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First, let’s clear up some nomenclature. Technically, the charger for an electric vehicle is built into the car. The device that you plug into your car is best known as an EVSE, short for “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.” The EVSE simply supplies the voltage, while the in-built charger within your car physically charges the battery within. But as many will equate their EV with another battery-powered device in their hands or in their pocket, it’s easier to think of the EVSE as a charger.
Most electric cars come standard with a portable charging cable. However, every manufacturer provides a different unit, with varying levels of charging capabilities. In some cases, the same manufacturer provides different standard charging equipment depending on which of its EV offerings you purchase or lease.
Some of these supplied charging devices are powerful and can fully recharge your EV overnight. These are called Level 2 chargers because they need to be plugged into a 240-volt outlet. (Memory aid: for Level 2, think Level 240 volts—even if that’s not why it’s called Level 2.) In the U.S., 240-volt outlets are commonly used for clothes dryers and electric ranges. A Level 2 device can typically supply between 10 to 20 miles of charging per hour.
Some standard, EV-maker-supplied charging devices plug into a regular 120-volt household outlet (Level 1) and deliver power much more slowly than the Level 2 devices, typically in the range of about 3 miles of charging per hour. These Level 1 chargers are fine for most plug-in hybrids. PHEVs have smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles do. PHEVs have batteries of about 5 to 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Pure EVs are on the order of 60 kWh to 100 kWh.
Is the automaker-supplied charger enough for an EV? A rule of thumb to follow in determining if the standard charger is enough for your daily charging needs is: Can it fully recharge your EV’s battery overnight? If it can, you probably don’t need to buy another charger. Keep in mind, if the supplied charging device is a Level 2, 240-volt unit, then you’ll need to install a 240-volt outlet in your garage, or wherever you plan to charge the vehicle.
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Get StartedGetting your charger installed may sound daunting. Where do you even begin if this is the first EV charger you’ve ever bought? Can you install it yourself? (You can leave that part to us, by buying this part directly). And how much should it all cost?
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In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing an EV charger and answer your most pressing questions. You’ll be all set up in no time. The most important thing to remember is this: a good working charger all depends on having a good installation.
No, unless you’re an electrician with experience in installing EV chargers, don’t do it yourself. Always hire an experienced and certified installer. This might prove to be more expensive in the short-term, but it’s vital for making sure your charger is properly and safely installed and that you comply with all regulations. Furthermore, EV charging points will lose their warranty, if not installed by a certified electrician. You don’t want to risk that.
Use our simulator to choose the right installation for you.
Installing an EV charger safely requires expert knowledge of both your home’s electrical system and the charger itself. Without this expertise, the installation process could go wrong and the safety and performance of your charger could be compromised.
Your charger mediates a high quantity of electricity from your house or apartment building into your car. So, if it’s not correctly installed, you and those nearby (your family, friends or neighbors) stand a chance of being dangerously exposed to this electricity. Therefore, to avoid the risks of fire or electric shock, it’s vital to choose an experienced, specialized EV charging station installer.
Choosing an experienced EV installer also means you’ll be guaranteed compliance with national regulations, such as wiring regulations. When an electrician finishes an EV charger installation, they normally have to certify the installation with a government department. This is a validation that the installation has been completed safely and in compliance with all national regulations. Reputable installation companies will give you a copy of your charger’s compliance certificate. In some countries, having a compliance certificate is compulsory and without it you could face a fine, so make sure you double-check the requirements for where you live.
This compliance certificate isn’t just a reassuring guarantee of your installed charger’s reliability and safety. You also might end up needing it to qualify for insurance payouts if something goes wrong in the future. For instance, if there is an overcurrent due to the charger breaking or an event such as lightning, you’ll want to claim back the damages with your insurance company. Without the compliance certificate, the insurer may refuse to pay out because they don’t have any proof that your charger was correctly installed and protected, to begin with. Moreover, if any issues arise with the EV battery and you need the manufacturer to fix it, you could need the certificate to prove that it is the car, not the charger, that isn’t functioning properly.
And perhaps most importantly, if you’re applying for a grant or incentive, you’ll need to provide the certification of the installation.
It should be clear by now that investing in a trustworthy, experienced installer is worth the money. It’s an investment in safety and regulatory compliance not only for you but for your car, your home and others around you too. Based on our experience, the minimum price for a proper installation by an experienced electrician starts at around €700, though the exact figure will depend on your location and the specific technical requirements of your home.
For example, the distance between your fuse box and your parking spot or driveway will influence the cost of the cable and, therefore, the overall installation costs. So, if your parking spot or driveway is 10m away from the fuse box and your neighbor’s is 50m, your neighbor’s installation costs will be higher than yours. That’s not just down to the greater distance of cabling needed; it’s also because regulations oblige the installer to use higher-diameter cables for longer distances for additional protection, which incurs extra fees. Don’t forget that labor makes up a large proportion of your installation costs. Each of the installation variables mentioned here, such as specific cabling requirements, could also result in increased labor fees as your installer will need to adapt to the specifications of your home.
Ultimately, it’s vital to have this carried out by a certified installer, to have a healthy, working charger that’s long lasting.
When considering costs, it’s also worth looking into national and local EV charging incentives. Many countries offer subsidies and tax rebates for individuals that want to install an EV charging point in their home or adjoining street. Depending on where you live, you could be reimbursed for anywhere from 15 – 90% of your initial charging installation costs. Take a look at our EU EV Charging Incentives Guide to find out which policies you could take advantage of in your home country.
Technician training and quality of service are also key considerations when selecting an EV charging installation service. Look for companies or electricians that have specific expertise in EV charger installation and the often complex regulations that surround it.
Be aware that even the most trusted and experienced electricians may not be familiar with the technical requirements and regulations specific to EV charging stations.
When looking for an installer, you don’t just want a company that installs your charger and then leaves you to figure out how to use it on your own. You should look for a comprehensive service package. Some installers will give pre-installation advice about which charger to opt for, as well as post-installation guidelines for how to use your charger along with its accompanying app or software. Aim for an end-to-end service so you can access expert insights into which type of charger is best for your current and future needs, and full analysis of how to install your charger in the best way for your home and electricity bill. An ideal option would be using a comprehensive service that covers both the charger and its installation.
For example, you might currently have a hybrid car that uses a 3.7 kW charge, but be considering an upgrade to a fully electric car that will require faster charging and more energy in the near future. By discussing with the installation or charger company, you can choose a charger and installation plan that fits both your present hybrid car and could also support your transition to a new EV in the future as well. That way you can simply insert a new charger for your new car when the time comes, rather than having to upgrade your entire installation infrastructure.
EV charger brands are likely to have access to a team of technicians with more advanced knowledge of how to install smart chargers than the average electrician. They’ll also be able to offer advice on using your smart charging app. This is important as some European governments are now mandating that all new private chargers must have smart functionalities built-in.
Installing your EV charger may not be as cheap or as simple as you originally expected. However, by ensuring a proper and professional EV charger installation – notably in terms of taking the time to choose the best installer for you – you will reap the rewards in the long-run. From making sure your charger is safe and complies with national regulation, to actually increase the value of your property, a solid installation service can make all the difference.
Whether you choose a comprehensive package offered by your EV charger provider or hire a local electrician, you should look for reputable, trusted electricians with specific expertise in EV charging station installation. Finally, finding the right installer that offers an end-to-end service will ensure you’re covered for all present and future charging needs.
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