Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Installation, Repair, and Replacement

Today, electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage in the automotive industry, offering unparalleled fuel economy, a quiet, comfortable ride, and, in some cases, even more power than their gas-burning counterparts.

If you buy an electric vehicle, though, you’re going to need a way to charge it. Electric vehicle charging is by far the biggest challenge when you own an electric vehicle. And with EV charging station costs going through the roof, many people are choosing to install their own equipment. But we don’t recommend installing an EV charger yourself.

If you prefer the luxury of charging your electric vehicle from home, Express Electrical Services can help with home EV charger installation near you. Our Tesla-certified installers can provide a wide range of products, including wall-mounted and solar-powered EV chargers.

Installing an electric vehicle charging station requires expertise, especially if you want the convenience of a permanently mounted, hard-wired EV charging station. This type of equipment requires a 240-volt connection to your service panel (hence the need for a trained electrician). There are three general types of EV chargers:

Level 1 EV Charger

A level 1 EV charging station allows you to plug your electric vehicle directly into a household outlet. No additional equipment is needed. However, you’ll only get about 4.5 miles of range for every hour of charging. Whether that’s sufficient depends on your schedule. But this charge rate is the slowest on the market.

Level 2 EV Charger

This is the most popular among homeowners with electric vehicles. A Level 2 charger can provide about 70 miles of range per hour of charging. Although the actual charge rate depends on the vehicle, this is many times faster than a Level 1 system. Once an EV charger electrician completes the installation, you can plug in your vehicle overnight or at any time.

Level 3 EV Charger

A DC fast charger, the fastest on the market, can provide about 40 miles of range for every 10 minutes of charging. Most homes don’t have enough power to operate this system. Cost is also a factor, as a DC fast charger can cost up to $100,000. Typically, you’ll only see one at a commercial EV charging station.

Installing a Level 2 charger isn’t complicated for an electrician. It may require updating your wiring or electrical panel to ensure your home has the voltage capacity to operate the EV charger. For most people, the installation process is technical; one mistake can lead to an electric shock or a fire. It’s best to hire an EV charger electrician to safely install the system so you can have peace of mind when charging up your vehicle.

Fortunately, you can trust Express Electrical Services for high-quality installation as well as:

EV Charger Maintenance

Our technicians will periodically check for wear and tear and inspect the outlet to see if it needs to be replaced. They’ll inspect the cables for damage as well. Installing a unit indoors protects it against the elements and premature failure. In any case, EV charging station maintenance is crucial as the charger is connected to your home electrical system.

EV Charger Repair

If your car takes longer to charge, the plug doesn’t secure properly to the port, or your energy bills go up, call an electrician to service your EV charger. Our technicians are familiar with the latest standards and procedures, so they can quickly troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair the problem. An EV charger in good repair can last up to 10 years.

Do I Need a Permit to Install a Home EV Charger?

A permit isn’t required to plug a level 1 charger into an existing outlet. But to install a level 2 charger in Los Angeles, you’ll need a permit from the city. Generally, you’ll need a permit from your municipality’s Building and Safety Division before a level 2 EV charger is installed.

Obtaining a permit requires showing your existing electrical system can handle the extra load. Permits often require a licensed electrical contractor to perform the installation and an inspection once the installation is complete. The California Electrical Code requires equipment to be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and installed and fastened per the manufacturer’s instructions. It must also be stored at least 18 inches above the floor inside a home and at least 24 inches above the ground outside.

Can You Upgrade My Existing EV Charger?

EV charger products and technology are being updated all the time. As new products come on the market, you may want to consider faster and more reliable charging systems. Our team can help determine if a more efficient charger is suited for your home and help install it.

Should My Charging Station Be Hardwired?

We recommend hardwiring your EV charging station. It avoids using an extension cable that can create safety hazards. Therefore, a hardwired EV charger is safer and more convenient to use. Once it’s connected to your service panel, you also free up an electrical outlet for other uses.

Is a 200-Amp Electrical Panel Needed for a Home EV Charger?

Some level 2 EV chargers can pull 50 to 60 amps of current. Since there are many devices on the various circuits in your home, we recommend upgrading to a 200-amp panel.

Can My EV Charging Station Be Connected to My Home Network?

We can help network your EV charger. Whether you want to connect it to your smart home devices or monitor it from your smartphone, our experienced electricians can help. Your system can also be networked with other EV chargers in your community if you so choose.

Do You Finance EV Charger Installations?

Electric vehicle chargers don’t come cheap. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience their convenience. At Express Electrical Services, we offer equipment financing options through Ygrene Works™ and GreenSky to help make EV charger installation more affordable. Some equipment manufacturers also offer financing options. In addition to opportunities to pay over time, state or federal tax credits and utility company rebates may be available.

If you’re looking for a Tesla-certified EV charger installer near you, Express Electrical Services is the expert you can trust. We provide professional EV charger installation, repair, and maintenance in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Available 24/7, we respond in 60-90 minutes and deliver a quality guarantee. Check back often for coupons and discounts, or learn how our Fix Now, Pay Later program  can make EV charger service affordable to you. 

For help from an experienced EV charger electrician in Southern California, contact us or call (888) 350-7869 today.