How Much to Install Tesla Charger in Home
December 2, 2020
Approved by Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
Written by HomeAdvisor.
Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost
The national average for installing a standard electric vehicle charging station ranges between $464 and $1,126, while the median cost is $794 each. The price of the stations alone runs $400 to $2,000, depending on whether you choose a Level 1 or a Level 2. Hardwiring a Level 2 or installing a circuit for plug-in types adds another $500 to $1,500.
An electric vehicle charging station, a type of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), comes in both portable plug-in styles and direct wire units. They're also available in three levels. The first offers a cord that plugs into a 120-volt standard 20-amp circuit and generally comes with your car. The second needs a 240-volt on a 40- to 100-amp circuit but reduces charging time by almost half. You won't find many Level 3 stations, which charge three times as fast as a Level 2, in most homes. Tesla vehicles use a Level 3 and can charge in about an hour.
On This Page
- EV Charging Station Cost Calculator
- Electric Car Charging Station Costs by Type
- Level 1 Station
- Level 2 Charging Station Cost
- Level 3 Charging Station Cost
- Tesla Home Charging Station Installation Cost
- At-Home EV Charging Station Installation Costs
- Permits
- Garage Remodeling
- Additional Features
- Advantages of Adding an EV Charger In Your Home
- Public Charging Station Rates
- Tax Incentives
- Top Brands of Chargers
- JuiceBox Pro 40
- Webasto TurboCord
- ClipperCreek
- What to Consider Before Installing
- FAQs
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,218 HomeAdvisor members in .
Electric cars use electricity instead of gas so a fill-up means 30 minutes to 30 hours and the electricity to charge them. Because these vehicles don't rely on traditional fuels, public charging areas aren't widely available everywherw, yet. For now, you'll want to hire a local electrician to install one in your house so that you don't need to rely on public stations.
Electric Car Charging Station Costs
The average cost of $464 and $1,126 includes the cost of the units and installation. For residential installations, you'll choose between a Level 1 or 2 residential type. Commercial properties can choose among Level 1, 2 or 3.
A Level 1 uses a standard household 120-volt circuit, common in most garages. A Level 2 unit uses a 240-volt circuit, the same that an electric stove or dryer uses. These aren't commonly available in a garage. While they charge much faster than a Level 1, you'll probably need to add a circuit. Circuit installation costs $700 on average.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 - $600 | $500 - $2,200 | $20,000 |
| Amps | 20 | 40 | 500 |
| Volts | 120 | 240 | 480 - 800 |
| kW | 1.4 | 6.2 – 7.6 | Up to 150 |
| Charge Per Hour | 4 - 5 miles | 12 - 60 miles | 250 - 300 miles |
Level 1: 120V
| Station | $300 - $600 |
| Parts & Labor | $0 - $1,700 |
| Charging Time | 8 - 12 hours, depending on car battery |
According to the hierarchy, a Level 1 charging station is nothing complex. It uses a standard 120-volt circuit that you'll find in any garage. Your car comes with a Level 1 cable, which plugs in to a standard wall socket, much like plugging in your phone to charge. While cheap, it'll take far longer to charge your car than a Level 2.
Level 2: 240V
| Station | $500 - $2,200 |
| Parts & Labor | $1,200 - $3,300 |
| Charging Time | 4 - 6 hours |
Level 2 charging ports use 240-volt circuits, cost about $500 to $2,200 just for the unit. It comes in both direct wire and portable plug in designs. It'll charge your car up to ten times as fast as a Level 1 EVSE. They're the most common type to find in public parking lots. Level 2 charger installation costs vary proportionally to amperage and the cable's length.
Level 3: Commercial Only
| Station | $20,000 - $50,000 |
| Parts & Labor | $50,000+ |
| Charging Time | 20 - 30 minutes for 80% |
Level 3 equipment costs exponentially more than Levels 1 or 2 since it's designed for commercial use. They work by overriding a car's onboard charger and supplying power directly to the battery. Level 3s were designed for commercial use and aren't available for home installations.
Compare Estimates From Local EV Charging Station Installers
Tesla Charger Installation Costs
Want a fast charge for your Tesla? Get a home wall connector for roughly $500. Each one handles 208- to 240-volt power supplies on a 60- to 90-amp circuit that requires a trained electrician to install. Electricians typically charge $50 to $100 per hour, meaning the total cost of installing a Tesla wall connector ranges between $630 and $1,100 for a basic unit.
Teslas, including the Model S and Model X series, include Level 1 adaptors and wall connections but typically also comes a more powerful 240-volt connection and one cord for public stations.
Tesla owners get to use the commercial standard, the Tesla Supercharger for free. It uses a 480-volt system to quickly power vehicles within one hour while a 20-minute session gets you about an 80% charge. You can't install this at home because you'll need industrial grade electrical capacity.
At-Home EV Charging Station Installation Costs
| Add-Ons | Avg. Prices |
|---|---|
| Labor Charges for Electricians | $50 - $100 per hour |
| Wi-Fi | $100 - $200 |
| Cost to Install Wiring | $6 - $8 per foot |
| 100-Amp Wall Connection | $150 - $350 |
EV charging station costs vary based on labor, wiring and additional features requested by the homeowner. Most of your cost comes from labor and the unit itself but keep a few add-ons in mind.
Permits
The $100 to $200 you'll spend on permits does't significantly change the price but may affect how quickly the work gets done. Both business owners and homeowners need permits to make changes to structures and electrical lines, but it'll vary by location. Always check with your local permitting office before starting work. Below is a breakdown of the most common prices for each section of the request.
- Application: $40-$60
- Electrical Permit: $80-$100
- Additional Handling Charges: $20-$40
Garage Modification Costs
"New codes in California require all new home construction to include wiring for EV chargers, and other national codes are considering this requirement as well. To future-proof your home, pre-wire for an EV charger when you build/remodel your garage or build a new home even if you don't have an electric car (yet)."Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
When planning your purchase, make sure to keep in mind the circuits available in your garage. Most garages don't come with a 240-volt, 20 -to 100-amp circuit. You'll need to install one for $500 to $1,500 or include a circuit as part of the average garage remodel cost of $13,600.
Charging stations come rated for both indoor and outdoor use. If you don't have a garage, get a unit with a NEMA rating of at least 3, but most manufacturers rate them to a 4.
If you'd rather have an indoor unit and no garage, you'll have to build one. A new garage costs most homeowners over $27,700.
Additional Features
The breaker box used by the system can also increase or lower the total price. Most of these systems require a 240-volt circuit, and if the home needs a new breaker capable of transporting this level of energy, the price will rise. The wires that run from the breaker box to the system can also raise the price, especially if the system needs new or longer wires.
Most people will also need to look at the type of system they use, and the added features included in the product. A Wi-Fi-enabled system will usually cost more than another without Wi-Fi. Some systems use a single cord that users can plug into any outlet and then into their vehicles, but others are more complicated and require a breaker box and a permanent electric connection.
Get Real Local Quotes From Electricians In Your Area
Advantages of Adding an EV Charger at Home
Public Charging Station Rates
Public charging stations charge $0.11 to $0.15 per kilowatt-hour or $2 to $8 for a complete fill up. The range comes from charging prices fluctuating with both the current cost of energy and the time of day. As demand soars throughout the day, so can the premiums of charging your battery.
It's always cheapest to charge at home whenever you can. You'll make back the cost of installation quickly by not charging in public places. But you'll still pay for the electricity you use from your home.
You have three main public charging options:
- Pay as you go. In this model, you simply pay when you fill up. Be aware that many places charge an idling fee – when you're hooked up and not charging. This promotes good charging practices so chargers are available to driveres who need them.
- Monthly subscriptions. Not a popular method, but some networks offer a monthly subscription to use their stations or get a discount.
- Offered perk. Many office blocks and some parking garages now offer free charging or include it as part of lease agreements or monthly parking fees.
Tax Incentives
Those interested in driving electric cars may be able to take advantage of tax incentives. The federal government offers incentives of up to $7,500 for those who purchase hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Plug It America worked with the government to create incentives for those who add home units as well. This program lets home and business owners deduct 30% of the cost of installing a charging station, and it lets them get back up to $1,000 of the total amount they spent on the installation.
These incentives may expire on December 31, 2020, if not extended. Check the U.S. Department of Energy's website for more details.
Reliability
An at-home charging station means you can fuel your car any time you want without looking for a public port. There is always a high risk of running out of power before you get to the next port. Having one at home can ensure that you maintain steady power levels and can refill the battery overnight.
Top Brands and Costs of Electric Chargers
There are numerous types of home stations available on the market. Personal use models typically ranges between 110 and 240 volts and require you to hire an electrician to install. Many of the products can be installed in garages or even outdoors, and some come with additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity or connections to systems like Amazon Echo. Some of the most popular models for sale include the JuiceBox Pro 40, the Webasto TurboCord and the ClipperCreek.
The JuiceBox Pro 40
The JuiceBox Pro 40 Level 2 unit costs between $550 and $700 for the standard equipment. This product was designed for quick use and operates as a 40 amp, 10KW EV charging station. People who use this home device need to install a 14-50R outlet, although it can also be purchased with adaptors that work in regular outlets. Individuals interested in this product need to contact a professional to ensure their electrical systems can handle the required amperage. The JuiceBox Pro 40 works with most standard electric cars, excluding Tesla models.
The Webasto TurboCord
This is the official Level 2 home charging cord and station for most of the major models and manufacturers in the industry. It requires a 240-volt system and can be bought for $300 to $400. The TurboCord remains a rigorously tested model and has made home charging stations for over 20 years. This brand is UL-listed, does not require mounting or reconstruction in a garage, and can be used with a regular outlet if people use a 120-volt adaptor, meaning there are little to no electrician costs.
ClipperCreek
The ClipperCreek series offers Level 2 chargers from 16 to 40 amps for both portable plug in and direct wire installations for $300 to $1,400. They all require a 240-volt connection. ClipperCreek follows rigorous safety standards and can be used with most electric car makes and models.
Consult a Local Pro When Choosing a Charging Station For Your Home
Things to Consider Before Installing
- Cost of the hardware. Shoppers can find the hardware and components needed for installation at most home improvement stores, but they'll need a professional to install an EV station.
- Portability of the equipment. You can choose between a direct wire or portable unit.
- Your electrical service to your home is only rated for a maximum of so many amps, usually between 150 and 300. If you go over that you could overpower your home's electrical system. You may need a "service upgrade", which could add a few thousand dollars to your bill. Check with a licensed electrician to determine your needs.
- Cord length. You typically get a 16- or 25-foot-long cord (or standard and long). Consider that you might own more than one EV soon and plan accordingly.
FAQs
What is a charging station?
This device consists of one or more units that look like the pumps found in a traditional gas station. A user can simply pull up, remove the hose from the unit, and plug the cord right into the outlet on the vehicle. It takes just a few minutes for the battery to begin charging, though it takes longer for the vehicle to fill completely. Pay stations give drivers the option of paying each time they need to use one, but they can also select a monthly subscription rate that gives them a set amount of usage each month.
Who needs an EV charging station in their home?
Anyone who drives or owns an electric vehicle needs a charging station. Even if you live in a heavily populated area, there is no guarantee that you'll reach one before your vehicle runs out of power. Having one at home means you can plug in at night and wake to a full battery. You can also use it to check your car's power level.
Hire an Electrician for your EV station
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How Much to Install Tesla Charger in Home
Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/garages/install-an-electric-vehicle-charging-station/