EV Charger Consultation
Before buying a charger or calling an electrician, a 45-minute consultation tells you exactly what your home needs, what it costs, and what incentives you're leaving on the table.
Remote from $49.99, on-site from $99.99 (includes panel assessment).
You bought an EV. You're still charging at 120V. Your car takes 3 days to fully charge. There is a faster way.
What to have ready for the consultation:
- •Your main breaker amp rating (written inside the panel door)
- •Where you'd like the charger located (garage wall, exterior, carport)
- •Your EV make and model (affects charging speed recommendations)
- •Your approximate daily driving distance
- •Whether you own or rent (rental may require landlord permission for installation)
What the consultation covers
Five topics, tailored to your specific home, vehicle, and utility.
What Level 2 actually means -- and whether you need it
Level 1 (standard 120V outlet): 3--5 miles of range per hour. If you drive under 30 miles/day, this may be sufficient. Level 2 (240V, 16A--48A): 18--35 miles per hour. For most EV owners, Level 2 is the right choice -- your car charges overnight and is full by morning regardless of how depleted it was. The question isn't whether Level 2 is better (it is). The question is what amperage you need, and that depends on your battery size and daily driving pattern.
Panel capacity assessment -- what fits your current electrical setup
A Level 2 charger adds a significant load to your home's electrical system. The assessment covers: main breaker rating (100A, 200A, or 400A), current load estimate from existing circuits, available breaker slots, panel age and manufacturer (some older panels -- Federal Pacific, Zinsco -- are safety concerns independent of the EV charger). We tell you exactly what your panel can support and what, if anything, needs to be upgraded before installation.
Charger selection: network vs non-network, hardwired vs plug-in
Smart networked chargers (ChargePoint Home Flex, JuiceBox 40, Emporia EV) connect to WiFi and provide scheduling, energy monitoring, and utility rate program integration. They cost $200--$700. Non-smart chargers (Grizzl-E, BougeRV) are simpler, more reliable in poor WiFi areas, and cost $200--$350. Hardwired vs NEMA 14-50 plug-in: both require a dedicated 240V circuit. The outlet approach is slightly more flexible (take it when you move) but adds cost for the outlet installation itself. We help you pick the right one for your home and driving habits.
Utility incentives and EV rate programs
Most major utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) rates for EV charging -- electricity costs significantly less during off-peak hours (typically 9pm--6am). The savings are real: depending on your utility and driving, switching to a TOU rate plan can save $300--$800/year. Many utilities also offer EV charger rebates ($100--$500 per charger). Federal tax credit: 30% of charger and installation cost (up to $1,000) is available under the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Credit. We help you find what's available in your area.
Installation cost factors and what to expect from the process
Installation cost ranges from $400 to $1,500+ depending on: distance from panel to charger location, whether conduit must run through finished walls, permit fees, panel upgrade requirements, and labor rates in your area. The consultation gives you a specific estimate for your home, identifies any complications (full panel, long wire run, finished walls), and explains the permit and inspection process. You leave knowing exactly what the job costs and why -- no surprises from the electrician's estimate.
Remote consult
Video call. You show us your panel, we walk through everything and give you a written summary with recommendations.
From $49.99
On-site assessment
We come to your home, assess the panel in person, measure the wire run, and give you a complete installation quote.
From $99.99
What you'll know after
Know exactly what you need before spending $300+ on a charger.
A 45-minute consultation prevents the wrong charger, the wrong circuit, and the missed incentives.
Remote consult is $49. On-site assessment is $99. Both are deducted from your installation cost if you book through us.