EV charger installation

Level 1 versus Level 2

Level 1 charging uses an ordinary 120-volt outlet and the cord that came with the car. It is slow but fine for short commutes. Level 2 uses a dedicated 240-volt circuit, like a dryer, and charges several times faster. Most owners who drive daily end up wanting Level 2.

If you are not sure which you need, think about how many miles you drive on a typical day and how long the car sits at home overnight.

What decides the price

The biggest factor is how far the charger sits from the panel and whether the panel has room. A short run in an attached garage next to the panel is the simple case. A detached garage, a driveway post or a long run across a finished basement costs more. If the panel is full or the service is small, the electrician may suggest load management or a panel upgrade.

• Distance from the panel to the charger
• Hardwired unit or plug-in outlet
• Wall mount or pedestal
• Panel capacity and any upgrade
• Permit and inspection

Steep driveways and older garages

Many homes around Croton have garages tucked under the house or set down a steep drive, and some older garages have very little wiring. A charger can still go in, but the route for the cable and the location of the charger take some thought. Outdoor chargers need to be rated for outdoor use. Ask where the cable will hang so nobody trips on it or drives over it.

If the garage is detached, the electrician may need to run a new feed underground or along the house, which adds cost.

EV chargers and generators

If you have or plan a standby generator, tell the electrician about the car. Charging can draw a lot of power, so many owners keep the charger off the generator circuits or let load management hold it back during outages. Some generator setups can be configured to run it, but that needs a larger unit and careful planning.

Permits and incentives

Adding a 240-volt circuit is electrical work that needs a licensed electrician and, in most places, a permit. Utility and government incentives for chargers come and go, so ask the electrician and check your utility's website for current programs before you buy.

Keep the receipt and permit paperwork, since some programs ask for both.

Choosing a charger

Chargers differ in maximum amperage, cable length, smart features and whether they plug into an outlet or wire in directly. A hardwired unit can often deliver more power and avoids wear on an outlet. A plug-in unit is easier to replace or take with you. Pick the charger with the electrician, since the circuit size, breaker and wire all have to match it, and some utility programs require a networked or approved model.

Questions homeowners ask