A Guide to the Best Home Electric Vehicle Charger of 2025
Most electric vehicle (EV) charging is done at home. After all, it’s the most cost-effective and convenient way to charge your electric vehicle. A Level 2 (240-volt) home charging station allows you to charge your nearly depleted electric vehicle at night and wake up the next morning with a fully charged battery.
Once you experience this luxury, you’ll never look at a gas station the same way. But making this easy electric car life a reality requires some hard (and potentially very expensive) prep work. As with many home improvement projects, installing a home charging station can be fraught with unexpected costs, vague information, and unreliable contractors.
However, that doesn’t have to be the case. Learn all about charging your electric car at home in this quick guide.
how much to install electric vehicle charger at home?
Want to know “how much to install electric vehicle charger at home”? This blog provides you with a detailed answer! As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, more and more car owners are considering installing a charger at home, but are often confused about how much it will cost. A variety of factors, from the cost of the equipment to the cost of the installation project, can affect the final price. Click to read this blog to know exactly how much it will cost to install a home electric car charger, and be prepared to budget well for a convenient charging solution for your car.
How Many Amps Do I Need?
Talking about both amps and kilowatts is redundant. If you tell us you have 10 toes, we know you have two feet. Similarly, if you tell us you want to charge at 9.6 kilowatts, we know you want to charge at 40 amps.
This is simple math. To calculate power in kilowatts, you multiply amps by volts and divide by 1,000. For a single-family home in America, you’ll almost always use 240 volts in this calculation.
If you’re checking your electrician’s work, know that the circuit breaker for a charging station is always 125 percent larger than the amperage that you’ll charge at. As an example, a 9.6-kilowatt charger delivers 240 volts at 40 amps, but the unit will be wired with a 50-amp breaker in your electrical panel.
What Features Should I Look for in a Home EV Charger?
Here are some of the key features you should consider for your home electric car charger:
Long Cables (20 feet or longer)
A long cable offers you greater flexibility. In a double garage, you can typically use a single charging station to charge either vehicle. If your home charging station is located near the garage door, a long cable can also enable you to charge a vehicle parked outside. Moreover, if your next plug-in car has a charging port located in a different position from your current vehicle, a long cable can provide a safeguard for your installation.
Certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL):
Electric vehicle chargers that have been reviewed and tested by these trusted independent safety organizations, such as UL or ETL, are ensured to meet industry safety standards. Many of the cheapest home charging stations and portable charging cables skip these certifications to lower the price. Considering that a faulty charger can lead to expensive repair costs and even worse, cause a house fire, we would not take the risk of using unverified equipment.
Wi-Fi Connectivity:
We believe that for most electric vehicle drivers, a connected home charging station is unnecessary. However, there is a segment of heavy users who desire the data and control provided by so – called “smart” chargers. These devices track the energy used during each charging session and calculate the electricity cost. They also allow you to set a charging schedule. For example, you can start charging your car at 6 p.m. but delay the actual charging to 9 p.m. This is useful for anyone using a time – of – use utility plan, which offers cheaper electricity rates during off – peak hours. But note that many electric vehicles and plug – in hybrid vehicles also have these charging schedule functions built – in to their infotainment systems.
Appropriate Power:
The power output of the charging station (measured in kilowatts) determines the charging speed of the electric vehicle. However, there are several reasons why a higher power (faster charging speed) is not necessarily better. Please continue reading to find out how much power you would like your charging station to provide.
How many kilowatts do I need?
We recommend 9.6 kilowatts for most drivers. This can provide a charging speed of about 29 miles per hour for a mid – size crossover SUV like the modern Ioniq 5, or about 18 miles per hour for a Ford F – 150 Lightning. We think 11.5 kilowatts is a good power level, and 7.2 kilowatts is the minimum standard, unless you have extenuating circumstances.
Remember, when charging at home, speed (that is, power) is not the most important thing. If your car is parked for 8 to 12 hours regularly, you can always fully charge it. Most electric vehicle drivers rarely charge from empty to full. For the lifespan of the battery, it’s best to charge from 30% to 80% for daily needs, and only use the full capacity of the battery when extra range is needed for long – distance trips.
To more accurately assess your battery capacity, first calculate the maximum power your car can accept during AC charging or Level 2 charging. You may need to look for this number in the car manufacturer’s technical specification book or on forums, as many manufacturers do not include it in the owner’s manual. This figure ranges from 6.6 to 19.2 kilowatts, and currently most electric vehicles have a power limit of 11.5 kilowatts. Larger electric trucks, such as the GMC Hummer EV and Ford F – 150 Lightning, can usually charge at the highest power.
Next, work with an electrician to determine the power that your home and wallet can afford. The difference between 9.6 kilowatts and 11.5 kilowatts may not be worth the increased cost of upgrading the electrical service or installing a load management system. The higher the power, the higher the cost, as thicker and more expensive wires are needed between the distribution panel and the charging station.
If you have enough funds and extra electrical capacity to accommodate a higher – power charger, you can consider purchasing a high – power charger to prepare for the future of owning multiple electric vehicles or electric vehicles with larger battery capacities and faster charging speeds. If the charging station provides more power than your car can handle, you don’t have to worry about plugging your car into the charging station damaging it. The car will communicate with the charging station, and the amount of electricity required will never exceed what it can accept.
Should I hardwire my electric vehicle charger or install a 240-volt plug?
In the past, we have strongly advocated the installation of NEMA 14-50 plugs for home electric vehicle chargers. This allows you to take your charging station with you if you move or replace it without having to hire an electrician. You can also use the outlet for equipment that is used occasionally, such as a welder or heater.
Professionals have a different view. Qmerit, a charging station installer, recommends hardwiring all wall chargers to prevent nuisance tripping. What is nuisance tripping? Most UL- and ETL-recognized Level 2 chargers are equipped with internal ground-fault protection that shuts off power to the system in the event of a surge. Also, most local electrical codes require the use of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) when adding a 240-volt outlet for electric vehicle charging. Installing two GFCIs on the same circuit can cause the breaker to cut power unnecessarily. This can be a big hassle when you wake up and realize your car hasn’t been charged overnight.
If you do opt for a plug-in installation, Qmerit’s Price has one piece of advice worth noting: “Make sure the electrician is using a commercial-grade plug. It may cost $100 instead of $10, but it’s designed for that use.
Price explains that cheap outlets aren’t meant to be used for 8 to 12 hours of continuous use, which is common when charging electric vehicles. These cheap outlets also don’t stand up to frequent plugging and unplugging of the charger. If the electrical connections are loose, heat can build up and could even start a fire. Installing the right charging station – whether it’s hardwired or plugged into a quality outlet – can greatly reduce this risk.
How Do I Find a Good Electrician to Install My EV Charger?
To find a reliable electrician for your EV charger installation, follow these steps:
Check Credentials and Reviews
- Look for certifications from organizations like the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or manufacturer-specific training programs .
- Check online reviews and ratings to gauge customer satisfaction and reliability .
Get Recommendations
- Ask friends, family, or neighbors who have installed EV chargers for referrals .
- Consult with local EV clubs or online forums for recommendations.
Verify Liability Insurance
Ensure the electrician has liability insurance to protect against property damage or injuries during installation .
Assess Experience
Inquire about the electrician’s experience with EV charger installations and ask for references .
Get Multiple Quotes
- Contact several electricians to get quotes for the installation, including both equipment and labor costs .
- Ensure the quotes are detailed and include any necessary permits or inspections .
Check Local Rebates and Incentives
Some areas offer rebates or financial incentives for EV charger installations. Check with local utilities or government programs .
Choose a Certified Installer
Select an accredited installer with a good reputation and necessary credentials .
Consultation and Scheduling
- Have a preliminary consultation to discuss your needs and get a detailed quote .
- Schedule the installation once you agree to the terms .
Consider Professional Services
- Companies like Qmerit and GAC Services specialize in EV charger installations and can handle the entire process from scheduling to billing .
Can I Use the 240-Volt Charging Cable That Came With My EV as a Home Charger?
Yes, you can! Although these 240-volt charging cables are often marketed as “mobile” chargers, they can serve as your regular home charging solution. However, they typically provide up to 7.2 kilowatts of power, so while they won’t offer the fastest charging speed, they’ll work fine for most users. To avoid putting unnecessary strain on the outlet, it’s a good idea to mount the power electronics box on the wall if possible.
Tips for Installing Your Home EV Charger
If you’re planning to buy an EV soon, it’s a good idea to start the charger installation process before you even receive your vehicle. Typically, the installation process can take between 4 to 8 weeks, so it’s better to plan ahead. Starting early can prevent frustration and ensure you’re ready for those first weeks with your new EV.
Also, keep in mind that some automakers include a free charging station or offer a rebate toward installation with the purchase of an EV. If that’s the case, you’ll likely need to wait until the purchase is finalized before starting the installation process.
Tax Credits and Incentives for Home EV Chargers
It’s also worth checking whether your state, local government, or utility company offers any rebates, incentives, or tax credits for purchasing or installing a home charging station. In some areas, you could potentially recover the full cost of the charger and installation.
Finally, take a look at your electric utility rate plan. While adding an EV to your household will increase your electric bill, if you’re on a time-of-use plan, charging during peak hours can significantly raise your costs. Charging during off-peak hours can help save you money in the long run.
Is it Worthwhile to Invest in Solar for EV Charging?
A number of electric vehicle (EV) owners opt to utilize solar energy to power their cars. It’s important to note that solar is a considerable investment with a long payback period. Nevertheless, if you possess an EV or several EVs, it could be a viable option, particularly when you reside in a region that enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year.
For those who are keen on installing a home solar system, it’s advisable to obtain some quotes. There are various ways to purchase and lease solar setups. Some solar installations come with a battery backup feature, which enables you to store energy that can be used to charge your car during peak hours.
Additionally, there’s a substantial U.S. federal tax credit available for solar installations. And if you have your Level 2 charging solutions as well as other EV – related tasks carried out simultaneously, you might be able to apply the credit to all the components and labor costs. Should you be interested in determining whether you’re eligible for these incentives, it’s best to consult a tax professional.