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 longer runs require more materials and labor. Beyond 100 feet becomes more complex.
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 provide a walkthrough and recommend the best solution for your specific situation.
