What to Know About Installing an EV Charger at Home

Thinking about getting a charger for your electric car at home? It's not just about plugging something into the wall. You need to pick the right charger, make sure your home's electrical system can handle it, and find someone who knows what they're doing to install it.

One of the benefits of homes with garages is the flexibility they offer. While garages are the most popular locations for home EV chargers, they’re not the only option!

Don't worry—we'll explain everything you need to know, from picking the right charger to keeping it running safely.

Tips for EV Chargers at Home

• Make sure your home's electrical panel can handle at least 7.2 kW of power
• Look for chargers with safety certification (UL/ETL), Wi-Fi connection, and a cord that's at least 20 feet long
• Hire an electrician who knows about EV chargers
• Budget $300–$800 just for installation (not counting the charger itself)
• Ask your power company about discounts or rebates
• Check your charger regularly for worn cords or loose connections

Pick the Right Charger (It Really Matters)

Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are an increasingly popular item on homebuying wishlists. However, they’re still far from common in Calgary. 

When shopping for an electric vehicle (EV) charger, focus on what matters most: how fast it can charge your car.

A 9.6 kW charger works great for most drivers. Don't go below 7.2 kW unless you want to wait forever for your car to charge. That's like having a slow internet connection when you're trying to download a movie!

What else should you look for? Safety is paramount. Make sure it has UL or ETL certification. These labels are recognized globally and across North America, respectively, and they mean the charger has been tested and is unlikely to pose a home safety hazard.

Want to control your charger from your phone? Get one with Wi-Fi. This lets you schedule charging for off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. That's an easy way to save money!

Don't forget about cord length. Whether you have a one-car or two-car garage, it’s advisable to get a cord that’s at least 20 feet long. Nothing's more annoying than a cord that's too short.

How much will this cost? Home EV chargers typically run from $1,000 to $7,500, plus $300–$800 for installation. Make sure the charger works with your specific car model for the fastest possible charging.

Check Your Home's Electrical System (Before You Buy)

After picking a charger, you need to make sure your home can actually power it. This is VERY important.

Your electrical panel needs to handle at least 7.2 kW of power for decent charging speeds. Most home chargers need between 30 and 50 amps of power. If you go with a more powerful charger, you might need new wiring or even an upgraded electrical service.

This is where you NEED a qualified electrician. They'll check your panel to see if it can handle the extra load. About 25% of homes need electrical upgrades before installing an EV charger, though recently built and new-construction homes are more likely to be equipped as-is.

You'll also need a dedicated circuit just for your charger. This means the charger gets its own power line, separate from your other appliances. Hardwired connections work better than plug-in models because they're less likely to trip your breaker.

Make sure your charger matches what your car can handle. If your car can only accept 7.2 kW, buying a 11.5 kW charger is a waste of money.

The Installation Process (Easier Than You Think)

Installing an EV charger isn't a DIY project. You need a pro who knows what they're doing.

Start by finding an electrician who specializes in EV charger installations. The Alberta Motor Association is a great resource for finding specialists and EV charger brands. The electrician will check if your home's electrical panel can handle a Level 2 charger (the kind that needs its own 30–50 amp circuit).

Next comes permits. Yes, you need them. Rules vary depending on where you live, but your electrician should handle this paperwork for you.

How long does installation take? For simple setups where everything's ready to go, maybe less than an hour. If your home needs serious electrical work, it could take a few days. Having a well-organized garage can help expedite the process.

The electrician will install a new circuit breaker, run wiring to your garage or driveway, mount the charger, and connect everything. Then they'll test it to make sure it works properly with your car.

Costs and Money-Saving Opportunities

The money part of installing an EV charger is pretty straightforward once you break it down.

First, installation costs: Expect to pay $300–$800 for a standard setup. The charger itself, depending on features and power, runs from $1,000 to $7,500.

But here's something many people don't know: about one in four homes needs electrical upgrades before installation. If that's you, costs could jump above $5,000. Get an electrician to check your panel before you buy anything!

EV charger installation is a classic example of the importance of knowing when to DIY and when to hire a professional. Unless you’re an electrician with installation experience, hire a professional.

Now for the good news: you can save money! Many power companies offer rebates or special rates for EV charging. Some even give you cheaper electricity if you charge during off-peak hours (usually late at night). 

Don't forget about tax credits. The federal government often offers tax breaks for EVs and charging equipment. These change yearly, so check what's available now.

These incentives can cut your living costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Always ask "Are there any rebates available?" before you start.

Keep It Safe and Working Well

Once your charger is installed, keeping it working safely is pretty easy. Simply add these tasks to your annual home maintenance checklist.

Check your charging cables and plugs regularly for wear and tear. Look for frayed wires, cracks, or loose connections. If you see damage, stop using it and call a pro.

Keep the charging station clean. Dust and dirt can get inside and cause problems. Just wipe it down every so often.

Your charger has built-in safety features like overcurrent protection and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which prevent electrical fires and shocks. If your charger starts acting weird—not charging properly or shutting off randomly—get it checked right away.

Know your local electrical codes and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. These rules exist to keep you safe.

Get your system checked by a pro once a year, just like you'd service your car. It's a small investment that prevents bigger problems down the road.

Bottom Line: Charging at Home Is Worth It

Getting an EV charger at home is simpler than most people think. Pick the right charger, find a good electrician, and check for rebates. That's really all it takes.

The best part? You'll wake up every morning with a fully charged car. No more stopping at charging stations or gas stations. Just get in and go.

With a bit of research and help from the right pros, you'll have reliable, safe charging right at home. It's one of those upgrades that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.