What does it cost to install a home EV charger?
Most garage installs run about $690 to $1,670 before the charger itself. Set up your own install below. Your state's latest electricity and gas prices fill in automatically. At U.S. averages (18.2¢/kWh and $4.27/gal), charging at home costs about $5.81 per 100 miles, versus $15.81 for a 27-mpg car.
| Ckt | Load | Cost |
|---|
- Charging / month
- Gas / month
- Saved / year
Pays for itself in:
In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, 1,733 homeowners declared a median of $1,260 for an EV charger install over the last 12 months. The middle half paid $1,000 to $1,595. See the Charlotte data.
Cheapest and priciest states to charge at home
Average residential electricity price, August 2026, and the cost to drive 100 miles in a 3.5 mi/kWh EV. All states
| Cheapest | Rate | Per 100 mi |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $4.07 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $4.12 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $4.26 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $4.26 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $4.28 |
| Priciest | Rate | Per 100 mi |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $15.10 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $10.28 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $9.75 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $9.52 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $9.41 |
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a Level 2 EV charger?
For a garage install about 25 feet from a panel with room for a new breaker, most quotes fall between about $700 and $1,700, plus the charger if you're buying one. Long runs, finished walls, outdoor conduit and panel upgrades add to that. Use the calculator for your setup.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Almost everywhere in the U.S., yes. A new 240-volt circuit needs an electrical permit and an inspection. Licensed electricians usually pull the permit and include the fee in the quote.
Hardwired charger or NEMA 14-50 outlet?
A hardwired 48-amp charger on a 60-amp circuit charges fastest and avoids wear on a plug. A 14-50 outlet is cheaper up front if your car came with a mobile cord, but recent electrical codes require a GFCI breaker for it, which costs more than a standard breaker.
What if my electrical panel is full?
There are often cheaper fixes than a new service: rearranging breakers, a smaller 32-amp circuit, or a load-management device that pauses charging when the house is busy. A full panel or service upgrade usually costs a few thousand dollars.
How much will I save versus gas?
It depends on your electricity rate, gas price and mileage. At U.S. averages, charging at home costs roughly a third of what gas costs per mile. The calculator uses your state's latest average rates.