In today’s world, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a distant vision of the future; they’re becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. With the transition to cleaner energy sources and our desire for increased environmental consciousness, many of us are contemplating making the switch to an electric vehicle. However, one essential consideration is often overlooked: how much it costs to install an EV charger at home. 

Home EV chargers — What’s the difference?

Generally, most EV chargers will be compatible with most models of EVs built today. Teslas, however, will require an adapter for connection. Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which is most commonly used for home charging, is conveniently available using the same standard plug for all EV cars. DC chargers aren’t as common, but you’ll find them in most major cities.

The three charging levels each come with their own speed.

Level 1 chargers are the slowest option and are mainly used as a backup or for occasional charging. They are typically included with electric vehicles and plug into a standard household outlet.

Level 2 chargers provide faster charging than Level 1 and are suitable for daily use. They require a dedicated circuit and are commonly installed at homes and workplaces. Connected or smart Level 2 chargers offer the convenience of remote control and monitoring through smartphone apps. They can help you manage charging times and optimize energy usage.

Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are the fastest option and are typically found at public charging stations. They can charge an EV to 80% or more in as little as 20-30 minutes. These require specialized infrastructure and cannot be installed in single-family homes.¹

What determines the cost of installing an EV charger at home?

While there is a lot of talk about EV charging stations out on the road, many articles fail to discuss the ease of charging at home. This has significant benefits, including the ability to charge when you’re otherwise parked, and the costs are substantially cheaper.  Charging at home is like plugging your phone in to charge overnight - with a Level 2 charger, your car will have a full ‘tank’ every morning, no matter how much you drive every day.  On average, 80% of all EV charging is done at home because of this convenience.

Installing an EV charger at home involves several variables influencing the overall cost. Let’s break them down:

Charger type

The type of charger you choose significantly impacts the installation cost. Portable Level 1 or low power plug-in Level 2 chargers are generally included with the car, but they are slower and less convenient for regular home charging. Hard wired Level 2 chargers, which are the preferred choice for most homeowners, offer faster charging speeds but come at a higher installation cost due to their electrical requirements.

Electrical capacity

Is your home’s power panel up for the role? If your panel can handle the additional load required for an EV charger, the installation cost will be lower. However, if an upgrade is necessary, this can increase the overall cost. This might also be the time to install full home solar with battery backup  that can provide reliable clean energy and greater control over your electrical usage.

Distance and location

The farther the charger is from the panel, the more materials and labor will be needed, driving up the cost. Additionally, outdoor installations may require additional equipment and wiring, increasing expenses.

Permits and regulations

Local building codes and permits can also affect the installation cost. These requirements vary by location, so it’s essential to research and factor them into your budget.

Electrician fees

Hiring a certified electrician is a non-negotiable expense. Their expertise ensures that the installation is safe and complies with all regulations. Electrician fees will depend on your location and the complexity of the job.

How can I reduce my EV charging station installation cost?

This is where planning can significantly impact how much you’ll pay. With so many factors contributing to the cost of installing an EV charger, you can minimize these expenses in several ways:

Choose the right location

Select a location for your EV charger that minimizes the distance between the charger and your electrical panel. You should also have easy access to the charging station to ensure it’s easy and convenient to plug in and availability for any future maintenance or repairs. This reduces the need for excessive wiring and trenching, ultimately saving you money on materials and labor costs, and helps avoid additional expenses related to complex installations.

Utilize existing infrastructure

Consult with a professional electrician to assess whether your current electrical panel can handle the additional load of the EV charger without requiring costly upgrades. Utilizing the existing electrical capacity can significantly cut down installation expenses. If your electrical panel requires an upgrade, it may make sense to choose a lower power EV charger or to ask your electrician if setting the maximum charging power to a lower value is an option.

Conduct thorough research by comparing prices and services from different installation providers. Request quotes from multiple electricians and installation companies to ensure you are receiving a competitive rate. Don't hesitate to ask about the breakdown of costs and any potential cost-saving measures.

While cost is a significant factor, also consider the quality and reliability of the installation service. A well-executed installation may save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and maintenance.

Look for incentives

Investigate regional and local programs that offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits for EV charger installations. These incentives can substantially offset your upfront costs and make the installation more affordable.

Reach out to experts in the field to stay informed about the latest incentives and technologies. Research local programs to take advantage of potential cost savings. And don’t forget to talk with the experts to learn more about the latest technology — like our first-of-its-kind energy system for the F-150^®️Lightning^™️. It’s a home integration system that enables your Ford truck to help power your home.

How much to install a Level 2 charger?

If you’ve talked to other EV owners, your conversations may center around charging. Charging can be an issue, especially if you’re traveling to areas where public stations are hard to find. It can quickly grow tiresome if you find all the chargers already in use.

By Installing an EV charger at home, most drivers can eliminate any need to use public charging, outside of long road trips.

The exact cost to install a home charger can vary widely depending on your specific circumstances, but can start around $1,749 including hardware, 20 feet of conduit and installation  Prices typically include materials, labor, permits, and the charger unit itself.

Most Level 2 chargers will be compatible with all models of EVs built today. Teslas will require an adapter for connection. Add in a Sunrun solar system with Tesla’s smart home battery system, and you’ll have renewable energy and backup power for when you need it.

Many things influence the cost of installing an EV charger at home. But if you’re moving forward with EV technology, congratulations for contributing to clean energy and embracing an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Who doesn’t like a win/win?

Other charging options

Once you start looking at EV chargers, you might notice that major brands and types seem to be similar. Yet the differences can matter to your lifestyle.

Plug-in or hardwired

A plug-in charger can be a good option if there's already a 240V (e.g. dryer type) outlet near the desired charging location, like in a garage. Otherwise, hard wiring your charger is the option you’ll have to use which will support higher power needs and quicker charging speeds.

Networked

Want more from your charging station? How about a smart solution that allows you to monitor, program, or manage charging remotely via an app? Smart charging will give you the ability to ensure you’re charging during low price times (on time of use rates), and could also give you the opportunity to participate in “smart charging” programs that pay you to stop charging for short periods of time when the grid is stressed. 

Rating

The term ‘Level 2 charger’ actually encompasses a wide range of charging power levels, ranging from 3.8 kW to 19.2 kW, adding about 10 to 75 miles of driving per charging hour across this range.  The choice of power level mainly depends on the available capacity of your electrical panel and how quickly you would like to be able to charge. 

Turn to Sunrun for complete home energy

Discover Sunrun's innovative home EV charger, a convenient solution that allows you to charge your electric vehicle quickly and affordably from the comfort of your own home. When you choose to go solar with Sunrun, you'll also benefit from our hassle-free installation services, making upgrading your home's energy ecosystem easier than ever.

Turning to Sunrun for your complete home energy needs goes beyond simply acquiring solar panels; it represents your commitment to a more sustainable future. With Sunrun, you’re provided energy independence, cost savings and energy stability by enabling you to power your vehicles at home with abundant and affordable energy from the sun. We understand that the journey to solar power can seem daunting, but with Sunrun, you won't have to navigate it alone. Our team of Solar Advisors is here to provide tailored consultations, simplifying the complexities of transitioning to solar energy.

Say goodbye to soaring energy costs and embrace a secure, sustainable, and dependable energy future with Sunrun. Your journey toward a brighter tomorrow begins right here with us. Whether charging your electric vehicle at home or creating a power source to handle your entire household’s needs, Sunrun’s solar solutions ensure you have access to reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective energy precisely when you need it most.

Sources:

1. https://energy5.com/level-3-electric-vehicle-charging-stations