How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Home?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to save money and cut down on pollution at the same time. An EV runs off of a battery that you can charge at home or at a commercial charging station. Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that you can plug into any standard 120-volt outlet, but many people want a faster, dedicated charging station at home. Costs vary depending on where you live, which station you purchase, and whether it is hardwired to your home or is portable. The average cost range is between $850 and $2,200, with most people paying around $1,200 for a 240-volt outlet, charger, and wall-mounted system.

Cost to Install Vehicle Charging Station

Electric Car Charging Station Costs by Type

There are technically three types of car charging stations, designated by levels. Most cars come with a Level 1 charger, while Level 3 chargers are not normally used in residential settings.

Level 1 Charging Stations

These chargers are usually included with your car. They plug directly into any 120-volt outlet, which makes them portable. They may take up to 24 hours to fully charge a battery, however, so they are generally only good for people who drive short distances or less frequently. If you need a second charger or a replacement, expect to pay up to $300.

Level 2 Charging Stations

Most EV owners invest in Level 2 stations. They charge batteries much quicker, with most reaching a full charge in just a few hours. They require a 240-volt outlet, and they can be portable or mounted and hardwired to your home. Some are specific to the type of car, while others charge any car with an adaptor. They come with features like wi-fi and other add-ons. Costs range from $300 for a basic charger to $1,200 for a charger with many features.

Level 3 Charging Stations

These are designed for commercial use, not residential charging stations. They charge batteries incredibly quickly, fully charging a battery in under an hour. These stations can charge many vehicles at the same time and are not sold for residential purposes. To install one at a business, expect to pay between $12,000 and $35,000 just for the charger and hardware.

Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost

Car charging stations are installed by electricians, who charge between $65 and $85 an hour on average. Installing the heavy-duty outlet required for the station with a new circuit costs between $120 and $200 on average. If you choose a portable unit, this is the total installation cost, but most people opt for a wall mount, which adds another $300 to $600 to the installation cost, making the installation total $420 to $800 on average. Most people pay around $600 out of the $1,200 total for the car charging station installation.

Tesla Home Charger Cost

Teslas require special chargers or an adaptor to charge their vehicles with another charging station. They come equipped with a Level 1 charger that you can use in your standard 120-volt outlet. However, if you want to use a Level 2 charger, they recommend purchasing one of their specific charging stations, costing around $500. They have similar installation prices as other chargers, with a total cost of about $1,100 installed in most homes.

Electric Car Charging at Home

Most electric car manufacturers recommend plugging in your car whenever you can to keep the battery as close to 90% full as possible, or 100% if you are planning on a long drive. For this reason, most people plug their cars in when they get home and leave them charging. Most Level 2 chargers are capable of charging a car in just a few hours.

The cost to charge your car varies depending on the price of electricity in your area and the time of day when you charge. Most electric companies have peak and off-peak hours, with peak hours costing more than off-peak hours. The average price to charge a battery from completely depleted to full is around $2.50 for most vehicles, but in areas with higher electricity costs, this could cost more.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Costs by Brand

Several brands of charging stations are available, each with pros and cons.

Are Home Charging Stations Safe?

When you purchase a quality charging system that is designed for your vehicle and have it professionally installed, then home car charging systems are completely safe. It is important to buy a system that has undergone testing. Look for the UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) mark or the ETL (Intertek) mark on the charger you purchase to ensure it went through testing and is certified for safety. Attempting a DIY install or purchasing a unit that has not been safety-tested could pose similar hazards to other electrical appliances, including the risk of an electrical fire.

Benefits of Ev Charging Stations

If you have an electric car, having a charging station at home provides freedom and opportunity. Charging when you are home allows you to save money by choosing the time of day and, therefore, the rate of electricity. Electric vehicles can save a lot of money over the cost of gas and do not require oil changes or regular maintenance, making them a more affordable long-term choice for some owners. Having a charger at your home provides greater freedom and convenience, rather than needing to find public chargers, business chargers, or pay-as-you-go charger options.

Enhancements and Improvement Costs

Pedestal Kit

Most people opt for either portable or wall-mounted chargers, but it is possible to purchase a pedestal kit for your charger, particularly when using it to charge two cars. Pedestals add anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to the total cost, depending on the brand and installation location.

Wi-fi Enabled System

Some chargers come with wi-fi and smartphone apps that allow you to monitor your car’s charging from your phone. This is beneficial because most cars are only recommended to charge up to 90% daily. Having an app allows you to make adjustments as needed more easily. These systems are available on select models only, with no extra charge for those units.

Garage Modifications

Your charger will likely be mounted on a wall, connected by a cable up to 25 feet in length. Most of the time, this can be easily done in your existing garage or driveway, but sometimes, you may need to modify your garage to make it easier to use and reach. Expect to pay around $150 a square foot for any modifications to the garage floor plan.

New Breaker Box

You may need to upgrade your circuit panel if it cannot handle the additional load of the car charger. This has a cost between $1,300 and $3,000, depending on the distance and load you need to carry.

Additional Costs and Considerations

• Adding a 240-volt outlet usually requires a permit. Speak to your town or city hall to get more information about whether you need a permit.
• If the area you are installing the outlet in does not have wiring already, your electrician will need to spread the wires to this area. This has a cost of $6 - $8 a linear foot
• You may find that there are tax credits available for purchasing and using an electric vehicle, which can offset costs.
• If your system uses too much electricity, it may overpower your home’s circuit panel, which may require an upgrade.
• Some people consider installing solar panels to charge their cars, but the cost can be so high that it may not pay for itself over the lifetime of the vehicle.