Install a Level 2 Charger Costs at Home

Installing a level 2 charger at home is an attractive option for many electric vehicle owners looking to maximize charging speed and convenience. However, before taking the plunge, it’s important to comprehend the overall installation costs involved with a home-level 2 EV charging station. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses, considerations, and benefits of installing your level 2 charger.

What is a Level 2 Charger?

A level 2 charger, also known as a level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is a device designed to charge electric vehicles much faster than ordinary 120V wall outlets. Level 2 chargers utilize 240V electrical circuits, similar to large home appliances like dryers or ovens, to deliver faster charging.

There are two main types of level 2 chargers:

• Hardwired - Permanently wired into a 240V circuit and mounted on a wall or pedestal
• Plug-in - Portable chargers that plug into a 240V outlet

Level 2 chargers provide between 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging time. This makes them ideal for overnight charging at home when you don’t need rapid topping up during the day.

Key Benefits of a Home Level 2 Charger

Installing a level 2 charger at home offers several compelling benefits:

• Faster charging - Up to 10 times quicker than using a normal 120V household outlet
• Increased driving range - Add substantial range overnight for daily commutes
• Convenience - Charge conveniently while parked at home
• Lower electricity costs - Take advantage of off-peak electric rates overnight
• Battery preservation - Reduce battery degradation from frequent rapid DC fast charging
• Resale value - Level 2 charger may increase future EV resale value

For most EV drivers who need to maximize driving range and can charge overnight, a home level 2 charger is worth considering.

Level 2 Charger Hardware Cost

The first component in tallying up level 2 installation costs is the hardware cost of the actual charging station itself. Level 2 chargers range from basic models with minimal features up to smart chargers with wifi connectivity, custom load balancing, and mobile app control.

Hardware prices typically span:

• Basic level 2 charger - $500 to $800
• Smart level 2 charger - $800 to $1,500

Additional factors impacting costs include the maximum charging amperage provided, connector type (J1772, Tesla, CCS), and charger mounting options. Choosing a lower powered, non-smart charger can save several hundred dollars in hardware expenses.

Level 2 Installation Cost

Beyond just purchasing the charger itself, most drivers opt to have their level 2 charger professionally installed by a certified electrician. This ensures proper permitting, inspection, wiring, and functionality.

Average level 2 electrician installation costs fall between:

• Basic installation - $200 to $500
• Complex installation - $800 to $1,500+

There is wide variability in installation pricing depending on site-specific complexities.

Key Variables Impacting Installation Expenses

Some of the main variables that can increase level 2 installation costs include:

• Electrical panel capacity - Upgrades if the existing panel can’t handle the added load
• Circuit breaker amperage - More amps require more expensive wiring
• Conduit and wiring - Complexity/distance of wiring route to charger site
• Permitting and inspection - Requirements vary greatly by jurisdiction

Carefully evaluating these factors early when planning your project can avoid costly surprises down the road.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs

One of the biggest cost variables is whether your home’s main electrical panel has the available capacity to add a 240V circuit for an EV charger. The age of the home, panel amperage rating, and the number of existing large appliances will determine if an upgrade is required.

Average costs for an electrical panel upgrade installation:

• 100 amp upgrade - $1,500 to $3,500
• 200 amp upgrade - $2,000 to $4,000

Upgrading from an older 60 amp or 100 amp panel to support additional EV and home loads may add $2,000+ in costs alone.

EV Charging Circuit Breaker Amps

The circuit breaker amp rating (40 amp, 50 amp, etc.) that protects the EV charging wiring also impacts expense. Higher amperage allows faster charging speeds but requires thicker, more costly wiring.

• 40 amp circuit - Included in basic pricing
• 50 amp circuit - $100 to $500 additional costs

Evaluate your charging needs carefully before opting for oversized electrical circuits.

 

Estimating Total Project Costs

When budgeting for a home charging station, it's important to evaluate all potential costs rather than just the charger itself. On average, you can expect to invest between $1,200 to $2,500 for a complete level 2 installation. However, all-in costs may exceed $5,000 for complex projects requiring panel upgrades or long wiring runs. Thorough planning helps avoid budget overruns.

Here is an overview of typical pricing for a level 2 project:

• Level 2 charger hardware - $500 to $1,500
• Basic electrical install - $500 to $1,200
• Potential panel upgrade - $1,500 to $4,000
• Total basic install - $1,000 to $2,700
• Total with upgrades - $3,000 to $5,500

Get multiple electrician quotes detailing all charging station wiring and electrical service needs to make an informed decision on overall value. Additionally, check on available rebates and incentives that may help recover a portion of upgrade expenses.

Is Installation Worth the Costs?

Determining if installing a level 2 home charger makes financial sense depends on your individual driving and charging profile. For those needing to optimize daily driving range, or without access to workplace or public fast charging, a level 2 charger is likely a smart investment.

Key factors favoring level 2 installation:

• Long daily commute reliance on EV
• Lack of fast charging options besides home
• Off-peak nightly electricity rates under 10¢/kWh
• Utility/local rebates available on hardware or installation

Without sufficient range from overnight level 2 charging, you may incur added costs from frequent public DC fast charging. For urban drivers with workplace charging or only occasional long trips, sticking with 120V charging may suffice if slowing daily mileage needs.

Additional Home Charging Considerations

If moving forward with installing a level 2 charger, here are some final tips to streamline your project:

• Obtain 2-3 detailed electrician quotes for accurate budgeting
• Have your utility evaluate electrical service capacity
• Research available incentive programs
• Identify optimal mounting location for convenience and aesthetics
• Consider wi-fi connected smart chargers for energy monitoring

Choosing the right level 2 EV charging equipment for your household’s needs, properly leveraging electrical infrastructure, and taking advantage of rebates will provide reliable charging with quicker ROI. Reach out to local charging specialists for assistance tailoring the ideal home charging solution.

Summary of Key Points on Level 2 Installation Costs:

• Hardware Cost - $500 to $1,500 for the level 2 charging station
• Installation Cost - Ranges from $500 to $1,500+ depending on site complexity
• Electrical Upgrades - $1,500 to $4,000+ if panel or circuit capacity insufficient
• Total Cost - Anywhere from $1,000 to over $5,000 after factoring in electrical work and potential service upgrades
• Primary Cost Variables - Existing electrical service capacity, charger wiring route, permits
• Incentives Available - Potential rebates and tax credits help offset overall project costs

Understanding all facets of installing a home level 2 EV charger will lead to making a sound investment that pays dividends for years through convenient, low-cost charging to support daily EV mobility needs.