Ev car charger cost. FAQs

EV Charging Station Cost

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The cost of an EV charging station can vary significantly based on the requirements and current electrical infrastructure, but averages ~450,000 all-in for a Level 2 home charger. This guide details the cost of EV chargers for home and also discusses the cost of Level 2 chargers for business and Level 3 (DC-fast charging) stations.

Many consumers tell us that it can be difficult to find electricians with specific EV charger experience. It may be worth checking out Amazon Home Services EV Charger Installation (the reviews have been excellent so far).

Electric Car Charging Stations Cost Level 2 Charging Station Cost EV Charging Station For Business Cost Level 3 Charging Station Cost Detailed EV Charger Cost Breakdown

Electric Car Charging Stations Cost

The cost of an EV charging station can vary depending on the owner’s preferences and there are two main options for individual EV owners:

• Use a Level 1 Charger (Free) – All EV models come with a basic chord that will plug into a 120V outlet, which is the standard outlet for homes in the U.S. Assuming you already have a 120V outlet in your garage, this option is essentially free. This set-up will only allow for charging rates of 3-5 miles per hour, so if you have a moderate commute, a faster charge is required.
• Purchase a Level 2 Charger (~450,000) – Most EV owners elect to purchase a Level 2 EVSE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment, for use in their home. The Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet ( NEMA 6 which many clothes dryers use). The cost of a Level 2 charging station is typically around 450,000 all-in, which includes the equipment and installation cost. There are a range of Level 2 models ( read our detailed EV charger model review) and costs, which we discuss below.

If you are interested in electric car charging stations for your business or retail location, please refer to the section on Level 2 charging stations for business or read our detailed review of these products. There is also the option for businesses to purchase DC fast charging stations (also called Level 3), but the cost of a Level 3 EV charger is significantly more and is typically purchased through one of the EV charging network providers.

Level 2 Charging Station Cost

The chart below includes the of the most popular EV chargers available as of December 2017.

The installation cost data is from a study by the Rocky Mountain Institute, a leading cleantech institute, which broke the installation cost down into electrician labor, materials, permitting and mobilization (traveling to the installation location). The study was completed in 2014, so please note that we have adjusted the EV charger equipment cost in our estimate as have come down.

Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost

An electric car charging station installation costs 750 to 5000,600 for a Level 2 charger, 240-volt outlet, wiring, and wall mounting. Some EV charger installations cost 5000,000 to 5,000 for extensive wiring or if the electrical panel needs upgrading. Tesla charger installation costs 450,000 to 450,700 total.

Quick Facts

• Level 2 home charging stations fill an EV’s battery 4x to 6x faster than a standard electrical wall outlet.
• Charging an electric vehicle at home costs 3 to 8 per fill-up vs. 7 to 36 at public charging stations.
• Charging an average of 30 miles per night increases an electric bill by 25 to 35 per month.
• Charging stations are eligible for a federal 30% tax credit for purchase and installation costs, up to 450,000.
• Many utility companies provide rebates of up to 50% on the purchase and installation of Level 2 home charging stations.

Average Cost to Install Vehicle Charging Station

The following is the average cost for a Level 2 charging station and installing a 240v outlet, wiring, and wall mounting.

Electric Car Charging Station Cost

Electric car charging stations cost 350 to 900 on average for a Level 2 home charger, not including installation. EV charging stations cost 550 to 5000,000 with higher amps for faster charging or dual vehicle support.

not including installation.

• Level 1 chargers use a standard 120V household outlet that is common in garages, but provides slow charging speeds.
• Level 2 charging stations require a 240V outlet and circuit like an electric stove or dryer uses.
• Level 3, known as DC Fast Charging stations, charge up to 10x faster than Level 2 stations and are for commercial use.

Level 1 EV Charger (120-Volt)

A Level 1 EV charger costs 80 to 180, but is typically replaced for free with the vehicle’s warranty. EVs come with a Level 1 charger that uses a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 1 trickle chargers only deliver 2 to 5 miles per hour of charging and take 8 to 25 hours to fill an EV battery.

• Tesla Wall Connectors are Wi-Fi enabled, charge up to 44 miles of range per hour (up to 20X faster than a standard outlet), and are compatible with the Model S, Model X, and Model 3.
• The Tesla Mobile Connector is a Level-1 charger included with a new Tesla for use with standard 120-volt household outlets.

Tesla Supercharger Costs

Tesla Supercharger charging stations cost

Home EV Charger Installation Costs

EV charger installation costs depend on the distance between the electrical panel and the charging station, the electrical panel’s capacity, wall mounting the charger, if trenching is required around the home or to a detached garage, and permits.

• If existing service panel has a 240-volt circuit available, can handle the EV load, and installation is within 5 feet of panel
• No wall mounting

• Install new 240v outlet and circuit
• Run 50-amp dedicated wiring
• Mount the station

• Installing new service panel, 240v outlet, wiring, and mounting the station
• Or if extensive wiring is required to reach the station
• Or to trench and run conduits around the home or to a detached garage

Installation costs only. Does not include charging station.

Electrician Costs To Install EV Charger

Electrical work is the biggest cost factor when installing an EV charging station. Many older homes require electrical upgrades to supply enough power to the station.

• Electrician – Electrician hourly rates are 50 to 130. Installing a Level 2 EV charging station requires a professional electrician to evaluate the existing electrical capacity and make any necessary upgrades.
• Electrical Circuit Outlet – Installing a new 240-volt circuit and 50-amp outlet costs 300 to 800. Level 2 charging stations require adding a dedicated 240-volt circuit to the electrical panel. Plug-in models use a 30, 40, or 50-amp outlet wired to the circuit.
• Wiring – New electrical wiring costs6 to 8 per linear foot to run wiring from the electrical panel to the wall where the EV charging station is installed.
• Electrical Capacity – The cost to replace an electrical panel is 450,800 to 5000,500 for a 200-amp panel. If the electrical panel doesn’t have the capacity to handle a new 240-volt circuit, the panel needs upgrading.
• Underground Trenching – Trenching costs5 to 12 per linear foot, not including the wiring. Homes with a detached garage may need trenching to run conduit to the garage wall.
• Garage Remodeling – Outdated, damaged, or old garages may need repairs and renovations that cost 450,000 to 5,000 on average. Building a new garage costs35 to 60 per square foot.

EV Charger Permits

An electrical permit costs 50 to 200 to install an EV charging station at home, depending on local requirements. Many utility companies offer rebates to cover the permit cost.

Additional Accessories

Additional charger accessories include a Wi-Fi booster, cable organizer, and pedestal mount.

.28 per kWh or from

Costs of Setting Up An EV Charging Station

Setting up a Level 2 charger at home provides convenience and reliability, and saves

up to 70% over public station rates and membership fees. A home charging station is always available and enables refilling the battery overnight and starting the day on a full charge.

Cost To Charge Electric Car

The average cost to charge an electric car is 03 to.04 per mile, 50 to 450.50 per hour, and between 3 and 8 for a full fill-up. An electric car raises your monthly electric bill by 25 to 35 for charging an average of 30 miles per night.

Costs vary by state, utility company, type of electric vehicle, and time of day. New England areas have higher electricity costs, while states in the South are slightly lower than average.

Many utility companies offer time-of-use plans that allow cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours or separate plans for household and EV charging.

Public EV Charging Stations Cost

The average cost of charging an electric car at a public station is 28 to.79 per kWh, from 450.50 to 3.60 per hour, or between 7 and 36 for a full charge. A charging membership costs 4 to 8 per month and typically saves 10% compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.

• There are 30,000 public charging stations around the U.S. operated by charging networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, Blink, Electrify America, and Tesla. In comparison, there are 168,000 gas stations.
• Most charging stations only provide Level 2 charging, while 20% offer Level 3 DC Fast Charging, which takes 30 to 60 minutes to charge fully.
• Public stations charge an idling fee of 40 to 450.30 per minute for leaving a vehicle plugged in after the maximum allowed time or after the battery is fully charged.
• Free charging stations are available in many parking garages, shopping centers, and office parks.
• Apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub help EV drivers find nearby public charging stations across all networks.

Charging Station Tax Credit

Electric vehicle charging stations are eligible for a federal 30% tax credit for purchase and installation costs, up to 450,000 for residential and 30,000 for commercial. Electric car owners may also qualify for incentives offered by state and local governments and utility companies:

• Rebates – Most utility companies provide rebates of up to 50% on the purchase and installation of Level 2 home charging stations. Wi-Fi enabled stations are more likely to be eligible because utility companies use the data to distribute electricity more efficiently.
• Discounted Registration Title Fees – Some states provide EV buyers with discounts on sales tax, registration fees, and title fees.
• Access to Carpool Lanes – Many states give EV owners access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
• Discounted Parking – Some cities and local businesses offer free public parking for EVs.

.13 to.26 per minute, depending on the location. A full recharge to 250 miles costs about 23.

Idle fees cost 50 to 450.00 per minute to any car occupying a Supercharger once the charge session is complete.

• Some locations charge per kWh (kilowatts per hour) while others use per-minute pricing. Specific locations offer on-peak and off-peak rates.
• In urban areas, Superchargers deliver 72 kW of power with an average charging session lasting 45 to 50 minutes. Limited V3 Superchargers deliver 250 kW and cut charging times in half.

– 150

Requires installing a new outlet if the existing outlet is more than 25 feet away.

Level 2 Charging Station Cost (240-Volt)

A 240-volt Level 2 charging station costs 350 to 900 on average. The labor cost to install a Level 2 charger is 400 to 450,700.

Level 2 EV chargers fully charge an EV battery in 4 to 10 hours and include app monitoring, thermal regulation, and programmable scheduling.

Requires installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit that handles 30, 40, or 50 amps.

Level 3 Charging Station Cost (DC Fast)

A Level 3 charging station costs 10,000 to 40,000. The average labor cost to install a Level 3 DC Fast charging station is 4,000 to 50,000.

Level 3 charging stations are reserved for public and commercial networks and charge an EV battery to full in 30 to 60 minutes.

Charging Station Considerations

An EV charging station is a type of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that comes in many styles and options. Before buying a charging station, consider the following:

• Portability – Hardwired Level 2 charging stations are permanently fixed to the wall, while plug-in units are portable.
• Wi-Fi Enabled – Wi-Fi-enabled units have app monitoring and scheduling, and are eligible for utility provider rebates by sharing charger data.
• Outlet Location Cord Length – Longer cables allow maneuvering around the vehicle or charging the car while parked in the driveway.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Rating – EV charging stations are rated NEMA 3, 4, or 6 to indicate their weather and water resistance. NEMA 3 chargers are suitable for indoor garage use. NEMA 4 or 6 chargers have higher weatherproofing for use indoors or outdoors.
• Future-Proofing – Plan for future vehicle purchases by installing at least a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit for faster charging.
• Dual Charging Powersharing – Homes with two electric vehicles need a dual charging station or two separate stations. Models with a powershare feature automatically balance the electricity load from two chargers on one circuit.
• Maintenance Warranty – EV charging stations include a limited 1- to 3-year parts and labor warranty, depending on the brand and model.

Do You Need A Home Charger?

If you own an EV, you may be wondering if you need to install a home charger.

While it’s possible to charge your vehicle using a standard 120-volt wall outlet, it’s not the most efficient or convenient option.

Installing a Level 2 electric charging station at home is a better option for most EV owners as it can easily charge EVs overnight.

It can also increase the resale value of your home as it’s considered an added amenity.

How Much Charging Power Do You Need?

The amount of charging power you need depends on your driving habits and the battery size of your EV.

If you have a smaller battery and drive short distances on a daily basis, a Level 1 EV charger may be enough.

On average, EV owners drive around 40 miles a day, which means basic trickle charging is usually enough for occasional top-ups.

However, if you have a larger battery or drive longer distances, a Level 2 charger is recommended.

It’s also important to consider how much time you have to charge your vehicle.

If you’re on the road and have a limited amount of time, a DC fast charger may be the best option.

The Cost of Installing A Charging Station

The installation costs for EV chargers vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the installation location, and the electrical infrastructure of your home.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect for different types of charging stations:

• Level 1 Charging Station: The cost to install a Level 1 charging station at home can be as low as 300, but it may increase if you need to run a dedicated electrical circuit, upgrade electrical wiring, or if you need to install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
• Level 2 Charging Station: The cost to install a Level 2 charging station at home can range from 500 to 3,000, depending on the type of station, the installation location, and the electrical infrastructure of your home. If you need to upgrade your electrical panel to support the charging station, this cost can further increase.

It’s important to note that the cost of the charging station itself is not included in the installation cost. The cost of the charging station varies depending on the brand, features, and power output. On average, a Level 2 charging station costs between 500 and 5000,500.

In addition to the installation cost, you may also need to pay for permits and inspections, which can add to the total cost. Some utility companies also offer rebates or incentives for installing EV charging stations, which can help offset the installation cost.

Types of Charging Stations

There are two types of EV charging stations: hardwired and plug-in.

• Hardwired. A hardwired charging station requires a licensed electrician to wire the station directly into your electrical panel. This option is more expensive but provides a more permanent and cleaner installation.
• Plug-In. A plug-in charging station is less expensive and can be installed by most DIYers. It plugs into a 240-volt outlet and can be easily removed or moved if needed.

There are home charging stations in the market that allow either plug-in use or hardwired installation, just like the Lectron V-BOX.

The V-BOX comes in 40A and 48A variants for both Tesla and J1772 EVs.

It can be plugged directly into a NEMA 14-50 outlet or be hardwired into your home’s electrical circuit for even more powerful charging.

Level 1 or Level 2?

When deciding between a Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger, it’s important to consider your driving habits and charging needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger:

• Charging speed: Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers, providing about 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging, compared to 4-5 miles of range per hour for Level 1 chargers. If you plan to use your EV for daily commuting a Level 1 charger may be enough. For longer trips, a Level 2 charger may be more convenient and efficient.
• Range: If you have a longer-range EV with a larger battery capacity, a Level 2 charger may be more practical. With a larger battery, it can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge using a Level 1 charger, which may not be practical for everyday use.
• Electrical infrastructure: To install a Level 2 charger, you’ll need a 240-volt electrical circuit, which may require an electrical panel upgrade or additional wiring. If your home’s electrical system cannot support a Level 2 charger, a Level 1 charger may be your only option.
• Cost: The cost to install a Level 2 charger is typically higher than a Level 1 charger due to the professional installation required. However, Level 2 chargers are more efficient and will reduce charging times, which can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Hardwired or Plug-In?

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.

A hardwired EV charging station installation is permanent and is connected directly to your electrical panel.

This requires professional installation and is typically more expensive than a plug-in charger.

However, a hardwired EV charger is more convenient to use since you don’t need to plug and unplug it every time you charge your vehicle.

Hardwired chargers also tend to be more durable and have higher charging capacities than plug-in models.

On the other hand, a plug-in EV charger is portable and can be easily moved from one location to another.

This type of charger plugs into a standard wall outlet and doesn’t require professional installation, making it a more affordable option.

Portable chargers are also a good choice if you’re renting or don’t have the option to install a hardwired charger.

Lectron offers portable Level 1/Level 2 chargers with NEMA 5-15 and 14-50 plugs capable of providing anywhere between 6 and 31 miles of range per hour.

Call to sign up!

Give us a call, Monday through Friday 7:00 am-6:00pm, and we can get you signed up in minutes. (888) 835-4672.

To enroll, you must have a compatible charger (Chargepoint, Flo or Emporia). See compatible chargers.

Driving an EV is the most effective choice you can make to lower your carbon footprint! Transportation is the number one cause of carbon emissions in Vermont – so switching to an EV makes a big difference. Find great info at Drive Electric Vermont.