This article explores the average home EV charging station cost based on crucial factors and other important facts you need to make an informed decision.
Types of Home EV Charging Stations
There are two types of at-home EV charging available for homeowners: Level 1 EV charging and Level 2 EV charging.
While there are several differences between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers, determining which type of at-home EV charging is right for you will ultimately depend on what your charging needs and expectations are.
Regardless of budget or existing infrastructure, at-home EV charging is accessible to everyone via Level 1 EV charging, but it may not meet range needs. This slow-charging method uses a standard 120V outlet and the charging cable that generally comes included with an EV.
There is no upfront cost requirement for panel upgrades of installing a new outlet with the correct type of materials due to the low amperage required for this level of EV charging, but the charging speed of around 1 kWh has some limitations and only delivers two to five miles of range per hour of charging. Often taking over 50 hours to fully charge an EV, many EV drivers find this level of charging does not meet their daily driving needs.
A majority of EV owners are opting to upgrade their home charging by installing Level 2 EV charging instead. This approach requires a dedicated 240V circuit that delivers an output of up to 19 kWh, resulting in approximately 20 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging. Installing the station may include hardwiring the station to the panel, installing a dedicated 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet for a plug-in charging station, and potentially upgrading your old electrical panel.
The higher upfront cost is generally considered fully justified by the faster charging speed and convenience of Level 2 EV charging. However, it’s important to remember that different factors impact EV charger installation costs such as the complexity of your installation, output, indoor or outdoor installation, or advanced features like bidirectional charging or dual stations.
Assessing Your Home’s Electrical Infrastructure
EV charger load calculation is an essential step in planning your charging project. A load calculation consists of assessing the total capacity of your home’s electrical infrastructure and comparing it to expected loads and is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your EV charger installation and long-term electrical use.
In the past, electrical panels typically had a capacity of 30 or 60 amps, which meant the different circuits could draw a total of 30 or 60 amps at any given time. As electrical appliances grew in popularity, 100-amp panels became the norm.
With at-home Level 2 EV charging drawing anywhere from 16 to 80 amps, a 200-amp panel often makes the most sense. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel ensures that other circuits can still draw power when you charge your EV. It’s also a way of future-proofing your home for additional electrification projects that could increase the total load.
For more information on the cost of upgrading your electric panel, check out the following below articles:
The Cost of Updating Your Electrical Panel: What You Need to Know
How Many Amps Are Required for a Level 2 EV Charging Station?
At-Home EV Charging Station Installation Cost
Hiring a licensed electrician with electrification experience might not be the cheapest option, but investing in quality labor is crucial. The right professional will select the safest materials for the job and ensure that your electrification project is correctly permitted and follows the building and electrical codes, in addition to best practices and all safety standards.
Home EV Charging Station Equipment Costs
Purchasing a Level 2 EV charging station represents a significant portion of the total home charging project cost.
