How Much Does An Electric Car Charging Station Cost?

Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost

An electric car charging station installation costs $750 to $2,600 for a Level 2 charger, 240-volt outlet, wiring, and wall mounting. Some EV charger installations cost $2,000 to $5,000 for extensive wiring or if the electrical panel needs upgrading. Tesla charger installation costs $1,000 to $1,700 total.

*Complex installs add $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost. Learn more

Quick Facts

• Level 2 home charging stations fill an EV’s battery 4 to 6 times faster than a standard electrical wall outlet.
• Charging an electric vehicle at home costs $3 to $8 per fill-up vs. $7 to $36 at public charging stations.
• Charging an average of 30 miles per night increases an electric bill by $25 to $35 per month.
• Charging stations are eligible for a federal 30% tax credit for purchase and installation costs, up to $1,000.
• Many utility companies provide rebates of up to 50% on the purchase and installation of Level 2 home charging stations.

Average Cost to Install Vehicle Charging Station

The following is the average cost for a Level 2 charging station and installing a 240v outlet, wiring, and wall mounting.

Electric Car Charging Stations Cost

Electric car charging stations cost $350 to $900 on average for a Level 2 home charger, without installation. EV charging stations cost $550 to $2,000 with higher amps for faster charging or dual vehicle support.

*Prices not including installation.

• Level 1 chargers use a standard 120V household outlet that is common in garages, but provides slow charging speeds.
• Level 2 charging stations need a 240V outlet and circuit like an electric stove or dryer uses.
• Level 3, known as DC Fast Charging stations, charge up to ten times faster than Level 2 stations and are for commercial use.

Level 1 EV Charger (120-Volt)

A Level 1 EV charger costs $80 to $180, but is typically replaced free with the vehicle’s warranty. EVs come with a Level 1 charger that uses a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 1 trickle chargers only deliver 2 to 5 miles per hour of charging and takes 8 to 25 hours to fill an EV battery.

*Requires installing a new outlet if the existing outlet is more than 25 feet away.

Level 2 Charging Station Cost (240-Volt)

A 240-volt Level 2 charging station costs $350 to $900 on average. The average cost to install a Level 2 charger is $400 to $1,700. Level 2 EV chargers fully charge an EV battery in 4 to 10 hours and include app monitoring, thermal regulation, and programmable scheduling.

*Requires installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit that handles 30, 40, or 50 amps.

Level 3 Charging Station Cost (DC Fast)

A Level 3 charging stations costs $10,000 to $40,000. The average cost to install a Level 3 DC Fast charging station is $4,000 to $50,000. Level 3 charging stations are reserved for public and commercial networks and charge an EV battery to full in 30 to 60 minutes.

Charging Station Considerations

An EV charging station is a type of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that comes in many styles and options. Before buying a charging station, consider the following:

• Portability – Hardwired Level 2 charging stations are permanently fixed to the wall, while plug-in units are portable.
• Wi-Fi Enabled – Wi-Fi enabled units have app monitoring and scheduling, and are eligible for rebates from utility providers by sharing charger data.
• Outlet Location & Cord Length – Longer cables allow maneuvering around the vehicle or charging the car while parked in the driveway.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Rating – EV charging stations are rated NEMA 3, 4, or 6 to indicate their weather and water resistance. NEMA 3 chargers are suitable for indoor garage use. NEMA 4 or 6 chargers have higher weatherproofing for indoor and outdoor use.
• Future-Proofing – Plan for future vehicle purchases by installing at least a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit for faster charging.
• Dual Charging & Powersharing – Homes with two electric vehicles need a dual charging station or two separate stations. Models with a powershare feature automatically balance the electricity load from two chargers on one circuit.
• Maintenance & Warranty – EV charging stations include a limited 1 to 3-year parts and labor warranty, depending on the brand and model. Modifications performed by unauthorized service providers will void the charger’s warranty.

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Tesla Charger Installation Cost

A Tesla Wall Connector home charger costs $500, without installation. Tesla charger installation costs $500 to $1,200 on average, including adding a new circuit. NEMA adapters cost $35 to $45 and allow Teslas to plug into other Level 2 EV chargers.

• Tesla Wall Connectors are Wi-Fi enabled, charge up to 44 miles of range per hour (up to 20X faster than a standard outlet), and are compatible with the Model S, Model X and Model 3.
• The Tesla Mobile Connector is a Level-1 charger included with a new Tesla for use with standard 120-volt household outlets.

Tesla Supercharger Costs

Tesla Supercharger charging stations cost $0.28 per kWh or from $0.13 to $0.26 per minute, depending on the location. A full recharge to 250 miles costs about $23. Idle fees cost $0.50 to $1.00 per minute to any car occupying a Supercharger once the charge session is complete.

• Some locations charge per kWh (kilowatts per hour) while others use per-minute pricing. Specific locations offer on-peak and off-peak rates.
• In urban areas, Superchargers deliver 72 kW of power with an average charging session lasting 45 to 50 minutes. Limited V3 Superchargers deliver 250 kW and cut charging times in half.

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Home EV Charger Installation Costs

EV charger installation costs depend on the distance between the electrical panel and the charging station, the electrical panel's capacity, wall mounting the charger, if trenching is required around the home or to a detached garage, and permits.

*Installation costs only. Does not include charging station.

Electrician Costs To Install EV Charger

Electrical work is the biggest cost factor when installing an EV charging station. Many older homes require electrical upgrades to supply enough power to the station.

• Electrician – Installing a Level 2 EV charging station requires a professional electrician who evaluates the existing electrical capacity and makes any necessary upgrades. Electrician hourly rates are $40 to $100.
• Electrical Circuit and Outlet – Installing a new 240-volt circuit and 50-amp outlet costs $300 to $800 on average. Level 2 charging stations require adding a dedicated 240-volt circuit to the electrical panel. Plug-in models use a 30, 40, or 50-amp outlet wired to the circuit.
• Wiring – Electrical wiring costs $6 to $8 per linear foot to run wiring from the electrical panel to the wall where the EV charging station is installed.
• Electrical Capacity – If the electrical panel doesn’t have the capacity to handle a new 240-volt circuit, the panel needs upgrading. Electrical panel replacement costs $1,800 to $2,500 for a 200-amp panel.
• Underground Trenching – Homes with a detached garage may need trenching to run conduit to the garage wall. Trenching costs $4 to $12 per linear foot, not including the wiring.
• Garage Remodeling – Outdated, damaged, or old garages may need repairs and renovations that cost $1,000 to $5,000 on average. Building a new garage costs $35 to $60 per square foot.

EV Charger Permits

An electrical permit costs $50 to $200 on average to install an EV charging station at home, depending on local requirements. Many utility companies offer rebates to cover the permit cost.

Additional Accessories

Additional charger accessories include a Wi-Fi booster, cable organizer, and pedestal mount.

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Costs of Setting Up An EV Charging Station

Setting up a Level 2 charger at home provides convenience, reliability, and saves up to 70% over public station rates and membership fees. A home charging station is always available and enables refilling the battery overnight and starting the day on a full charge.

Cost To Charge Electric Car

The average cost to charge an electric car is $0.03 to $0.04 per mile, $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, and between $3 and $8 for a full fill up. An electric car raises your electric bill by $25 to $35 per month for charging an average of 30 miles per night.

*Costs vary by state, utility company, type of electric vehicle, and time of day. New England areas have higher electricity costs, while states in the South are slightly lower than average.

Many utility companies offer time-of-use plans that allow cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours or separate plans for household and EV charging.

Public EV Charging Stations Cost

The average cost of charging an electric car at a public station is $0.28 to $0.79 per kWh, from $1.50 to $3.60 per hour, or between $7 and $36 for a full charge. A charging membership costs $4 to $8 per month and typically saves 10% compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.

• There are 30,000 public charging stations around the U.S. operated by charging networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, Blink, Electrify America, and Tesla. In comparison, there are 168,000 gas stations.
• Most charging stations only provide Level 2 charging, while 20% offer Level 3 DC Fast Charging, which takes 30 to 60 minutes to charge fully.
• Public stations charge an idling fee of $0.40 to $1.30 per minute for leaving a vehicle plugged in after the maximum allowed time or after the battery is fully charged.
• Charge for free at stations available in many parking garages, shopping centers, and office parks.
• Apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub help EV drivers find nearby public charging stations across all networks.

Charging Station Tax Credit

Electric vehicle charging stations are eligible for a federal 30% tax credit for purchase and installation costs, up to $1,000 for residential and $30,000 for commercial. Electric car owners may also qualify for incentives offered by state and local governments and utility companies:

• Rebates – Most utility companies provide rebates of up to 50% on the purchase and installation of Level 2 home charging stations. Wi-fi enabled stations are more likely to be eligible because utility companies use the data to distribute electricity more efficiently.
• Discounted Registration and Title Fees – Some states provide EV buyers with discounts on sales tax, registration fees, and title fees.
• Access to Carpool Lanes – Many states give EV owners access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
• Discounted Parking – Some cities and local businesses offer free public parking for EVs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a searchable database of incentives to help EV owners find rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives they’re eligible for based on location.

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Electric Car Charging Point Cost By Brand

An electric car charging point costs $350 to $900 on average, depending on the brand and features. The best EV charging station brands are Juicebox Pro, Webasto TurboCord, ClipperCreek, and ChargePoint. Top features include longer cables, fast charging, programmable scheduling, durability, and an outdoor rating.

JuiceBox Pro

The JuiceBox Pro costs $570 to $900 and is available in 32 and 40 amp hardwired and plug-in models featuring dynamic LED status lights and a 25-foot cable. JuiceBox Pro chargers are wi-fi enabled and include a companion smartphone app and an online control dashboard.

Webasto TurboCord & TurboDX

A Webasto EV charger costs $170 for the 240-volt model or $500 for a dual 120/240-volt model. The portable Webasto charging system features 16-amp charging, a 20-foot cable, quick-read LED status indicator lights, built-in safety features, and the strongest weatherproofing available (NEMA 6P).

ClipperCreek

ClipperCreek charging stations cost $330 to $970. They’re customizable with four different plug options and include a 25-foot cable, built-in cable management system, NEMA 4 indoor/outdoor rating, and a 3-year warranty. ClipperCreek has been making home EV chargers longer than any other brand.

ChargePoint Charging Station Cost

A ChargePoint charging station costs $600 to $870 and is available in Wi-Fi enabled hardwired or plug-in models adjustable from 16 to 50 amps. ChargePoint’s app lets EV owners schedule charges, set reminders to plug in, monitor their charging data, and use Alexa voice control.

Siemens VersiCharge

A Siemens Level 2 charging station costs $340 to $760 and features LED status indicator lights and a programmable smart delay of 2/4/6/8 hours. The VersiCharge can be hardwired or plugged-in and is available with a 14-foot or 20-foot cable.

Bosch EV Solutions

Bosch EV car charging stations cost $450 to $1,360 and are either hardwired or plugged-in. They feature LED status indicator lights and built-in thermal regulation for safety. Bosch EV chargers are available in 18-foot and 25-foot cable models rated for indoors and outdoors.

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What Is A Charging Station?

An EV charging station supplies power to an electric car’s battery. Level 2 home charging stations fill an EV’s battery 4 to 6 times faster than a standard electrical wall outlet. Commercial Level 3 stations, also known as DC Fast Charging stations, fill most EV batteries in under an hour.

How Do Electric Charging Stations Work?

Electric vehicles use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, much like a cellphone. EV charging stations work by converting AC electricity from the home’s electric service panel into DC power for the battery.

Are Home Charging Stations Safe?

Home charging stations certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) and Intertek (ETL) undergo rigorous testing and are entirely safe when installed by a professional electrician. No electricity flows through the station’s cord until it’s connected to the vehicle.

Can I Plug My Electric Car Into A Regular Outlet?

An electric car can be plugged into a regular 120-volt outlet. A Level 1 EV charger should have a dedicated outlet and circuit on the home’s electric service panel. However, installing a Level 2 station with 240-volt outlet charges 4 to 6 times faster.

Who Installs Electric Car Charging Stations?

Licensed electricians install electric car charging stations by making any necessary upgrades to the home’s electrical service panel and wiring. Tesla and Chevrolet certify electricians who are specially trained to install their Level 2 charging stations.

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

Electric car batteries last 10 to 20 years on average before they need to be replaced. Most manufacturers provide a five to eight-year warranty on the battery. Charging EV batteries over and over affects the amount of charge the battery can hold over time.

How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car?

An electric car takes 8 to 40 hours to charge the battery to full with a Level 1 charger and 4 to 10 hours with a Level 2 charging station. The charging time for Level 3 DC Fast Chargers is 30 to 60 minutes, but are only available commercially.

Should You Charge Your EV Every Night?

An EV battery does not need to be charged every night, or even to fully charged. Charging your EV a few nights a week is common with regular driving habits of 30 to 50 miles per day. Smart charging stations can delay charging until the middle of the night to get lower off-peak utility rates.

Can I Leave My EV Plugged In Overnight?

You can leave an EV plugged in overnight without risking any damage to the battery. Electric vehicles have a built-in monitoring system that automatically slows the charge rate as the battery gets closer to full, eliminating any risk of overcharging.

Is Fast Charging Bad For Electric Cars?

Occasional fast charging is not bad for electric cars, but frequent fast charging reduces the EV battery’s lifespan. Fast Charging should be reserved for emergencies or longer trips. Charging at home or Level 2 public charging stations extends the battery’s lifespan by two to three years.

Can I Install My Own EV Charging Point?

Installing a Level 2 EV charging point requires running wire from a dedicated 240-volt circuit to a new 50-amp outlet. It is always safest to hire a professional electrician to install the charging station.

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Hiring an EV Charging Station Installer

Installing a Level 2 charging station at home requires hiring a professional electrician near you. Follow these tips and ask the right questions to find the best pro for the job:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
• Look for electricians with experience installing EV charging stations.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for a written contract and warranty.
• Get a full breakdown of all costs involved.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask EV Charging Station Installers

• How long have you been installing EV charging stations?
• How many EV charging stations have you installed?
• Can you provide references of past work?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What costs are associated with the installation?
• Can you provide a detailed quote of materials, labor, and costs by line item?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• What’s your payment schedule?

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