Charging at home is the most convenient way to keep an electric vehicle topped up. Before you buy a charger, a few questions about your home’s wiring will help you choose the right one and avoid surprises on install day.
Level 1 or Level 2?
- Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet and the cable that often comes with the vehicle. It needs no installation, but it charges slowly, adding only a few miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit and charges several times faster, so most drivers can fully charge overnight. It needs a dedicated circuit installed by an electrician.
Questions an electrician will ask
- Does your panel have spare capacity? A load calculation shows whether your panel can take a new circuit, or whether it needs an upgrade first.
- Where will you park? The charger should sit close to the charging port so the cable reaches without stretching across walkways.
- Indoors or outdoors? Outdoor chargers need to be rated for outdoor use and mounted at the right height.
- Hard-wired or plug-in? Some chargers are wired in directly, others plug into a 240-volt outlet. Your electrician can tell you which suits your charger and circuit.
Permits, rebates and rates
Many cities require a permit and an inspection for a new 240-volt circuit. Some utilities and local programs offer rebates on chargers or installation, and lower electricity rates at night. Ask your utility what is available before you buy, as some rebates need approval in advance.
Whatever charger you choose, have it installed by a licensed electrician and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A charger runs at high power for hours at a time, so the circuit, breaker and connections all need to be right.