Affordable Electric

What to Know Before Installing an EV Charger at Home

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common across Minnesota, more homeowners are investing in home charging stations for convenience, speed, and long-term savings. Whether you drive a Tesla, Ford Lightning, Rivian, or any plug-in hybrid, installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is one of the most valuable electrical upgrades you can make.

At Affordable Electric, we specialize in certified, code-compliant EV charger installations across the Twin Cities metro. In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know—from system requirements and charger types to safety, rebates, and trusted recommendations.

Why Install an EV Charger at Home?

Relying on a standard 120V outlet (Level 1 charging) is incredibly slow—often taking over 24 hours to fully charge a vehicle. A Level 2 charger, on the other hand, can deliver 25 to 40 miles of range per hour, fully charging most EVs overnight.

Benefits of installing an EV charger at home include:

  • Reliable overnight charging without leaving your driveway
  • Faster charging times compared to Level 1 options
  • Reduced long-term fuel and maintenance costs
  • Better support for multiple EVs in the household
  • Increased home value and appeal to future buyers
  • Access to utility rebates and tax incentives

For an overview of charger types and speeds, check out this helpful resource from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Step 1: Assess Your Electrical Panel’s Capacity

Before installing an EV charger, the first step is to evaluate your current electrical panel. Most Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which means your panel must have the space and capacity to support the additional load.

If your panel is outdated, maxed out, or underpowered (common in homes with 100-amp service), we may recommend an electrical panel upgrade. This ensures your charger operates safely without overloading the system. Learn more about our electrical panel upgrades.

Step 2: Choose the Right Charger

There are dozens of Level 2 EV chargers on the market today, and we can help you find the one that best fits your needs. We install a wide range of trusted brands, including:

  • Tesla Wall Connector (we are Tesla Certified)
  • JuiceBox
  • ChargePoint Home Flex
  • Grizzl-E
  • Wallbox Pulsar Plus

We also install ENERGY STAR® certified chargers which can improve efficiency and may qualify for rebates. For more on smart charger models and energy use, visit ENERGY STAR’s EV charger guide.

Smart features like app control, charging schedules, and usage tracking can help you maximize energy savings and protect your vehicle’s battery life.

Step 3: Plan for Safe, Code-Compliant Installation

Proper installation matters. At Affordable Electric, we:

  • Determine the best installation location (garage or exterior wall)
  • Install GFCI protection and weather-rated enclosures if outdoors
  • Use code-approved wiring and conduit for long-term safety
  • Secure all necessary permits and coordinate inspections with your city
  • Handle utility notification and service upgrades when required

We also ensure that the charger is accessible, convenient to use, and properly grounded for maximum protection.

Step 4: Enjoy Fast, Reliable Charging at Home

With your Level 2 charger installed, you’ll have the freedom to:

  • Charge fully overnight
  • Take advantage of off-peak utility rates
  • Avoid public charger fees and wait times
  • Support future EV purchases or dual-EV households
  • Maintain battery health with consistent, efficient charging

Whether you commute daily or just want peace of mind during Minnesota winters, home charging is a smart investment that pays off quickly.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger?

Installation costs typically range from $750 to $2,500, depending on factors like:

  • Distance from panel to charger
  • Whether trenching or conduit work is needed
  • Charger model (plug-in vs hardwired)
  • Electrical panel upgrade requirements

Many local utilities offer rebates, and federal tax credits may help offset costs for both equipment and installation. We’ll walk you through your eligibility and help with any paperwork needed.

EV Charger Installation You Can Trust

Affordable Electric of Twin Cities is a Tesla Certified installer and trusted provider of Level 2 EV charger installations. With 30+ years of electrical experience and over 490 five-star Google reviews, we’re proud to serve Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Brooklyn Park, and the surrounding metro area.

Why homeowners choose us:

  • Licensed, bonded, and insured electricians
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Fast, reliable service—often same-day
  • Deep familiarity with Minnesota code and rebate programs
  • A+ rated local business with decades of experience
Ready to Install Your EV Charger?

Whether you’re upgrading from Level 1 charging or planning for a second electric vehicle, we make the process easy, affordable, and safe.

Call Affordable Electric at 612-331-8658 or request service online to schedule your EV charger consultation. We’ll help you power your home and your vehicle—smarter.

Proudly serving Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, MN with over 30+ years experience
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