For electric vehicle (EV) owners in Dallas, using public charging networks is certainly an option, but let’s be real: there’s nothing quite like waking up to a fully recharged vehicle at home. Home charging is a key reason why we’ve seen a surge in home charger installs at KSI Electric. Installing a dedicated home EV charging station will not only make your life more convenient, it’s also cheaper and less hassle than public charging. In fact, installing a proper Level 2 EV charger in your home could also increase your property value. Read on to learn what to expect during the EV charging station install process, and what it’s going to cost you.

Why DFW Area Homeowners Are Switching to Level 2 Home Charging

Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that works with a typical wall outlet. A Level 1 charger only generates around 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Depending on how far you drive on average, that could translate to over 24 hours of waiting time to full charge. If your daily mileage averages around 20 to 30 miles, Level 1 isn’t practical for you.

A Level 2 charger runs on a 240-volt line — like an electric stove or dryer — and generates 25 to 40 miles of range per hour. Most electric cars can recharge from empty to full in about 4 to 8 hours — meaning you can go to sleep with a flat battery and wake up with a full tank. For DFW-area commuters, installing a home charging station is the best way to make sure every morning begins with a fully charged battery, in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and beyond.

What to Expect During EV Charger Installation

Installing a Level 2 charger requires a 240-volt circuit and should be installed only by a licensed electrician.

Evaluating the Electrical Panel

First, we assess your electrical panel to see if it has enough capacity to support your desired EV charger. Almost all Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 40-amp or 50-amp electrical circuit. If your panel is old, under-sized, or maxed out, it may not be able to power a 50-amp line, and you may need a panel upgrade first. This is more common in homes built before 2000.

Choosing the Charger

Choosing the best charger depends on several factors including your vehicle type, driving habits, and where it will be installed. Some EV chargers are hardwired directly into an electrical panel, while others are wired to a standard 240-volt outlet and plugged in like a typical electrical appliance. Hardwired chargers have a cleaner look, and if you’re installing an outdoor charger, they will often be required. But if you plan to replace the charger later, the plug-in models are easier to remove. A Tesla wall connector is common among Tesla drivers, but many Level 2 chargers work with almost any EV on the market, thanks to the J1772 connector and a simple adapter.

Running the Circuit and Mounting

Once you’ve chosen a charger, your Dallas electrician will run the circuit from your electrical panel to the charging location. This might include running conduit, threading wires through finished walls, or installing an underground trench. Next, the charger will be installed, tested, and explained to you prior to your final acceptance of the work.

How Much Does EV Charger Installation Cost in Dallas?

If you live in the DFW area, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,000, excluding the actual charger, for Level 2 EV charger installation. Your costs can fluctuate based on the following:

  • Charger hardware: $400 to $1,200.
  • Electrical labor and materials: $500 to $1,500.
  • If you need an electrical panel upgrade (if applicable): $1,500 to $4,000.
  • Permits and inspections: $75 to $200.
  • Outdoor installation or trenching: $300 to $1,000.

The most accurate cost estimate you can get for an EV charger install is an in-person evaluation of your home by an electrician. The experts at KSI Electric provide a free quote, and we promise to get back to you in one business hour or less.

Do You Need a Permit for EV Charger Installation in Texas?

Yes, a permit and municipality inspection are necessary for EV charger installs. This is important for ensuring that your installation is up to current electrical code and will keep your home safe and insurable. KSI Electric will pull the permit, have the licensed electricians do the work, and coordinate the inspections. Not having a permit may make your home less safe, and can even be an issue with home buyers when selling your home.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

You will need to ensure that you have available panel capacity for your electric vehicle. Common signs a panel upgrade will be necessary include:

  • 100 amp panel or less
  • Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel
  • Frequent breaker trips
  • No available spaces in your electrical panel
  • An electrical panel more than 25 years old that has never been inspected by a licensed electrician

While your project will cost more with a panel upgrade, it also will make your home safer and allow for any future electrical projects like solar and generators.

Choosing the Right Electrician

EV charger installation should always be performed by a licensed, insured residential electrician. When searching for your electrician, look for:

  • An up-to-date Texas TDLR electrical license
  • Experience with Tesla Wall Connector installations and/or any other Level 2 charging stations
  • Familiarity with your city/county permitting and inspection process
  • Written, upfront pricing
  • Liability and workmanship warranties
  • A final walkthrough with the electrician to go over the safe operation of your new charger

KSI Electric has provided DFW area homes with licensed and insured electricians and responsive customer service since 1995.

What to Do Before Installation Day

To make the installation as easy as possible, please clear off the area where the charger will be mounted and give the electrician easy access to your electrical panel. If you have bought your own charger, please have it ready for installation day. If you drive a Tesla, be prepared with information about your vehicle's maximum rate of charge, and be prepared for the installation to be around 4 to 8 hours.

Conclusion: Ready to Charge at Home?

Adding a Level 2 EV charger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may be the smartest project that you can add to your home as an EV owner. At-home EV charging provides faster charging capabilities than many public stations, a lower cost of operation than many public stations, and the convenience of having a fully charged vehicle each day. Whatever the size of your electrical panel project, KSI Electric has the proper licenses and experience to complete it safely.

Call (817) 932-5882 or visit ksiresidentialelectric.com for your free, no-obligation quote. All installations come with our 30+ years of DFW home ownership experience.

FAQ's

What does a Level 2 EV charger installation cost in Texas? Most Level 2 EV charger installations in Texas run between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on how far the installation is from your electrical panel, any additional work to complete the job, and whether or not an electrical panel upgrade will be necessary.

Does a Level 2 EV charger have to be installed by a licensed electrician? In Texas, an electrical permit and inspection is required for Level 2 charger installations. Furthermore, any 240 volt circuits should only be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure that you comply with local electrical code, stay safe, and remain within the warranty coverage of your charger.

Can my existing electrical panel accommodate an EV charger? That is a bit dependent on the capacity of your panel and your home’s current electrical load. Most Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 40 amp or 50 amp circuit. A licensed electrician can assess your panel during a free estimate and advise you if an upgrade is necessary.