How much does an EV charger unit cost?
So, you’re considering installing an EV (electric vehicle) charger at your home or business. You’ll have many factors to consider, but chief among them: how much will it cost to have one installed?
The national average cost for EV charging station installation is between $1,000 and $2,500. Still, this cost varies based on your region, the type of station you buy, and whether it is portable or hardwired into your home. If you’re planning to buy an EV charger to service your own vehicle, keep in mind that many EVs come with a Level 1 charger that you can easily plug into a typical 120-volt outlet. However, you can upgrade to a faster charging station, too.
So with that in mind, let’s break down the factors that will influence how much installing your EV charging station will cost.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 Chargers
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First, let’s break down the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. Level 1 EV chargers use your home’s existing electrical outlets and are typically much more affordable than Level 2 chargers. They can take up to 10 hours for a full charge, so they’re great for overnight charging.
Level 2 EV chargers require professional installation and are hardwired into your home or business. They provide faster charging times, usually around four to eight hours. However, they also have a higher price tag than Level 1 chargers.
Prices for Level 1 home EV chargers range from $300 to more than $1,000, not including installation costs. Prices for Level 2 chargers range from $700 to more than $1,800 for homes and up to $12,000+ for commercial installation. These prices depend on various factors, including the need for adaptors, wi-fi connectivity, weather protection, and energy needs.
Will Your Charger Be Hardwired or Plug-In?
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If you decide to go with a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to determine if it will be hardwired or plug-in. If you opt for a plug-in unit, the only installation costs associated with the charger would be for the electrician to run power from your home’s breaker box to the outlet where the charger will be plugged in. In this case, you’ll most likely need access to a 240-volt electrical outlet.
On the other hand, a hardwired unit requires a more extensive installation and is generally more expensive. In addition to running power from your home’s breaker box, an electrician must attach the charger to your home or business’s wiring system, which may require additional hours of labor and materials for installation.
Costs of Accessories
Other accessories for operating your EV charging station could contribute to your upfront costs, including surge protectors, extension cords, mounting brackets, and other supplies. Depending on the state of your home or business’s existing electric system, you may also need to install additional wiring or outlets to accommodate installing your EV charger.
Cost of Permits and Labor
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Electricians may charge by the hour or at a flat rate. Your region’s laws will determine whether permits are necessary for EV charger installation, and the cost of these permits can vary greatly depending on your locality. It is generally wise to contact a licensed electrician for an estimate before installing your charging station to ensure you get the best deal.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also need to consider the cost of permits, which could add a few hundred dollars to the project cost.
Ongoing Costs To Anticipate After Installing Your EV Charger
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Owning an EV charging unit also involves some ongoing costs. Some manufacturers charge a small monthly fee to use their cloud-based systems, while others levy fees if you want to share your charger with the public.
Most wall units have a warranty and require minimal or no ongoing maintenance. You may have to pay for repairs if your charger malfunctions or needs an upgrade, so it’s a good idea to check the warranty included with your unit.
You will also have to pay for your EV charger’s electricity unless you use solar panels or other renewable energy sources. The cost of electricity varies depending on where you live and how much you drive, but it can be a significant expense to consider when budgeting for your EV charging setup.
Finally, it’s important to remember that even the best-maintained EV chargers will eventually need replacing. As the EV industry continues to evolve, newer charging units will likely become available with more features and better performance. If you plan to keep your EV for a long time, consider how much the cost of replacing your charger may change over its lifetime.
Ways To Reduce Your EV Charger Installation Costs
You may reduce the cost of installing your EV charger by taking advantage of applicable tax credits or rebates. Many states and utility companies offer rebates and incentives to install a home charger. Check your state and local government websites for more information. You may also qualify for federal tax credits that reduce the overall cost of installation.
Additionally, you can save money if you shop around and compare different models and quotes. Many suppliers offer discounts for purchasing multiple charging units at once, so if you plan to install more than one station, look for deals to help lower the installation cost.
Regardless of upfront costs, it’s important to remember that purchasing an EV charger for your home or business will likely become a profitable long-term investment. Installing an EV charger can help you save money in the long run by reducing your reliance on expensive fuel. If you make your charger publicly available, you’ll find plenty of ways to monetize your charging station. With proper research and planning, you can be sure that your charging station will be a great addition to your home or business for years to come!
Are you interested in learning more about EV charging infrastructure? Join us at the upcoming EV Charging Summit and Expo.
Teslas have unique and exclusive adaptors for charging their vehicles, that is if you want to use a different charging station. Typically, they come equipped with a Level 1 charger that can be used with the standard 120-volt outlet. However, they also have Level 2 chargers that cost about $500. The installation cost is like that of other chargers, and it stands at a maximum of about $1,100 for a standard unit.
The costs of installation for these charging equipment also vary significantly. For example, the Level 1 charger costs between $300 to $600 before labor, which stands at about $1,000 to $1,700. The Level 2 charger goes a bit higher, with the cost increased to between $500 and $700 and labor costing about $1,200 to $2,000. For Level 3, you will need a whopping amount between $20,000 and $50,000 for parts, and labor could cost upwards of $50,000. It is worth remembering that if the installation process requires major electrical upgrades to your home, it could cost you more.
There are three types of charging stations – Level 1, Level 2, and DC (direct current). The ratings for these three charging levels are as follows:
Several factors influence the cost of installing a charging station at home or in a specific location. The key factors include the output design and the charging type. Where you are looking to install the charging port as well as the person you hire to do the job and the cost of labor will also determine the overall cost.
With this new trend, and with electric cars becoming more affordable, it becomes prudent to consider installing a charging station on the premises of your business or at home. This will give you total control over when your car gets to charge. But how much does it cost to install an electric vehicle charger?
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) is gradually growing across the globe, and the charging infrastructure for these vehicles continues to expand. By 2019, there were an estimated 7.3 million EV chargers worldwide, of which about 6.5 million units were private, installed by homeowners and those found in workplaces and apartment buildings.
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At-Home EV Charging Station Installation Costs
If your home already has a 240-volt circuit available, the basic installation will cost you between $250 and $400. However, if you choose to mount a station and run 50-amp dedicated wiring, it will cost you between $400 and $1,700. It costs between $1,500 and $4,500 to mount a new station, install a new service panel, do wiring, and equip it with a 240-volt outlet. The same goes for if there is a need for extensive wiring or if trenching and running conduit around the home are necessary.
The elevated costs are usually a result of electrical work. Electricians charge $40 to $100 an hour, and for the installation of a 240-volt and 50-amp outlet, it costs $300 to $800. A 200-amp panel upgrade costs between $1,800 and $2,500. Wiring, on the other hand, costs up to $8 per foot, and trenching is $4 to $12 per foot.
The U.S. government offers a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of a residential EV charging station. The credit grants 30% off (with a cap of $1,000 total) the purchase and installation cost of the home EV charger. You need to purchase and install the system by December 31, 2021, and claim the credit when you file for returns.
States also have rebates and incentives. For instance, California’s PG&E DCFC program covers the cost of site preparation when one buys a DC Fast EVSE charger. Better still, disadvantaged communities can receive rebates for the purchase of the vehicle. These incentives bring down the cost of purchase and installation.
Permits
The EV charging station installation needs to follow federal, state, and local building codes. At the federal level, the installation has to follow the National Electrical Code (NEC). A building permit and an electrical permit are standard in most states.
Depending on local requirements, permits could cost anywhere from $50 to slightly above $160. For example, in Fremont, California, the total cost is estimated at $162.
Garage Modification Costs
To adapt your garage for the EV charger installation, you need a 240V outlet. This is easier when you have a dedicated circuit in your main electrical panel. If your electrical panel doesn’t accommodate a 2-pole breaker, install a separate panel board.
This new system needs four additional wires, which include a ground wire, two phases, and a common wire. You may need to shift the electrical fittings in your garage to make the new system fit.
If the floor plans in your garage need some special modifications, expect to part with around $150 per square foot. This will allow the charging station to be mounted on a wall and enable the 25-foot cable to work conveniently.
Things to Consider Before Installing an EV Charger
Apart from determining whether you should install a Level 1, Level 2, or DC (Level 3) charging port, you must also consider the following:
- Type of plug and connector – This is determined by the vehicle type. If you have a Tesla, of course, you will go with the standard Tesla connector. There is also the SAE J1772, which is the standard plug for most cars in the U.S. It can be used with both Level 1 and 2 charging. You can also choose CHAdeMO, which is used for fast charging.
- Safety – Look for charging stations with UL certification. The UL certification indicates that the charger has been tested for safety. Also, ensure that pets and children are kept away from connectors and power outlets.
- Electric capacity – Always establish first if your electric panel can support EV charging. For effectiveness, a circuit of at least 32 amps must be installed in your home or garage. Check with your landlord and local authorities for permission and to comply with the set regulations.
- Cable length – Regardless of where the charging station will be installed, pay attention to the length. It should run from the wall mount to the car and should be made from a rugged and well-insulated material to prevent potential accidents.
Other things that you should consider include whether the charger will be hardwired or plugged in. EV chargers that deliver more than 40 amps need to be hardwired to ensure that the unit is directly connected to your power supply. You should also consider the cost of the equipment and the location for installation.
The Cost Benefits of EV Charging at Home
Charging at home saves you a lot in terms of cost. For one, you can take advantage of the federal support and technical assistance for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, which will greatly reduce the cost of installation. Also, compared to the cost of gas and regular maintenance of other types of vehicles, the electric types will result in significant savings in the long run. For instance, going with the average of 12.6 cents/kWh, if you charge your electric vehicle with a 100-mile range fully at home, by the time you deplete the battery, the cost will be the same as operating your central air conditioner for six hours.
Using solar panels to charge your electric vehicle will also save you a lot in the long run, in terms of electricity bills, but the up-front cost is very high.
House Options Versus Apartments and Condos
Unlike individual houses, EV charging in apartments and condos is faced with challenges such as parking, electricity access, and legal considerations. It involves working with building owners and seeking their permission before installing a station. Luckily, there are best practices and case studies that you can share with landlords for seamless installations.
In a condo or apartment, residents share the power from a single panel. Therefore, requests to connect a single EV charger will only be accepted with a strategy. Most apartments prefer to install shared charging stations for the tenants. They then assign charging spots and tenants have to pay monthly fees and the cost of electricity. Apartments can set hourly rates, kWh pricing, or any other pricing model the managers choose. For some chargers, tenants can track the availability of a charging spot through an app. Other sharing features include a waitlist, charging status, and alerts.