Home EV Charger Replacement & Installation Shopping Guide (In-Depth)

---

Live electrical work is hazardous. A licensed pro will evaluate service capacity, pull permits, and follow code and manufacturer instructions. Do not open panels or install chargers on your own.

A typical Level 1 (120V) adds about 3–5 miles of range per hour; Level 2 commonly adds about 20–40 mph, depending on your EV and charger. Choose a mounting location with convenient cord reach.

If your vehicle's onboard charger is limited (e.g., 7.2 kW), a higher-rated wall unit will not charge faster. Selecting a unit that meets or slightly exceeds your EV's limit provides headroom for future vehicles.

High-current EVSE often must be hardwired per listing and local code. Your electrician will size conductors, breakers, and disconnects appropriately.

Continuous loads are limited to 80% of breaker rating, so 48A charging requires a 60A circuit. Your installer will verify wire gauge, breaker type, and panel capacity.

Consider larger conduit, upsized wiring, or extra spaces/sub-panel capacity now to avoid repeat work later. Plan charger placement with future vehicles in mind.

Adding EV charging can expose capacity limits or aging components. Upgrades improve safety and make room for additional loads (heat pump, induction range, etc.).

Keeping the charger near the panel can reduce wire, conduit, and labor. Avoid long runs or complex routes when possible.

Smart EVSE can throttle charging when household demand is high, or coordinate between two chargers automatically. Some utility programs also support demand response for bill savings.

NEMA 4/4X protects against rain, snow, and corrosive coastal air. Cold-rated, flexible cables remain easy to handle in winter conditions.

Choose EVSE and a vehicle that support bidirectional power and verify interconnection requirements, transfer switches, and critical load panels.

Load sharing lets two chargers split a single circuit. Solar-aware modes can prioritize surplus PV, maximizing self-consumption.