An electric car charging installation costs an average of $965, but this project often ranges between $551 and $1,384.
Electric car charging installation cost factors include charging station type, garage modifications, and labor costs.
Level 2 chargers offer faster, more reliable charging than Level 1.
Reduce EV charger costs by placing it close to your electrical box or using government incentives.
Hiring a professional to install your EV charging station ensures safety compliance and proper project execution.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
An electric car charging installation costs $965 on average, though it can range between $300 on the low end to as much as $2,500. Your final price depends on factors like location, charger size, and equipment quality. Knowing these numbers up front helps you set a realistic budget and decide whether to bring in a licensed electrician for the job.
Several factors will affect the final price of installing an EV charger in your home, including the charging station level, any necessary modifications to your home or garage, permit costs, and labor prices.
Residential homeowners have two options for their home EV charging stations: Level 1 and Level 2. There is also a Level 3 station, but it’s only available for commercial locations. Here are the cost ranges for each type and some background information to help decide on the right installation for your home.
Charging Station Level | Description | Average Cost (Unit Only) |
---|---|---|
Level 1 | Uses a standard 120V outlet; slow charging speed | $300–$600 |
Level 2 | Requires a 240V outlet; faster charging | $700–$2,000 |
Level 1 charging stations cost between $300 and $600 for the unit, plus minimal installation costs. These chargers can often be installed by the homeowner and are sometimes provided for free with a new EV purchase. While they are the most affordable option, Level 1 chargers are also the slowest. They plug directly into a standard 120-volt AC outlet, eliminating the need for a dedicated charging station.
If your home has only 15-amp circuits or the outlet is not conveniently located near where you park, you may need to hire an electrician for installation, which can cost at least $400.
Level 1 chargers provide an average power output of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW, equating to three to five miles of EV range per hour. This means fully charging your electric vehicle can take over three and a half days using a standard outlet. Level 1 chargers are suitable for light use or hybrid vehicles, but are less ideal for regular use of a fully electric vehicle.
Installing a Level 2 EV charging station costs between $700 and $2,000. The price will depend on your home’s current electrical setup. If you already have the 240V plug needed to supply power to your L2 station, your installation costs will be lower. If your home needs all-new rewiring (essentially starting from scratch), you can expect to pay more for the electrician’s time and materials.
For serious residential charging of 100% electric vehicles, Level 2 charging stations are your best bet. They charge your vehicle significantly faster, making them the most practical option for all-electric vehicles that are used often. You can also get L2 stations capable of charging two vehicles at once.
Level 2 chargers provide your EV with 12 to 80 miles of range per hour, meaning an overnight charge fills a fully depleted battery. These charging stations require some electrical work. They plug into a 50-amp (minimum) 208-240V dedicated circuit and require a costly and heavy supply line from the breaker box, which accounts for the price increase.
Expect to spend $100 to $200 on permits for your EV charger installation. Always check with your local permitting office before starting work.
If your garage needs a 240-volt, 20- to 100-amp circuit, you can expect to spend $800 to $2,000 on panel upgrades and another $500 to $1,500 on rewiring.
Many homeowners choose to include this work as part of a complete garage remodel, especially if they need to create space for the charging station. Alternatively, you can install a charger outside if you prefer, but you’ll still need the additional circuit for a Level 2 setup.
The wires running from the breaker box to the charging system can increase your overall cost, especially if you need new or longer wiring. Many modern charging stations include Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to check charging stats from your phone. Adding built-in smart features like Wi-Fi can increase the cost of an EV charger by $200 to $600 over the base model.
Some chargers also offer additional features, such as invoicing functions and energy usage tracking, which can be helpful for work vehicles.
Outdoor installations cost more because you’ll need weatherproofing and, in many cases, longer wiring runs. A basic weatherproof cover costs an average of $50, while a heavy-duty, lockable enclosure can cost up to $200. Outdoor stations must be more weather-resistant than indoor ones, and some outdoor locations may require customized cable lengths due to the distance from the home. Additional security often includes a holster to protect the cable, and some homeowners choose to build a roof over their outdoor charging station for extra protection from the elements.
For both Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger installations, expect professional labor costs for hiring an electrician to range from $400 to $1,200.
While hard data is still emerging, a professionally installed Level 2 charger can already add value to your home and will likely become even more attractive to buyers as EV ownership grows.
However, electric vehicles are a relatively new technology, so data on EV chargers adding to home value is limited. Installing an EV charger can likely boost your home's value now and will become even more valuable as more people adopt EVs in the future. To get the best possible return on investment (ROI), it's best to invest in a quality professional installation of a Level 2 charging system, as these offer the most versatile benefits to potential homebuyers.
Installing anything beyond a basic plug-in Level 1 EV charger can be expensive. Here are a few ways to reduce costs:
Check if you qualify for local, state, or federal incentives to install an EV charger; these can significantly offset costs.
Research different brands and types of EV chargers to ensure you’re paying only for the features and power output you need.
Position your charger as close as possible to your electrical box to minimize wiring costs.
Install your EV charger during other renovations, such as garage remodeling, to save on labor costs.
Coordinate with neighbors to get multiple EV chargers installed by the same contractor for a discounted rate.
Consider investing in solar panels to charge your EV off-grid and save on utility bills over time.
Use free EV charging stations when available, even if you have a charger at home.
If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work, you can often install a Level 1 charger yourself. For Level 2 stations, it’s wise to hire a local electrician to install your EV charger. They have the expertise to safely and efficiently handle the electrical components and ensure a proper installation.
Schedule a professional electrician to install your EV charger safely and efficiently today.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Yes. You can plug your EV into a standard 120-volt household outlet, but this is Level 1 charging and it’s slow. A 120-volt outlet adds only three to five miles of range per hour, so a full charge can take days. If you rely on your vehicle daily, plan your charging schedule carefully or consider upgrading to a Level 2 charger that runs on a 220–240-volt circuit for much faster turnaround.
Installing a Level 2 EV charger can raise your home’s value by adding modern convenience and energy efficiency. Buyers who already own—or plan to own—an electric vehicle appreciate a ready-to-use charging station, and many see it as a forward-thinking amenity. By meeting that demand now, you position your property as a smart, sustainable choice that can command a higher price in an increasingly competitive market.
You don’t need to plug in every night. Instead, match your charging schedule to your driving habits. Many drivers find that topping up every few days keeps the battery at a healthy state of charge and extends overall battery life. Occasional, deeper charges are fine for longer trips, but day-to-day, intermittent charging is enough to cover commutes while reducing wear on the battery.