Level 1 versus Level 2 versus DC fast charging
Level 1 is a standard 120V outlet at roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 is 240V at 16 to 48 amps, roughly 20 to 40 miles of range per hour, and it is what nearly every homeowner should install. DC fast charging is commercial equipment and is not installed at homes.
Hardwired versus plug-in NEMA 14-50
Hardwired chargers support higher continuous current, look cleaner, and are required for some 48A units. A NEMA 14-50 outlet is flexible and portable but caps you at 40A continuous and adds a connection that can loosen over time. If you plan to keep the car and the house, hardwire it.
The load calculation nobody should skip
Before pulling wire we calculate existing demand against service size. Many homes need no upgrade at all: a 32A or 40A charger, or a load-management device that pauses charging while the dryer and oven run, is often enough. That one calculation separates an honest quote from an oversold one.
What drives the price
Distance from panel to parking spot, drilling and conduit, detached garages, available panel space, and whether a 200 amp service upgrade is required. Most installs land in a predictable range; the outliers are long trenched runs and panel replacements.
Rebates and paperwork
Many utilities offer rebates for Level 2 chargers and off-peak charging programs. Keep your invoice and equipment model numbers, which we itemize so your rebate paperwork is easy.