Thinking About Installing an EV Charger at Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

⚡ Thinking About Installing an EV Charger at Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Electric vehicles are on the rise in Northern Colorado, and more homeowners are asking us, “What do I need to install an EV charger at home?” Whether you just brought home a Tesla, a Rivian, or a plug-in hybrid, getting the right charger set up is key to a smooth ownership experience.

At Choice City Home Services, we’ve helped dozens of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley homeowners get set up for EV charging—and avoid common pitfalls along the way. Here’s what to know before you plug in.

🔋 Level 1 vs. Level 2 Chargers: What's the Difference?

Level 1 Charging
This is the standard 120-volt outlet—aka a regular wall plug. All EVs come with a Level 1 cord that plugs into a standard outlet. The downside? It’s slow. We're talking about 3–5 miles of range per hour.

Level 2 Charging
This is the real deal. Level 2 chargers run on a 240-volt circuit (like an electric dryer or oven), and they can deliver 20–30 miles of range per hour. Most homeowners who want faster, overnight charging choose to install a Level 2 charger in their garage or driveway.

🔌 Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

This is probably the #1 question we get—and it depends on a few factors:

• How old is your electrical panel? Many older homes in Northern Colorado have 100-amp panels that may already be maxed out.
• What other loads do you have? Hot tubs, finished basements, central A/C systems—these all eat into available amperage.
• How much power does your EV charger need? Most Level 2 chargers draw 30–50 amps.

In many cases, we recommend upgrading to a 200-amp panel to handle the added load safely. Not only does this make room for EV charging, but it also future-proofs your home for solar, additional remodels, or even another EV down the road.

🛠️ What Does Installation Involve?

Here’s what the process looks like when you call Choice City:

1. Site Visit & Load Calculation
   We’ll evaluate your current panel, calculate your home’s electrical load, and determine if a panel upgrade is needed.
2. Permit & Code Compliance
   EV charger installations need to be permitted and follow National Electrical Code (NEC) standards—especially when it comes to wire gauge, breaker sizing, and GFCI protection. We handle all that.
3. Install the Dedicated Circuit
   We’ll install a 240V circuit with the correct amperage rating and run it to the install location—usually in a garage or carport.
4. Mount the Charger (if applicable)
   If you’ve purchased a wall-mounted unit, we’ll install and configure it. Some EVs allow plug-in setups, while others are hardwired.

🧾 What Does It Cost?

Costs can vary depending on:

• Distance from your panel to the charger location
• Whether a panel upgrade is required
• Type of charger you’re using (hardwired vs. plug-in)

On average, EV charger installs in Northern Colorado range from $800 to $2,500 plus the cost of the charger, with panel upgrades adding additional cost if needed. The good news? Many utilities offer rebates or incentives for EV charger installation—something we’re happy to help you explore.

🌿 Charging Smarter in Northern Colorado

With more solar adoption and time-of-use rates becoming common, smart chargers are becoming popular. These allow you to:

• Schedule charging during off-peak hours
• Monitor energy use via smartphone
• Pair with solar systems to charge using your own power

As a fully licensed electrical contractor, Choice City can guide you through these upgrades with confidence, and coordinate with your remodel or energy goals if needed.

✅ Ready to Get Plugged In?

Installing an EV charger at home is one of the best upgrades you can make as an EV owner—but it’s important to do it right.

Choice City Home Services proudly serves homeowners across Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Severance, Timnath, Longmont, and Greeley. From basic installs to full panel upgrades, we’ll make sure your charging setup is safe, efficient, and future-ready.

Got questions about your panel? Need help choosing the right charger? Give us a call or book a consultation online—we’re here to help you power up with confidence.

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