How we tested.
You bought the charger. Now you need someone to install it. This is where a lot of new EV owners stall out, because finding a qualified electrician who actually has experience with EV charger installations is not as straightforward as calling any electrical contractor.
The good news is that the market has matured significantly. Several national companies specialize in EV charger installation, charger manufacturers have their own installer networks, and local electricians are increasingly trained for the job.
Here is how to find the right installer and what to expect.
National EV Charger Installation Services
Qmerit is the largest dedicated EV charger installation network in North America. They are the preferred installer for several charger manufacturers, including ChargePoint, Enel X, Emporia, and others. When you buy a charger from one of their partners, you are often prompted to schedule installation through Qmerit as part of the checkout process.
Qmerit vets and certifies local electricians in their network, so you get a licensed professional who has been trained specifically on EV charger installations.
The process starts with an online assessment where you answer questions about your electrical panel, parking setup, and preferred charger location. You get a quote (usually within 24 hours) and can schedule the installation online.
Pricing through Qmerit is generally competitive with hiring a local electrician directly. Standard installations typically run $800 to $1,500 including labor and materials (not counting the charger itself).
Complex installations with long wire runs or panel upgrades cost more.
Mr. Electric is a national franchise with locations across the country. They handle all types of electrical work, but many locations have added EV charger installation as a specific service line. The advantage of a franchise is consistency. They carry insurance, pull permits, and follow a standardized process regardless of location.
Request a quote through their website and specify that you need EV charger installation. Not every franchise location has the same level of EV experience, so ask how many charger installations they have completed.
Tesla Certified Installers are electricians that Tesla has vetted and approved for Wall Connector installations. You can find them through the Tesla website by entering your zip code.
These installers are familiar with Tesla's specific requirements and can configure the Wall Connector for your electrical setup.
Even if you do not drive a Tesla, a Tesla-certified installer is a good choice because the certification process ensures they understand EV charging infrastructure. They can install any brand of charger.
Charger Manufacturer Installation Programs
Most major charger manufacturers offer installation services or partnerships.
ChargePoint partners with Qmerit and also maintains its own installer directory. Wallbox offers installation through its website with quotes from vetted local electricians. Emporia bundles installation quotes at checkout.
Going through the manufacturer's installation program often includes perks like extended warranties, guaranteed compatibility, and a single point of contact if something goes wrong.
If your charger arrives and the installer finds an issue, the manufacturer can coordinate directly.
Finding a Local Electrician
If you prefer to hire a local electrician directly, that works perfectly well. The key is finding someone who has actual experience with EV charger installations, not just general electrical work.
Start by asking for referrals from other EV owners in your area.
Local EV owner groups on Facebook, Reddit (r/electricvehicles and your local city subreddit), and Nextdoor are great places to ask. People who have had a good installation experience are usually happy to share the installer's name.
When contacting a local electrician, ask these specific questions:
- How many EV charger installations have you completed?
- Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
- Do you pull permits and schedule inspections?
- Can you provide references from previous EV charger installations?
- What is included in your quote (materials, labor, permit fees)?
A good electrician will want to see your electrical panel before giving a firm quote. They need to assess available capacity, the distance from the panel to the charger location, and whether any upgrades are needed. Be cautious of anyone who gives a firm price without seeing your setup first.
What the Installation Involves
A standard EV charger installation takes 2 to 4 hours and includes installing a dedicated circuit breaker in your electrical panel, running wiring from the panel to the charger location, mounting the charger or installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet (for plug-in models), and testing the complete system.
The wire run is the biggest variable in cost.
If your panel is in the garage and the charger mounts on the wall right next to it, the wire run is short and cheap. If the panel is in the basement on the opposite side of the house from the garage, the electrician needs to run wire through walls, ceilings, or along the exterior, which adds materials and labor.
Panel upgrades are the other big variable. If your panel is at capacity (common in older 100-amp panels with electric dryers, water heaters, and HVAC), you may need a panel upgrade to 200 amps.
This adds $1,500 to $3,000 to the project and may require additional permits and inspections.
Costs to Expect
For a straightforward installation with a short wire run and no panel upgrades, expect to pay $400 to $900 for labor and materials. For moderate complexity (longer wire runs, minor panel work), $900 to $1,500 is typical. Complex installations with panel upgrades, trenching for outdoor runs, or conduit through finished walls can run $2,000 to $4,000 or more.
The federal tax credit for EV charger installation covers 30% of the total cost (charger plus installation) up to $1,000 for individuals.
Some states and utilities offer additional rebates. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for programs in your area.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid any installer who suggests skipping the permit process. Permits exist to ensure the work is inspected and meets code. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance and create safety hazards.
Be wary of quotes that seem dramatically lower than others. Cutting corners on wire gauge, breaker sizing, or weatherproofing creates fire risks and can damage your charger or vehicle.
If an installer is not familiar with the specific charger you purchased, that is not necessarily a dealbreaker (the electrical work is the same regardless of charger brand), but they should be willing to review the manufacturer's installation manual before starting.
Getting Started
The fastest path is usually to buy your charger first, then use the manufacturer's recommended installation service. If you prefer a local electrician, get at least two quotes and verify their license and insurance. Either way, the installation is typically completed within a week of scheduling, and you will wonder why you waited so long to move on from Level 1 charging.