How Much Does It Cost To Install A Car Charger Outlet?

in Ownership
Electric cars charging

Source: Pixabay

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a worthwhile investment, offer more convenience, and maybe most importantly, help reduce carbon emissions at the same time. A battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) may be charged at home or at a commercial charging station commonly found in public spaces or travel stops. Like everything else, car charger outlet and EV charger stations can vary in price and maintenance, but there are some general ranges you can expect to pay if you’re looking to invest in your own. 

Pros of at-home car charger outlets

  • Convenience
  • Cost-effective
  • Tax incentives
  • Increased home value

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Cons of at-home car charger outlets

  • Increase in utility bills
  • Upfront costs
  • Potentially slower charge times

The price of a station is determined by where you live, the station you purchase, and whether it is hardwired or portable. A 240-volt outlet, charger, and wall-mounted system costs between $1,000 and $2,500 in the United States, with most users spending around $1,200. A new Level 1 charger that may be used with a 120-volt outlet costs $300, which is a reasonable price. The project’s high cost is $4,500, which includes a Level 2 charger with a 240-volt outlet, pedestal installation, and circuit panel upgrade for two cars.

Many people prefer to have a faster, specialized charging station at home, even though most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger that can be plugged into any conventional 120-volt outlet. Because charging your car with a Level 1 charger might take hours, upgrading can ensure you’re always ready to go, even if you just intend on stopping at home for a few minutes before heading out.

Cost of an EV Charger station at home

  • General price range of $1,000 to $2,500
  • National average cost is $1,200
  • $500 for low-end stations
  • $4,500 for high-end stations
  • Hourly labor costs range from $40 to $120 for installation

In some areas, you might be able to find a car charger outlet at public charging stations. Infrastructure for electric vehicles has yet to be established in other areas outside of the major metropolitan areas. In any case, installing an EV charger in your home can assist with range anxiety or the fear of being stranded far from a charging station when your electric vehicle runs out of charge.


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Car charger outlet basis: power levels

Level 1

This car charger outlet station is powered by a 120-volt alternating current plug, which is the standard household outlet. Despite the fact that they require a dedicated circuit, Level 1 EV chargers do not require specialist installation. They’re also quite light. They use a three-prong house plug with one end plugged into the car and the other into the outlet. At a Level 1 charging station, a depleted battery will take 8 to 12 hours to completely charge, requiring you to leave your car plugged in overnight.

Level 2 

This EV charger requires 240 volts and an AC outlet to work, which is the same as many home appliances. These stations require professional installation and a dedicated 40-amp circuit. They plug into the same outlet as Level 1 chargers and work with all-electric and hybrid cars. A Level 2 charger takes 4 to 6 hours to fully charge a vehicle’s battery. Furthermore, these chargers are more expensive.

Level 3 

The car charger outlets categorized at Level 3 typically cost from $12,000 to $35,000. These are often business charging stations, not home charging stations. They charge batteries extremely rapidly, completing a full charge in about an hour with a minimum charge of 100 to 400 miles. These stations can charge a large number of automobiles at once and are not intended for domestic use. This is essentially a massive multi-car station.


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Average EV Charger cost by brand

  • $1,000 - $1,300 Webasto
  • $1,000 - $1,500 ClipperCreek
  • $1,100 - $1,600 Bosch
  • $1,100 - $1,600 Tesla
  • $1,200 - $1,400 Siemens
  • $1,200 - $1,400 JuiceBox
  • $1,300 - $1,500 ChargePoint

Most brands will have both Level 1 and Level 2 charging options available. Tesla is one brand that has unique adaptors that need brand-specific installation, so if you own a Tesla, you’ll likely have to use their exclusive devices.

EV Charger amperage-based costs

The flow of electricity is measured in amperage, and the cost of installing an EV charger station is determined by the capabilities of your car and the wiring in your home. The majority of electric cars can charge at a rate of up to 32 amps. A 32-amp EV charger increases the vehicle’s range by around 25 miles per hour of charging.

A hardwired car charger outlet comes with a flexible tube that makes it easy to install in a junction box. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and these hardwired chargers are relatively stable. You can move them if you need to, but only with the assistance of a professional electrician.

Connector-in car charger outlets utilize a high-quality 240-volt plug and do not require a conduit. They come with a variety of plugs, despite the fact that they are all 240 volts. Many homes already have 240-volt receptacles, so installing them isn’t necessary.

Hidden costs of car charger outlets

According to the National Electrical Code, a home’s electrical circuit must be rated for 25% greater amperage than the charger. To install a 32-amp charger, the amperage of your home’s electrical circuit, for example, would need to be 40 amps. A 16-amp charger would require a 20-amp electrical cable and charge your vehicle at a rate of 12 miles per hour.

In the United States, a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 is available for the purchase and installation of a home electric car charging station. The credit will save you 30% on the cost of purchasing and installing an electric vehicle charger in your home (up to $1,000 total). To be eligible for the tax credit, you must purchase and install the system by December 31, 2021.

Amperage is a unit of measurement for the flow of electricity. As the flow rises, the amperage increases. The cost of installing an EV charging station is dictated by your car’s capabilities as well as your home’s wiring. The vast majority of electric vehicles can charge at up to 32 amps. A 32-amp EV charger extends the range of the car by approximately 25 miles per hour of charging.

State-level rebates and incentives are also available like California, which covers the cost of site preparation when purchasing participating EV charger brands. There are also electric vehicle subsidies that may be available for specific areas and communities. As a result of these benefits, purchase and installation expenses are decreased. It may not be an option for everyone, but if you have the budget and space for an EV charger, it’s a great convenience.



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