Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular than ever, thanks to their eco-friendly design, lower fuel costs, and growing variety of models. As more drivers make the switch, the convenience of charging at home has become a major consideration.
While many assume that home EV chargers must be installed by the dealership, that’s not the case. You can work directly with a licensed electrician — and in many cases, that’s the smarter choice. At John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical, we specialize in professional EV charger installation to ensure your system is safe, efficient, and built to last.
What Are the Types of Home EV Chargers?
Home EV chargers come in two main types: Level 1 and Level 2. The one you choose depends on your driving habits, charging needs, and your home’s electrical setup.
Level 1 chargers are typically included with your EV and plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. While convenient, they offer slow charging speeds — around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. These are best for light driving needs.
Level 2 chargers are the most common for home installations. They use a 240-volt outlet — similar to what you’d use for an electric dryer — and offer much faster charging, with roughly 15 to 30 miles of range per hour. These chargers often require an upgrade to your home’s electrical panel and must be installed by a licensed professional.
Do You Need to Go Through the Dealership?
No. Your EV charger does not need to be installed by the dealership. In fact, many homeowners choose to purchase their own Level 2 charger and hire a local licensed electrician — like our team at John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical — to complete the installation. This gives you more flexibility, often results in a better price, and ensures your setup is tailored to your home’s electrical capacity and layout.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Home EV Charging Station?
While we won’t break down specific equipment prices, it’s helpful to understand the factors that contribute to the overall cost of a fully installed EV charging station. Most homeowners can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500 for equipment and professional installation combined.
Key factors that influence installation costs include:
- Distance from your electrical panel to the charger location
- Whether your panel needs an upgrade to handle the additional load
- Permit fees and local code requirements
- Labor rates in your area
- Indoor vs. outdoor installation (weatherproofing needs)
We strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to handle the installation — especially if your electrical panel needs modifications. A professional will ensure everything is installed to code, which may be required for warranty protection and insurance coverage.
Can You Install an EV Charger Yourself?
While DIY projects are appealing to many homeowners, installing a Level 2 EV charger is not one we suggest tackling on your own. These chargers use high-voltage power and typically require changes to your electrical panel, permitting, and code compliance.
Why DIY Isn’t Worth the Risk
Even small errors in installation could result in:
- Electrical hazards or fire risks
- System damage or charger malfunction
- Invalidated warranties
- Code violations or insurance issues
Hiring a licensed electrician gives you peace of mind — and ensures the job is done right.
Do EV Chargers Require Maintenance?
Once installed, home EV chargers require very little upkeep. Most are built to last for many years with minimal maintenance. Occasionally, you may want to:
- Check for wear and tear on the charging cable
- Update the software or firmware
- Inspect the unit for signs of damage or power issues
If your unit is placed outdoors, choosing a weather-rated model and ensuring proper installation will further reduce maintenance needs.
Smart Features and Optional Add-Ons
Many Level 2 chargers come with smart features, such as:
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
- Mobile app control and monitoring
- Energy usage tracking
- Scheduled charging to align with off-peak electricity rates
Some brands offer optional subscriptions for advanced tracking, but many provide these features for free. If you’re looking to future-proof your setup, a smart charger is often worth the investment.
Are There Incentives to Help Offset the Cost?
Yes! Federal, state, and local incentives may be available to reduce your total investment. While availability varies, some homeowners qualify for:
- Federal tax credits (up to 30% of the installation cost, with a cap)
- State or utility rebates on equipment or labor
- Special time-of-use rates for EV charging
Our team at John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical is happy to help you explore available incentives in your area and guide you through the process.
Is Installing an EV Charger at Home Worth It?
For most EV owners, the answer is yes. While the upfront investment may seem steep, the long-term convenience, savings, and property value benefits often outweigh the initial cost.
Benefits include:
- Charging your vehicle overnight — no public station needed
- Lower electricity costs compared to gas
- Increased home resale value with EV-ready features
When professionally installed, your charger will be safe, reliable, and tailored to your specific vehicle and home setup — without relying on dealership pricing or limited service options.
Ready to Install Your Home EV Charger?
If you’re considering installing a home EV charger, let John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical help. We provide safe, professional installations tailored to your needs — without the markup or limitations of dealership installs. Ask us about our electrical inspections, too!
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and get your home EV-ready with confidence.
