Need Advice on Installing a Home EV Charger，Totally New to This

  • Thread starter Thread starter Abby Wu
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Abby Wu

Abby Wu

New Member
Hey everyone,

I recently bought my first EV and I’ve been relying on the portable charger that came with the car. It works, but the charging speed is painfully slow, so I’ve been using public DC fast chargers more often than I’d like. It’s not super convenient, and the costs are starting to add up.

I’m now seriously considering installing a home charger, but honestly—I have zero knowledge about this. I tried searching online, but the information is scattered and often too technical, so I’m still pretty lost.

Here’s my current situation:

  • I want to install a home charging station that’s faster than the portable one

  • I don’t know what kind of charger to get (Level 2? How many kW?)

  • I have no idea how the installation process works, or what to expect in terms of cost and requirements

  • Not sure if I need permits, a licensed electrician, or how to check if my home's electrical system can even support it
Basically, I’m looking for a beginner-friendly guide or some solid advice from people who’ve already gone through this. What should I look out for? Any recommendations on brands, features, or installation tips?

Would really appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!
 
Hello and welcome to the forum! What brand EV do you have? First check your owners manual, it should tell you what the maximum Kwh that your EV can charge at, then you can look for correct Level 2 charger. More than likely, you will need a qualified electrician to take a look at your electrical panel to see if it has capacity to add Level 2 charging, 220/240 volt, with 30-50amp breaker required. Good luck!
David
 
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Do you have an electric dryer or hot water heater within 3-5 meters (10-15 feet) of where the EV is parked?

I have seen a device that inserts between these devices and provides a NEMA 14-50 plug for a faster charger. When the car is charging, the dryer or hot water heater is OFF. Once the car gets enough charge and stops, it switches the dryer or hot water heater back to ON.

Have your car or EV charger work only when you are normally asleep and you'll wake up to a charged car and working dryer or hot water heater.

Bob Wilson

ps. What nearby City do you live? Do you rent or own a house or apartment?
pps. Have you looked at charging locations with PlugShare?
 
If the member has Dryer Plug, then yes that would work, but most Dryer's are on a 30 amp breaker, so would limit max. charging at 24 amps (80% of 30 amp breaker). Which may not be at max charging limit for her EV? Also, is the EV parked in garage or outside?
Once the member replies back with more information on her EV, then we would have better idea of what charger she could use.
David
 
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Hi Abby Wu,

Congratulations on the new EV! Your situation is very common—the included portable charger (often called a Level 1 charger) is great for emergencies but is notoriously slow for daily use. Moving to a dedicated home charging station is the best decision you can make for EV ownership. Let's break this down into simple, beginner-friendly steps.

Step 1: Understanding the "Levels" of Charging
  • Level 1 (What you have): Plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Slow, as you've discovered.

  • Level 2 (What you want): Requires a 240-volt circuit (like your dryer or oven uses). This is the standard for home installation. It adds 25-40 miles of range per hour, meaning you can fully recharge your car overnight. They typically range from 7 kW to 11 kW in power. You do not need to worry about DC Fast Charging; that is for commercial stations and not suitable for homes.
Step 2: Key Considerations Before You Buy
  1. Your Electrical Panel: This is the most critical part. A Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit. A qualified electrician must check if your panel has physical space for a new double-pole breaker (usually 40-60 amps) and, more importantly, if it can handle the additional electrical load. This is not a DIY job.

  2. Charger Hardware ("EVSE"): You can choose a hardwired unit (directly wired to the circuit, often considered more reliable) or a plug-in unit (using a NEMA 14-50 outlet). Popular, reliable brands include Grizzl-E, Charge Point, and JuiceBox. Look for a unit with a cable that's at least 18-25 feet long for flexibility.

  3. Permits & Codes: Yes, a professional installation typically requires an electrical permit from your local building department. This ensures the work is inspected and safe, protecting your home. A licensed electrician will handle this process.
Step 3: The Typical Professional Installation Process
  1. Site Assessment: An electrician visits your home to evaluate your electrical panel, determine the best route for the wiring, and provide a detailed quote.

  2. Load Calculation: They will perform a calculation to ensure your home's electrical system can safely support the new charger.

  3. Installation: They will install the new circuit breaker, run the appropriate gauge wiring through conduit to the charger location, and mount the charging station.

  4. Inspection: They arrange for the local authority to inspect the work to ensure it meets all safety codes.
Your best next step is to contact a few licensed electricians in your area who have specific experience with EV charger installations. They can provide assessments and quotes tailored to your home's setup. Getting a Level 2 charger installed will completely change your EV experience for the better. Good luck
 
My best advice for you to educate yourself on home charging is to watch this video. Tom is great at explaining what you need to know without getting technical.

Hire an electrician that is experienced with EVSE installs, and direct wire the unit rather than installing a plug.
 
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