Home EV Charging Installation
Installing a home charger involves more than just adding an outlet. We'll assess your electrical capacity, handle permits, and ensure safe, code-compliant installation. Here's what goes into the process.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging
Level 1 Charging
Standard 120V outlet. Adds about 4 miles of range per hour. Works well for plug-in hybrids or if you drive under 40 miles daily. No installation needed - just plug in.
Level 2 Charging
240V circuit (like your dryer uses). Adds 25-40 miles per hour depending on your vehicle and charger. This is what most EV owners install for overnight charging.
Hardwired vs Plug-in
Hardwired: Permanent installation, cleaner appearance, required for outdoor locations
Plug-in: Uses a NEMA 14-50 outlet, portable if you move, can swap chargers easily
Vehicle-Specific Charging Requirements
Plug-in Hybrids - Don't Overspend
Many PHEVs have smaller batteries and limited charging speeds. No need for expensive 50-amp circuits:
- Ford Escape PHEV: Maximum 16 amps at 240V. A 20-amp circuit with NEMA 6-20 outlet works well
- Toyota Prius Prime: 16 amps max. Charges in 2.5 hours on basic Level 2
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 16 amps only. A smaller circuit is sufficient
- BMW X5 xDrive45e: Can use 32 amps, but 16 amps fills it overnight
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe: 16 amps max. Don't let anyone sell you a 50-amp circuit
Full Electric Vehicles
- Tesla Model 3/Y: Wall Connector can do 48 amps, but 32 amps charges 200+ miles overnight
- Tesla Model S/X: Older models with dual chargers can use 80 amps, newer ones max at 48
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Comes with 32-amp mobile charger. 80-amp Pro charger available for faster charging
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 48 amps maximum. 40-amp circuit recommended
- Chevy Bolt EV/EUV: Only charges at 32 amps (7.7kW). Larger circuit is waste of money
- Volkswagen ID.4: 48 amps (11kW) maximum
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 48 amps on newer models
- Kia EV6: 48 amps maximum
- Rivian R1T/R1S: 48 amps with supplied charger
Recommended Chargers by Category
Best Overall - ChargePoint Home Flex
Why we like it:
- Adjustable 16-50 amps - works for any vehicle
- Hardwired or plug-in options
- Comprehensive app with scheduling features
- Reliable WiFi connectivity
- Works with Amazon Alexa
Best Value - Grizzl-E Classic
Good option for most installations:
- 40 amps standard (32 amp continuous)
- Built like a tank - aluminum case
- No app or WiFi - just reliable charging
- 18-foot or 24-foot cable options
- Made in Canada, great support
Best Smart Features - Wallbox Pulsar Plus
For the tech-savvy:
- Tiny size - smaller than a toaster
- Power sharing between multiple units
- Bluetooth and WiFi
- Integrates with solar systems
- Scheduled charging for time-of-use rates
Budget Pick - NEMA 14-50 Outlet
If your car came with a mobile charger:
- Just install the outlet, use included charger
- Works for Tesla, Ford, Rivian mobile chargers
- Portable - take it when you move
- Slowest option but still overnight charging
Special Situations
Two EVs, One Panel
Options for households with multiple EVs:
- Load sharing chargers: ChargePoint and Wallbox can share one circuit
- Time-based sharing: Charge one car 8pm-2am, other 2am-8am
- Lower amperage: Two 24-amp chargers often better than one 48-amp
Solar Integration
If you have or plan solar:
- Wallbox and ChargePoint can charge from excess solar
- Some systems can island with battery backup
- Consider load management systems
Electrical Requirements
Panel Capacity Assessment
Load calculation determines available capacity:
- 100-amp panel: Often maxed out. Actual measurement determines options
- 200-amp panel: Usually has capacity, but we verify with load calculation
- Load management devices: Can add EV charging without panel upgrade
Typical Installation Setups
Common scenarios in Washtenaw County:
Simple Installation
- Panel in garage or nearby
- Less than 30 feet of wire
- Available breaker space
- Interior wall mount
Standard Installation
- Panel in basement, garage attached
- 30-75 feet of wire run
- May need sub-panel
- Exterior rated installation
Complex Installation
- Detached garage
- Underground wiring needed
- Panel upgrade required
- Long wire runs (100+ feet)
Permits and Code Requirements
Washtenaw County requirements:
- Electrical permit required for all EV charger installations
- GFCI protection required for outlets (not hardwired)
- Disconnect required for outdoor installations
- We handle all permit applications and scheduling
DTE Programs and Savings
- Installation rebate: Rebates are available for Level 2 chargers (check current availability)
- Time-of-use rates: Charge 11pm-7am for lowest rates
- Charging optimization programs: Let DTE manage charging for bill credits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing 50-amp circuit for 16-amp PHEV
- Buying charger before checking car's maximum rate
- Running undersized wire to save money (causes voltage drop)
- Skipping permit to save fees (insurance issues)
- Mounting charger where door can hit it
💡 Smart Tip
For plug-in hybrids, a smaller 20-amp circuit with a NEMA 6-20 outlet is often ideal and charges just as fast as oversized circuits your vehicle can’t use anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I future-proof with a larger circuit?
Maybe. If you have a PHEV now but might get a full EV later, installing 40-50 amp wiring makes sense. But if you're keeping the PHEV for years, save the money.
Can I use the dryer outlet?
Yes, if it's convenient. Dryer buddy splitters exist, or just unplug to do laundry. Not elegant but works.
What about portable Level 2 chargers?
Great option. Many vehicles include them. Just need a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed.
How far can the charger be from the panel?
Any distance technically, but cost increases with distance. Beyond 100 feet gets expensive fast.
Ready to Install?
Send us a photo of your electrical panel and tell us: what vehicle you have, where you park, and how far that is from your panel. We'll give you an accurate quote and recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation.
