging, in some cases, 60–80% in 20–40 minutes.
• Requires special infrastructure and high-voltage lines.

2. Why Install a 240V Level 2 Charger at Home?

Let’s face it public EV charging stations are great, if you enjoy sitting in parking lots watching your battery crawl toward 80% while contemplating life’s big questions. For the rest of us, having a home EV charger is a total game-changer.

In our extensive experience, vehicles pulling 100% of a circuit’s capacity through a single GFCI-protected 120V outlet is a surefire way to cause premature failure, and potentially catastrophic damage.

Burned receptacles, melted wiring, or even house fires are risks when chargers are improperly used on standard outlets. Installing a dedicated 240V Level 2 charger not only protects your property but delivers safe, efficient charging.

3. What Factors Affect the Cost of Installing a Level 2 EV Charger?

There are many factors that can affect the cost of installing EV chargers. Below is a list of the main factors.

• Load Calculation: The most critical step. A licensed residential electrician must perform a proper load calculation to determine system capacity. This is required by nearly all jurisdictions in the Front Range and Colorado Springs when submitting for a permit and is based on NEC Article 220.
• Main Panel Ampacity: Whether your main panel can handle the new load or needs upgrading or modification significantly affects cost.
• Electrical Panel Manufacturer: Different brands require different breakers or adapters, and prices vary widely.
• Wiring Distance & Complexity: Long wire runs, conduit requirements, or routing through finished walls can increase labor and materials.
• Load Shedding Equipment: In some cases, we may recommend load-shedding equipment when the panel is near capacity but a full service upgrade is cost-prohibitive or not feasible. These systems monitor your panel’s load in real time and temporarily disable EV charging if you’re nearing the maximum allowable amperage. Not every jurisdiction allows it, and not all electrical services are capable of incorporating the equipment, but when permitted, it’s a great tool for safe installs without upsizing your entire service.

Warning be wary of contractors giving quotes over the phone without inspecting the job. There’s no accurate way to estimate labor and materials without an on-site assessment. The potential for “unplanned” changes to your work are much higher.

4. Should You Hire a Licensed Electrician to Install a Level 2 Charger?

You should always hire a licensed electrician, yes. Here’s why:

• Safety Risk: Working in a live panel is dangerous and should only be done by a professional.
• Code Compliance: NEC Article 625 governs EV charger installations and must be followed closely.
• Permitting: Licensed electricians handle the permit process, which can be time-consuming and technical.
• Insurance Coverage: Our company carries workers’ compensation insurance, which is critical if someone is injured while working on your property—and your home is protected in case anything goes wrong.

If you need a licensed electrician in the Denver metro area, call The Electricians today.

5. Is a Permit Required to Install a Level 2 Charger?

Yes. A permit is always required for the installation of EV chargers. Without it, you risk:

• Failed insurance claims
• Home inspection issues when selling your home
• Fines or required removal by your Jurisdiction

6. Where Are Level 2 Chargers Typically Installed?

Level 2 EV chargers can be installed in many different places. Below is a list of popular places EV chargers are installed.

• Homes: Garages and carports are the most common locations.
• Apartments/Commercial Buildings: Underground garages, adjacent parking, or commercial lots.

The brands we install at The Electricians are Tesla, ChargePoint, Siemens, Span, Emporia, and more.

7. How Long Does EV Installation Take?

EV installations can take 2-4 hours or for more complex jobs they can take 1-3 days. It all depends on your home and your needs.

• Straightforward Installs: As little as 2–4 hours on site and up to a day for more difficult or intricate installs.
• Full Process: Includes estimating, take-off for materials, material sourcing, load calculations, permitting, inspections, and any necessary code research.
• Complex Jobs: May take 1–3 days, especially if panel upgrades or long conduit runs are involved.

8. DO EV Chargers Increase Home Value?

Yes, installing a Level 2 charger can improve your home’s resale value and future-proof your property for the growing EV market. Newer building codes already require homes to be “EV-ready,” and buyers are increasingly looking for houses with existing charging infrastructure.

• Modern Building Codes: As of 2023, building codes require new builds to be EV charger-ready. The 2023 IECC and local energy codes require EV-ready infrastructure in garages or parking areas.
• Market Appeal: Real Estate agents seek homes with EV chargers for their specific buyers.

9. Are There Tax Credits or Incentives for Installing EV Chargers?

Yes. Installing a home EV charger doesn’t just benefit the planet, it could also benefit your wallet.

As of 2025, eligible homeowners may qualify for:

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to 30% of installation costs, capped at $1,000 for residential installs. IRS EVSE Credit.
• State & Utility Rebates (Colorado): Xcel Energy and other utilities may offer rebates up to $1,300. Local clean energy programs often support EVSE installations.

We can assist customers in identifying and applying for these rebates.

10. How Do I Get Started?

Simple, call us!

We handle everything from start to finish:

• In-home assessment
• Load calculation and code compliance
• Permit submission
• Equipment recommendation and installation
• Final inspection and documentation

Let our team of licensed, insured electricians make your transition to EV ownership smooth, safe, and maybe even a little fun.