How Much Does It Cost To Install An EV Charger?

Purchasing an EV is an eco-friendly solution that helps reduce air pollution, slow down natural resource depletion, and save you cash. However, charging such a vehicle can quickly become a hassle, so many owners choose to install a charger at home. 

But if you’ve recently bought an EV or are actively considering it, it’s essential to know the basics. And we can certainly show you the ropes by exploring the topic in-depth.

Charger Basics

All EVs are powered by rechargeable batteries, each with a different capacity. Because of that, various models have their own mileage, contributing to how often you stop at charging stations.

The formula is simple if you want to calculate how long it takes to charge your battery to full capacity. You just take the net capacity, and divide it by your charger capacity. For instance, If your net capacity is 60 kilowatt-hours (kW-h) and the charger capacity is 15 kW, you’ll need 4 hours to properly charge your car.

The cheapest method to charge an EV is doing it at home. Electricity consumption is nothing major and is easily comparable to that of working electric equipment, like a heater or an AC unit. Generally, you’ll pay 30-50% less than at the designated charging stations.

Types Of Chargers

Charging stations classify into three types assigned by levels. Each level has a different set of characteristics, but the most important thing you need to know is that the higher the level, the faster you charge the battery.

Level 1 chargers are the most basic. You get them when you purchase the vehicle and plug them into standard 120 V outlets. Their capacity is around 1.9 kW, which translates to about 6 miles per hour, meaning you charge your battery to full in 32 hours. Although they’re not that fast, level 1 chargers are more convenient.

Level 2 chargers allow you to charge the automobile 5 to 7 times faster. They connect to a 240 V unit and have up to 19.2 kW capacity. You could also hardwire them to the home circuit. Such chargers don’t come with the car purchase, but you can easily find them on the market.

Level 3 stations use DC and 480-volt units and can fully charge a vehicle within 30 minutes. Those installed at home require special permits and a total upgrade of the electric circuit. The price of the parts and labor here could take up to $50 000, not including the preparation of the place.

Most Common Charging Stations And Costs

Level 2 charging stations could be universal or vehicle specific. On average, the cost starts at $500. If you already have a 240 V spot at your place, the basic installation process won’t cost you a lot – something between $200 – $500. If you need to mount the system from zero: do the wiring, and install a new service panel and 240 V outlet – add about $1000 – $1500 to your estimate, with the electrician’s work and materials like wiring and plugs included.

Federal, state, and municipal incentives convincing drivers to switch to EVs include bonuses and credits on a home charger installation, so check out what they offer before making a decision.

The price for a home charger installation could vary from $0 to $50 000, depending on where you live, what you drive, how fast you want your vehicle to be recharged, and what other changes to your place’s electric circuit require. On average, to get a reasonable price/quality ratio, be ready to spend anywhere from $1200 to $2500. 

Other Things To Consider

After you decide which charger type to have, inspect things more closely, and look into plug or connector types. For instance, Teslas require specific connectors and plugs, so it’s best to ensure you get the right thing. 

Then you need to consider if the charger should be hardwired or plugged in. If the unit is more than 40 amps, you should hardwire it. Other than that, mind the cable length and choose the right place to mount the charger, especially if you’re dealing with two cars at once. 

Summary

When you get an EV, it’s best to carefully consider your recharging options. Depending on the level and type of charging station you choose, you could spend anywhere from $500 to $2500. Still, the final price also depends on particulars, like additional electric system upgrades. Choose whichever option makes more sense to you and doesn’t impact your wallet much.