Installing a Level 2 charger in your garage can make electric vehicle ownership considerably more convenient. However, a successful installation requires more planning than choosing an open section of wall. Charger output, parking position, cable reach, electrical-panel capacity, weather exposure, permits, and future charging needs can all affect where and how the equipment should be installed.
Before scheduling an EV home charging installation, consider how you use the garage today and how your vehicle needs may change over the next several years.
Choose the Right Charging Capacity
Bigger is not automatically better when selecting a home charger. The right output depends on your daily mileage, the time available for charging, the vehicle’s capabilities, and the electrical capacity of your home.
APS provides the following general guidelines, assuming eight hours of overnight charging and vehicle efficiency between 2.5 and 5 miles per kilowatt-hour:
| Daily Round-Trip Commute | Suggested Charging Level |
| Up to 45 miles | Level 1 |
| Between 45 and 100 miles | Level 2 at 3 kW |
| Between 140 and 250 miles | Level 2 at 7 kW |
| Between 220 and 400 miles | Level 2 at 11 kW |
| More than 300 miles | Level 2 at 19 kW |
NOTE: The mileage ranges overlap because vehicle efficiency varies.
Place the Charger Near the Vehicle’s Charging Port
Before choosing a wall, park the vehicle in its normal position and locate the charging port. EV charging ports may be on the front, rear quarter panel, or either side of the vehicle.
The charger should be positioned so its cable reaches the port without being pulled tight or stretched across a walking path. Avoid a setup that requires routinely backing into the garage unless that is how you prefer to park.
Also consider:
- The charger’s cable length
- Shelving, doors, appliances, and workbenches
- The possibility of adding a second EV
- Whether charging may occasionally occur in the driveway
Consider the Distance From the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel’s location can significantly affect installation complexity and cost. A charger mounted a few feet from the panel generally requires less wiring, conduit, and labor than one installed on the opposite side of the garage.
However, the cheapest wall is not necessarily the most practical location. Saving money on wiring provides little benefit if the charging cord cannot comfortably reach the vehicle. EV home charging installation should compare possible locations and the trade-offs. The final plan should balance installation cost, cable management, accessibility, and safe parking.
Plan for Indoor and Outdoor Exposure
Equipment near the garage opening may be exposed to wind-driven rain, dust, extreme heat, or direct sunlight. Scottsdale’s summer temperatures and monsoon storms make equipment selection and location particularly important.
Chargers have environmental ratings that indicate where they may be installed. A charger rated only for indoor use should not be used in an outdoor EV charger installation.
An outdoor EV charger installation may require:
- Weather-rated charging equipment
- Exterior-rated conduit and fittings
- A suitable weather-resistant enclosure
- Protection from vehicle impact
- Secure mounting to the wall or a pedestal
- Placement that prevents water from collecting around equipment
- A cable-storage system that keeps the connector off the ground
Even weatherproof equipment should not be placed where roof runoff or irrigation can drip onto the charger.
Decide Between Plug-In and Hardwired Equipment
A plug-in charger connects to a compatible 240-volt receptacle, while a hardwired charger is permanently connected to its circuit.
Plug-in equipment can be easier to remove or replace, but the receptacle, wiring, and breaker must still be designed for EV charging. Hardwiring eliminates the plug-and-receptacle connection and is usually preferred for both indoor and outdoor EV charger installations, supporting higher charger outputs (and faster charging). Your electrician can determine which approach complies with the charger instructions and applicable electrical requirements.
Obtain Required Permits and Inspections
EV home charging installation typically involves adding a new circuit or modifying your home’s electrical system. That usually means a permit is required. Across the Phoenix metro area, your contractor can let you know what is required, prepare the application, schedule inspections, and include permit-related costs in their estimate.
Each city has slightly different requirements and fees. For example, you can see Scottsdale’s permit services and application information through the city’s Planning and Development Services department.
You’ll also likely need a final inspection from the city. Some utility companies, like APS, also require their own separate inspections whenever there’s an electrical panel service upgrade or meter modification.
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Plan the Installation Around Everyday Use
The best EV home charging installation should safely deliver enough power for your driving routine, reach the vehicle without creating a tripping hazard, and account for environmental factors.
Contact the highly-trained EV charger installers at George Brazil for a quote. You get transparent, upfront pricing before the work begins.
