Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity across the country, with the Chicago area as one of the leading markets. Of all new vehicle registrations in the Chicago area in January of 2023, 7.6% were EVs. Due to this trend, many suburban Chicago residents are opting for home EV charging stations which offer convenience and cost savings.
Our team of professional electricians at TR Miller can help you to choose the right EV charging station for your home, and provide expert installation so that you can power up quickly and hit the road.
Benefits of Home EV Charging Stations
Home EV charging stations offer the convenience of being able to charge your EV at any time. You can charge it overnight to prepare for the next day, or right before you run out to the grocery store. Other home EV charging station benefits include:
- Lower charging costs than paying fees at public charging stations
- No waiting in line at charging stations
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Increased home value
- Government incentives like tax credits
EV Charging Station Installation
The first step in EV charging station installation is selecting the right type of charging station for your home. Some charge faster than others, and some have smart features. You also have to consider your home’s power capacity. Your electrical panel and system may require some updates to handle the electrical needs of your station.
The electricians from TR Miller will assess your needs and budget, and explain your options and the process required to get your station installed. Then our team will provide you with the most professional and expert installation that you can find in the Chicago area.
EV Charging System Maintenance
While EV charging stations require minimal maintenance, you should have an annual inspection and service to ensure that your station performs well and has a long life. The TR Miller electricians can perform this inspection and service for you, prioritizing your needs and your safety.
TR Miller Is Your Trusted EV Charging Station Partner
The professional team of electricians at TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical is well trained and experienced and has up to date knowledge EV charging stations. We also offer comprehensive electric panel repair and installation services and are a one-stop shop for all your electrical needs.
We provide transparent pricing, with no surprises, and we always keep your needs and budget in mind. We’ve been a trusted home servicing partner to suburban Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, and we consider our customers our extended family. We are here to serve you, with your safety and comfort always coming first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a professional to install an EV charger, or can I do it myself?
A: A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit connected directly to your home’s electrical panel, which is not a safe do-it-yourself project. Improper installation can overload your panel, create a fire risk, or damage your vehicle’s charging system. A professional electrician assesses your panel’s available capacity, installs the correct wiring and breaker for your specific charger, and ensures the entire installation meets current electrical code. Most jurisdictions also require a permit and inspection for this type of work, which a professional contractor handles as part of the installation.
Q: What is the difference between a Level 1 and a Level 2 EV charger?
A: A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet and comes with most electric vehicles at no additional cost. It works, but slowly, typically adding only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. A Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what an electric dryer or oven uses, and charges significantly faster, typically adding 20 to 40 miles of range per hour depending on the vehicle and charger. For most homeowners who drive daily and want a full charge overnight, a Level 2 charger is the practical choice.
Q: Will my home’s electrical panel support a new EV charger?
A: It depends on your panel’s current capacity and how much of that capacity is already in use by your home’s other circuits. Many homes have adequate room to add a dedicated EV charger circuit without any additional work. Others, particularly homes with older 100-amp panels or panels that are already near full capacity, may need a panel upgrade before a charger can be safely installed. An electrician can assess your panel during an initial visit and tell you definitively whether your home is ready or whether an upgrade is needed first.
Q: How much does EV charger installation typically cost?
A: The cost depends on several factors: the distance between your electrical panel and the charger’s installation location, whether your panel has available capacity or needs an upgrade first, and the specific charger you choose. A straightforward installation with an already-adequate panel is generally the most affordable scenario. If a panel upgrade is required, that adds to the overall project cost but is often necessary regardless of the EV charger to support other modern household electrical demands. An electrician can provide an exact, upfront price after assessing your specific home and charger preference.
Q: Where is the best location to install an EV charger at my home?
A: Most homeowners install their EV charger in the garage near where the vehicle is typically parked, or on an exterior wall near a driveway for homes without a garage. The ideal location balances proximity to your electrical panel, which affects installation cost and complexity, with convenient access to where you actually park and charge your vehicle. An electrician can walk through your specific property and recommend the location that makes the most sense for both cost and everyday convenience.
Q: Can TR Miller install an EV charger for any vehicle brand?
A: Yes. Level 2 EV chargers use a standardized connector for most vehicle brands, and TR Miller installs charging equipment compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles. Some manufacturers, including Tesla, use their own connector design, and TR Miller can install manufacturer-specific charging equipment or a universal charger with the appropriate adapter, depending on your preference and vehicle.
Q: Does installing an EV charger require a permit?
A: In most jurisdictions, yes. Adding a new dedicated circuit and installing hardwired charging equipment typically falls under local electrical permit requirements. A professional electrician handles the permit application and schedules the required inspection as part of a complete installation, which protects you as a homeowner by confirming the work meets current safety standards. Skipping this step, even if the physical installation is done correctly, can create complications later, particularly during a home sale or an insurance claim.
Q: How long does EV charger installation take?
A: For most homes with adequate existing panel capacity, installation is typically completed in a single visit, often within a few hours. If a panel upgrade is required first, the overall project timeline extends, since that work is usually completed before the dedicated EV charger circuit is added. An electrician can give you a specific timeline estimate once they have assessed your home’s current electrical setup and confirmed the full scope of work needed.