When you own an electric vehicle, you can protect the environment and reduce your fuel costs at the same time. One small drawback to an electric vehicle is that you’ll need to charge the battery regularly.
Depending on where you live, you may not have easy access to EV charging stations. You can, however, make charging more convenient by installing an EV charger in your garage or driveway. To do this, a panel upgrade may be required.
Key Takeaways
- A 200-amp panel upgrade can handle the extra load requirements for EV chargers
- Evaluate your electrical needs before you make a decision
- Panel upgrades can increase efficiency, capacity, and safety
- Consider alternatives like load-sharing systems, EVSE, and smart panels
Why This Matters: The EV Charging Reality
EV sales are growing with each passing year. In 2024, 1.7 million electric vehicles were sold, which was an increase from 1.4 million in 2023.
Home charging is no longer optional for daily convenience. If you drive a lot and commute to work nearly every day, you may need to charge your vehicle every one to three days.
If you install an EV charger at home, you can charge the vehicle’s battery overnight. To understand the amount of capacity your electrical panel should support, consider the power demands of the different charging levels:
- Level 1: 110 volts
- Level 2: 240 volts
- Level 3: 480-500 volts
Level 3 stations typically use direct current (DC) fast charging and are often reserved for commercial applications. Home charging stations are either Level 1 or Level 2.
How EV Chargers Stress Your Electrical Panel
Your existing electrical panel is likely a 100-amp or 150-amp unit. While this is sufficient for Level 1 chargers, it may not accommodate Level 2 chargers. If you choose to upgrade to a 200-amp charger, make sure it comes with a dedicated circuit of 40-60 amps.
Let’s say that your existing panel is connected to an HVAC system, oven, dryer, and EV charger. When combined, the electrical demand of these devices could lead to an overload, which will increase the risk of a fire breaking out.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
You may need an electrical panel upgrade if you experience:
- Unexpected circuit breaker trips
- Burning smells
- Humming sounds
- Flickering lights
- Hot panel door
If your panel is older than 1990, you need to replace it. If you call an electrician to determine if an upgrade is required, ask them the following questions:
- How much will the panel replacement cost?
- Will the new panel support a Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger?
- How does the new panel’s electrical capacity compare to the old one?
- How long will it take for you to install the panel?
- Do I need to replace my electrical panel?
What a Panel Upgrade Actually Includes
If you decide to upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll receive a panel box, breakers, bus bars, neutral bars, and terminal blocks. The service drop that runs from the power pole outside to your electrical panel may be upgraded as well.
Electrical panel upgrades usually take between four to eight hours. A few electricians will be on hand to remove the existing panel, install your new one, and make sure all the circuits are wired correctly.
Alternatives to Full Panel Upgrade
Upgrading an electrical panel for EV charging can cost thousands of dollars. To avoid these costs, consider alternatives like load-sharing systems, EVSE, and smart panels. Load-sharing systems like DCC-9 and ChargePoint Home Flex are designed to monitor and cut power when the load reaches 80%.
Consider buying an EVSE charger that provides smart load management. These systems dynamically adjust the charging to ensure you don’t need to upgrade your panel.
Two additional alternatives are sub-panels and smart panels, both of which are less expensive than a full panel and service upgrade. A sub-panel is a small electrical panel that connects directly to the existing one. This solution gives you more circuits but doesn’t increase the amount of current that goes to your home. Installing a sub-panel costs anywhere from $400-$1,750.
Smart panels track your home’s energy use to more efficiently distribute the load. Buying and installing a smart panel costs $2,000-$5,000. However, it will save you more money than a sub-panel in the long run.
Cost Breakdown: Panel Upgrade vs. Alternatives
Upgrading your entire electrical panel can cost you anywhere from $1,500-$6,000. The high-end of $6,000 is mainly reserved for 400-amp upgrades. If a permit is needed for this project, you can expect to pay another $50-$300.
It’s possible that your home will need to be rewired, which can add thousands of dollars to the project cost. If you need AFCI or GFCI breakers, they can cost $40-$60 apiece. A meter box installation adds around $100-$500 to the total expenses. Below are the average costs for sub-panel and load-management systems:
- Sub-panel systems: $400-$1,750 depending on the total amps
- Load management EV system: $400-$1,000 depending on the brand and capacity
Rebates, Incentives & Tax Credits
If you’re installing a home charger, you can claim a tax credit of up to $1,000 per charging port. This credit is available through 2032. When upgrading your electric panel, you can claim a federal tax credit that covers 30% of the project cost with a maximum of $600.
Depending on where you live, you can also qualify for a local utility panel upgrade rebate. Check your state government’s website to see if these rebates are available. You can stack rebates by installing a home battery with solar panels.
How to Future-Proof Your Home
Every improvement you make to your home can save you money and reduce your home’s electrical consumption. If you’d like to future-proof your home, consider installing:
- Second EV charger
- Battery backup
- Solar panels
- ENERGY STAR electric appliances
Expert Tip: If you’re already upgrading your electrical panel, increase your future savings with solar panels or more efficient electric appliances.
Final Verdict: When to Upgrade (and When Not To)
Adding EV charging to your home can be highly beneficial. However, your current electrical panel may not be able to handle the extra load. To accommodate the charger, you can upgrade your panel, install a sub-panel, or use smart load management. If you have yet to purchase an EV charger, you can save money by selecting one that offers smart load management.
If you already have a 200-amp panel but require more circuits, consider a sub-panel. A full upgrade is recommended if your existing panel is old or you’re noticing issues like burning smells and flickering lights.
Get a load calculation from a certified electrician before you choose to upgrade your panel. Here at Mister Sparky, we offer efficient EV charger installation services. We’re Miami’s on-time electrician and support all of the surrounding areas. Don’t put up with any malarky! Call Mister Sparky today to schedule an electrical panel replacement.
FAQ Section
Do I need 200 amps for EV charging?
In most cases, a panel with 200 amps is a requirement for Level 2 chargers and homes that use a lot of electric devices.
What if I only use level 1 charging?
You may be able to get by with a 100-amp panel if you use Level 1 charging. One of our reliable electricians can inspect your panel and electrical load to determine if an upgrade is needed.
Can I DIY my EV charger install?
Installing an EV charger is challenging and requires working with electrical wiring and components. Without experience, electrical fires are more likely to develop.
Is a Tesla Wall Connector different?
A Tesla Wall Connector arguably offers faster charging speeds than other chargers. Other than that, there’s very little difference. Tesla Wall Connectors are compatible with most electric vehicles.
Will this increase my home value?
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, there’s more evidence that installing an EV charger will increase your home value. A panel upgrade can also push the value of your home higher.