Thinking about getting an electric vehicle or already have one and are considering investing in a home charging station? You’re not alone. With EV adoption growing in Carlsbad and across San Diego, more homeowners are exploring the benefits of installing a Level 2 home EV charger.
When it comes to at-home charging options, the average homeowner has two choices: Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. A Level 1 charger uses a standard 110v outlet and typically provides about 3.5 miles of range per hour of charge. Depending on your EV’s battery size and usage, a full charge can take 8 to 30 hours—not ideal if you’re frequently on the road.
On the other hand, a Level 2 home EV charger is a game-changer. These chargers require a 240v outlet connected to a 30- to 50-amp dedicated circuit—similar to what’s used for electric ovens or dryers. With a Level 2 setup, you can expect charging speeds of 10 to 75 miles per hour, with the average being around 25 miles per hour. That means most EV batteries can be fully charged in just 4 to 12 hours—perfect for overnight charging.
Can I Install a Level 2 Home EV Charger?
The short answer is: almost always, yes. Most modern homes come with an electrical panel rated at 100 to 200 amps. To install a Level 2 home EV charger, you typically only need two available breaker slots in your panel for a double-pole breaker.
While a 100-amp panel is not ideal, with careful power usage and planning, it can be done. For example, you wouldn’t want to be running the AC, doing the laundry, and cooking dinner all while the EV is charging in the garage; it just won’t work. But charging overnight, while the rest of your home’s electrical demand is low, is usually no problem.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Room in My Panel?
No worries. If you’re out of breaker space, one cost-effective solution is to use tandem breakers. These allow two circuits to fit in a single breaker slot (as long as your panel supports them). It’s a great workaround to free up space without needing a full panel upgrade.
Of course, if budget allows, a panel upgrade is the most future-proof solution—especially if you plan on installing solar panels, a hot tub, or other high-demand appliances down the line. But panel upgrades come with their own complexities and costs, so for many homeowners, tandem breakers make sense in the short term.
How Is a Level 2 EV Charger Installed?
Once we’ve confirmed the panel has space, the next step is deciding where to place the outlet. In most installations, we run PVC conduit from the panel to the desired outlet location. We mount a surface box to the wall and pull individual wires through the conduit instead of using NM-B (Romex) through studs.
This method saves time and labor, especially if your garage walls are already finished with drywall. Pulling thick 6-3 cable through stud bays and around corners can be difficult and more expensive. By using conduit, we reduce the mess and minimize any wall repair after installation.
The general rule? The closer to the panel the better, if possible, this saves on materials (copper isn’t cheap) and labor cost (neither am I). Once the wires are pulled and connected, we wire up the breaker, secure the panel, and you’re good to go. Easy peasy lemon squeezy you got a Level 2 home EV charger in your home.
Installing a Level 2 home EV charger is one of the best decisions you can make if you own or plan to buy an electric vehicle. It’s faster, more convenient, and adds value to your home. Whether you’re in Carlsbad or anywhere in the greater San Diego area, EMP Handyman & Renovation can help you get charged.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a quote for your Level 2 home EV charger installation.
