Installing a home EV charger: panel, permit and what to ask
Updated 2026-10-20
A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit. The big question is whether your electrical panel has room, which decides whether you need a panel upgrade or a load-management device.
Start with your panel
Open your electrical panel door and take a photo of the label and the breakers. The main breaker size (often 100, 125 or 200 amps) and the free space tell an electrician whether a charger fits as-is.
If the panel is full, options include a load-management device that shares capacity with other appliances, a smaller charging circuit, or a panel upgrade, which may need PG&E to schedule a shutoff.
What a proper install includes
- A load calculation for your home
- A dedicated circuit sized for the charger
- A city permit and inspection
- The right outdoor-rated equipment if it's outside
Questions to ask your electrician
- Can my panel handle it, or do I need load management or an upgrade?
- How far is the run from the panel to the parking spot?
- Is the permit included?
- Are there utility or manufacturer rebates for my charger?
Ready for a electrician?
Send one request with photos. A person at SVHN reads it and sends it to one local pro. Free for homeowners.
Questions
Do I need a Level 2 charger?
A regular outlet (Level 1) adds only a few miles of range per hour. If you drive more than about 30–40 miles a day, Level 2 is much more convenient.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; check with your city or the agency linked above.