How Much Does Electric Car Charging Installation Cost in 2025?

Normal Range: $551 - $1,384

EV charging installation costs an average of $965

How we get this data
Car plugged into charging station
Photo: scharfsinn86 / Adobe Stock
Car plugged into charging station
Photo: scharfsinn86 / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • On average, EV charger installation costs $965, with most projects costing between $551 and $1,384. However, the cost can range from as low as $300 to as high as $2,500.

  • Electric car charging installation cost factors include charging station type, garage modifications, and labor costs.

  • Level 2 chargers offer faster, more reliable charging than Level 1.

  • Reduce EV charger costs by placing it close to your electrical box or using government incentives.

  • Hiring a professional to install your EV charging station ensures safety compliance and proper project execution.

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This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average electric vehicle (EV) charger installation costs $965, with most projects ranging between $551 and $1,384. The overall cost depends on factors like your location and the type of charging station you choose. A Level 1 station costs $300 to $600, while a Level 2 station can cost up to $2,000, not including installation.

EV chargers come in three levels, though only two are available for residential installation. Each level has different voltages, features, and price ranges that can significantly impact your total cost. Labor costs can account for 200% or more of the total project cost for more advanced and complex setups. Hiring a professional for your EV charger installation project is highly recommended for safety reasons and to ensure a proper setup.

Electric Car Charging Installation Cost Factors

Several factors will affect the final price of installing an EV charger in your home, including the charging station level, any necessary modifications to your home or garage, permit costs, and labor prices.

Charging Station Level

Residential homeowners have two options for their home EV charging stations: Level 1 and Level 2. There is also a Level 3 station, but it’s only available for commercial locations. Here are the cost ranges for each type and some background information to help decide on the right installation for your home.

Charging Station LevelDescriptionAverage Cost (Unit Only)
Level 1Uses a standard 120V outlet; slow charging speed$300–$600
Level 2Requires a 240V outlet; faster charging$700–$2,000

Level 1

Level 1 charging stations cost between $300 and $600 for the unit, plus minimal installation costs. These chargers can often be installed by the homeowner and are sometimes provided for free with a new EV purchase. While they are the most affordable option, Level 1 chargers are also the slowest. They plug directly into a standard 120-volt AC outlet, eliminating the need for a dedicated charging station.

If your home has only 15-amp circuits or the outlet is not conveniently located near where you park, you may need to hire an electrician for installation, which can cost at least $400.

Level 1 chargers provide an average power output of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW, equating to three to five miles of EV range per hour. This means fully charging your electric vehicle can take over three and a half days using a standard outlet. Level 1 chargers are suitable for light use or hybrid vehicles, but are less ideal for regular use of a fully electric vehicle.

Level 2 

Installing a Level 2 EV charging station costs between $700 and $2,000. The price of a Level 2 station will vary depending on your home’s current electrical setup. If you already have the 240V plug needed to supply power to your L2 station, your installation costs will be on the lower side. If your home needs all new rewiring (essentially starting from scratch), you’ll be paying much more to your local electrician.

For serious residential charging of 100% electric vehicles, Level 2 charging stations are your best bet. They charge your vehicle much, much faster, making them the most practical option for all-electric vehicles that are used often. You can also get L2 stations capable of charging two vehicles at once.

Level 2 chargers provide your EV with approximately 12 to 80 miles of range per hour, meaning an overnight charge typically fills a fully depleted battery. These charging stations require some electrical work. They plug into a 50-amp (minimum) 208-240V dedicated circuit and require a costly and heavy supply line from the breaker box, which accounts for the price increase.

Permits

Expect to spend $100 to $200 on permits for your EV charger installation. Always check with your local permitting office before starting work.

Garage Modifications

Most garages don't have a 240V, 20- to 100-amp circuit. Installing one costs between $800 and $2,000 for panel upgrades, plus an additional $500 to $1,500 for rewiring the circuit. Many homeowners choose to include this work as part of a complete garage remodel, especially if they need to create space for the charging station. Alternatively, you can install a charger outside if you prefer, but you'll still need the additional circuit for a Level 2 setup.

Cabling, Wi-Fi, and Additional Features

The wires running from the breaker box to the charging system can increase your overall cost, especially if you need new or longer wiring. Many modern charging stations include Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to check charging stats from your phone. Adding built-in smart features like Wi-Fi can increase the cost of an EV charger by $200 to $600 over the base model.

Some chargers also offer additional features, such as invoicing functions and energy usage tracking, which can be helpful for work vehicles.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Outdoor installations may incur additional costs for weatherproofing and extended wiring. A basic weatherproof cover costs an average of $50, while a heavy-duty, lockable enclosure can cost up to $20. Outdoor stations must be more weather-resistant than indoor ones, and some outdoor locations may require customized cable lengths due to the distance from the home. Additional security often includes a holster to protect the cable, and some homeowners choose to build a roof over their outdoor charging station for extra protection from the elements.

Labor

For both Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger installations, expect professional labor costs for hiring an electrician to range from $400 to $1,200.

Does EV Charger Installation Increase Home Value?

Electric vehicles are a relatively new technology, so data on EV chargers adding to home value is limited. However, installing an EV charger can boost your home's value now and will likely become even more valuable as more people adopt EVs in the future. To get the best possible return on investment, it's recommended to invest in a quality professional installation of a Level 2 charging system, as these offer the most versatile benefits to potential homebuyers.

Budgeting for Installing an EV Charger

Installing anything beyond a basic plug-in Level 1 EV charger can be expensive. Here are a few ways to reduce costs:

  • Check if you qualify for local, state, or federal incentives to install an EV charger; these can significantly offset costs.

  • Research different brands and types of EV chargers to ensure you're paying only for the features and power output you need.

  • Position your charger as close as possible to your electrical box to minimize wiring costs.

  • Install your EV charger during other renovations, such as garage remodeling, to save on labor costs.

  • Coordinate with neighbors to get multiple EV chargers installed by the same contractor for a discounted rate.

  • Consider investing in solar panels to charge your EV off-grid and save on utility bills over time.

  • Use free EV charging stations when available, even if you have a charger at home.

DIY vs. Hiring an EV Installation Pro

Homeowners can often install Level 1 charging stations, provided they’re comfortable with tackling the project. For Level 2 stations, your best bet is to hire a local electrician to install your EV charger. They have the expertise to safely and efficiently handle the electrical components and ensure a proper installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can keep your electric vehicle powered on while it's connected to a charging station. Operating your EV during charging doesn't interrupt the process because the energy flows independently of the vehicle's systems. You can use your car’s safety features, climate controls, and onboard entertainment without negatively affecting the charge.

All electric vehicles in North America, except for those made by Tesla, share a common connector design. This means that non-Tesla EVs use the standardized J1772 (or “J-Plug”) for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, ensuring uniform compatibility. Level 3 chargers incorporate three distinct plug standards, including the proprietary Tesla plug, the CHAdeMO plug used by Nissan and Mitsubishi, and the Combined Charging System(CCS) that all other manufacturers employ. Nissan has committed to transitioning away from CHAdeMO toward the CCS plug.

The drawbacks of fully electric vehicles include a limited driving range and extended charging times. Fully electric vehicles operate with a limited battery capacity that restricts the distance they can travel between charges, and recharging takes significantly longer than refueling a gasoline vehicle.

EVs can drive 250 miles or more on a single charge and require charging times ranging from 30 minutes using a Level 3 charger to 12 hours with a Level 2 charger, with Level 1 options extending charging time to as long as three days.

You can charge your electric vehicle with a standard 120-volt household outlet, but this is limited to Level 1 charging. Charging with a 120-volt outlet powers the EV slowly and does not provide the rapid energy delivery of a 220–240V outlet, which is essential for faster charging with a Level 2 charger. Using a household outlet requires extended charging periods and careful scheduling for full battery restoration.

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