The install itself is straightforward. The question that decides cost and timeline is whether your existing electrical service can carry the load.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging
Level 1 is the cord that came with the car plugged into a standard outlet. It adds a few miles of range per hour, which is fine for a plug-in hybrid or a short commute and frustrating for anything else.
Level 2 runs on a 240-volt circuit and typically adds a full day’s driving range in a couple of hours. For most households with a full battery-electric vehicle, Level 2 is the difference between planning around charging and not thinking about it.
The Load Calculation Comes First
A Level 2 charger is a large continuous load. Whether your panel can carry it depends on your service size, what else is already on it, and how those loads actually behave. We run a load calculation before quoting so you learn up front whether the charger drops onto a spare breaker or whether the panel needs work first.
This is the single most common reason Denver-area homeowners discover their service is at capacity. A 100-amp panel that has been fine for twenty years often cannot absorb a charger without a service upgrade. We would rather tell you that before the work starts than halfway through.
Hardwired or Plug-In
Chargers can be hardwired or installed on a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. Hardwiring is generally the better choice for higher-amperage units and outdoor installs. A receptacle makes it easier to swap or take the unit with you. We will walk through the tradeoff based on the charger you have chosen and where it is going.
Placement, Conduit, and Garage Runs
Most installs are a run from the panel to the garage wall. Longer runs, detached garages, exterior mounts, and finished walls add work, and the distance affects wire sizing. We look at the actual route rather than quoting a generic install price.
Permits and Inspection
EV charger circuits require a permit and inspection in Denver-area jurisdictions. We handle both. Some utility and manufacturer rebate programs also require proof of permitted installation, so having it on record can matter beyond code compliance.
If You Need a Panel Upgrade First
If the load calculation says the service will not carry it, we handle that too. Doing the panel and the charger together is usually cheaper and less disruptive than doing them months apart, and it leaves room for whatever you add next.
Serving the Denver Metro
EV charger installation in Denver, Westminster, Arvada, Broomfield, Thornton, Golden, Evergreen, and the surrounding Front Range, from our Westminster and Evergreen locations.
Whether you already have the charger sitting in the garage or are still deciding what to buy, we can tell you what your panel will support and what the install will cost. Schedule online or give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger?
Not always. If your service has spare capacity, the charger goes on a new dedicated circuit without touching the panel. If it does not, a service upgrade comes first. A load calculation is the only way to know, and we run one before quoting.
How long does EV charger installation take?
A straightforward install on an existing panel with a short run is usually a few hours. Longer runs, detached garages, exterior mounting, or a panel upgrade extend that. We give you a realistic window after looking at the actual route.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Yes. EV charger circuits require a permit and inspection in Denver-area jurisdictions, and we handle both. Some rebate programs also ask for proof of a permitted install, so it is worth having on record regardless.
Should my charger be hardwired or plugged into an outlet?
Hardwiring is generally better for higher-amperage units and outdoor locations. A NEMA 14-50 receptacle makes it easier to swap the charger or take it with you when you move. Either is code-compliant when installed correctly; we will help you pick based on your unit and location.
Which EV charger brands do you install?
We install customer-supplied chargers from all major manufacturers. If you have not bought one yet, we can talk through amperage, hardwired versus plug-in, and whether a smart charger is worth it for your setup before you order.
