How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
$750 – $2,000 average cost (labor only)
$1,200 – $3,000 average cost (charger + installation)
Average cost to install an EV charger at home
EV charger installation costs $1,200 to $3,000 on average for a complete Level 2 installation in a typical single-family home. The total cost of an electric car charging station depends on the charger type, model, site conditions, and whether the home needs any electrical repairs or upgrades.
| Cost category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Materials | $450 – $1,000 |
| Labor | $750 – $2,000 |
| Total installed | $1,200 – $3,000 |
*For a Level 2 charging station
What is EV charging?
EV charging is the process of transferring electricity from a power source into an electric vehicle's battery. You plug a charging cable into the EV, and the onboard systems manage the flow and conversion of power. Drivers can charge their car at home, work, or public stations.
What is a level 2 EV charger?
A Level 2 EV charger uses a 240-volt power supply to charge vehicles faster than Level 1. It is common at homes and public stations and can add 15 to 35 miles of driving range per hour. Level 2 units often need a dedicated circuit similar to electric clothes dryers.
EV charger installation cost by level
Electric car charger installation costs vary significantly by charger level. Level 1 units plug into existing outlets with little or no installation cost, while Level 3 chargers require major upgrades and are uncommon in residences.
| Charger level | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | $0 – $900 |
| Level 2 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Level 3 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Level 1
Level 1 charger plugs often ship free with the electric vehicle and use a standard 120-volt outlet. These chargers provide slow overnight charging for daily commutes.
If there is no accessible outlet, installing a new outlet costs $150 to $350.
Installing a dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 and is sometimes necessary due to the increased energy demand.
Level 2
A Level 2 charging station costs $1,200 to $3,000 total on average. Most homeowners opt for Level 2 units for convenient overnight charging. The price cited covers all materials and labor for a typical installation. If the project requires lengthy wiring runs or panel upgrades, plan for the higher end of the range or above.
Level 3
A Level 3 station costs $20,000 to $50,000. Level 3 DC-fast chargers deliver a full charge in under an hour but require industrial-grade power, extensive upgrades, and special permits. Installation costs place this option far outside the average homeowner's budget.
If your garage or shed doesn't already have electricity, running electricity to it costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $1,200 to $7,100 including the interior wiring.
EV charging stations cost factors
Several variables affect the EV charging station cost:
Electrical upgrades: Upgrading the service panel or wiring adds substantial cost. The cost to replace an electrical panel is $1,800 to $2,500 for a 200-amp panel. If the existing panel doesn't have the capacity to handle a new 240-volt circuit, it needs upgrading.
Installation location: Outdoor installations need weatherproofing and often require extra labor. Longer wire runs between the panel and charger add labor and material cost.
Permits and inspections: Cities may require permits and inspections, increasing the final bill. A permit to install an EV station costs $50 to $200, depending on local regulations. An electrical inspection costs $100 to $200 on average.
Accessories and features: Smart features, cable organizers, longer cables, or special outlets can increase material costs.
Regional labor rates: Local electrician rates and permit fees can vary by region. Most electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour for their services.
Electricity costs
The average electric bill costs $115 to $160 per month. However, charging an electrical vehicle regularly can increase costs by $55 to $70 per month, depending on your local energy rates, how often you need to charge, and how far you drive each day.
Having a charging station in the comfort of your own home is not only convenient, but the electricity itself often costs less than using a public charging station. Public stations use Level 3 DC charging, so they charge faster but often cost more.
Depending on your energy plan, you may be able to save by charging during off-peak hours.
Tesla home charger installation cost
Some EV chargers, especially universal or smart chargers, cost more than basic models. For example, a Tesla electric car charger installation costs $420 to $650 for the unit, with installation adding $1,000 to $2,500 for a total installed cost of about $1,400 to $3,200.
All new Tesla cars come with a Level 1 Mobile Connector. Tesla Wall Connectors cost more, but they have Wi-Fi technology, charge up to 20 times faster than a standard outlet, and are compatible with multiple models.
Charging station tax credit
Electric vehicle charging stations qualify for a federal tax credit covering up to 30% of purchase and installation costs, up to $1,000 for residential sites in qualified low-income or non-urban areas. Additional state, local, and utility incentives may be available:
Rebates: Many utility companies offer rebates up to 50% for purchase and installation of Level 2 home charging stations. They often prefer Wi-Fi enabled models since utilities can use data for better energy distribution.
Discounted registration & title: Certain states provide EV buyers with reduced sales tax, title, and registration fees.
Carpool lane access: States may grant EV owners access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Discounted parking: Cities and local businesses sometimes provide free or discounted parking for EVs.
The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a searchable incentive database to help owners locate available rebates, tax credits, and utility programs by area.
EV charging station FAQs
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Electric car charging times depend on the charger level and battery size. The table below shows the average time for a full charge:
| Charger type | Average charge time |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V) | 8 – 48 hours |
| Level 2 (240V) | 4 – 10 hours |
| Level 3 (DC) | 20 – 60 minutes |
Can you charge an electric car at home?
Yes, most electric car owners charge at home using Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. Level 2 provides much faster charging and is the preferred choice for households with frequent or long-distance driving needs. Home charging offers convenience and often costs less than public charging.
How far can an electric car go on one charge?
Most modern electric cars travel 180 to 330 miles on a single full charge, depending on battery size, driving habits, and weather conditions. High-end models can exceed 350 miles per charge, while smaller or older EVs may be limited to around 100 to 150 miles.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Yes, in most areas, you need a permit to install a Level 2 home EV charger. A licensed electrician can handle the permitting process and ensure installation meets local codes. Some municipalities also require inspections, especially if your electrical panel needs upgrades.
Getting estimates from EV charger installers
Compare rates from EV charging station installers near you before committing. These simple tips help secure a fair, accurate quote:
Request quotes from at least three licensed electricians or EV charger installers.
Compare rates and reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, and permit fees.
Confirm the estimate includes site prep and any potential panel upgrades.
Check for available rebates or utility incentives; some installers will handle the rebate paperwork for you.
Questions to ask installers
Get clarity from any prospective installer by asking thorough, relevant questions to ensure a safe installation that meets your needs and budget:
What type and brand of EV charger do you recommend for my vehicle and usage?
Will my electrical panel support the charger, or do I need an upgrade?
How far will the charger be from the panel? Will extra wiring increase the price?
Can you itemize labor, materials, permit, and inspection costs?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
What permits and inspections are needed for my city or county?
How long will the installation take from start to finish?
Do you offer a workmanship warranty on the installation?
Can I see installation photos or customer referrals?
Will you handle any necessary rebate and incentive paperwork for me?
Are there additional costs if unforeseen issues arise (conduits, grounding, trenching)?
How should I maintain or troubleshoot the charger once installed?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.