Should You Install an EV Charger at Home? A Practical Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common on Los Angeles streets, and many homeowners are asking the same question: should I install an EV charger at home now, or wait until I buy an EV? The short answer for many homeowners is yes — installing the right infrastructure today can save money, time and headaches down the road. This guide explains why, what to consider, and practical next steps for Los Angeles properties.

Why install a home EV charger now?

There are several strong reasons to install a Level 2 EV charger (or at least prepare your electrical panel and conduit) before you own an electric car:

Convenience: Charging at home overnight is the easiest and cheapest way to keep an EV ready. Public chargers are great for trips, but daily charging at home replaces frequent stops at public stations.

Future-proofing: Many homeowners choose to “future-proof” their garage or driveway by installing a 240V circuit and wall mount location in advance. As one homeowners’ story highlights, some families install infrastructure long before buying their first EV so the property is ready when the time comes (InsideEVs – Span charger story).

Faster charging than Level 1: Level 1 (120V) charging from a standard outlet is slow and may not be practical for daily use. A Level 2 (240V) charger usually gives several times the charging speed, meaning full charging overnight for most vehicles.

Resale and home value: As EVs become common, having charger-ready wiring or an installed charger can be a selling point for future buyers.

Access to incentives: Federal, state and local incentives or utility programs can help offset costs. Public and state programs also continue to fund expansion of charging infrastructure nationwide, showing how governments are supporting EV adoption (see a recent grant program in Colorado as an example of public funding for chargers: CBS Colorado – $5M in grants).

Types of chargers and what they mean

Understanding charger types will help you choose the right installation:

Level 1 (120V) – Plugs into a regular household outlet. Slow (typically 2-5 miles of range per hour). Good for low daily mileage or as a short-term solution.

Level 2 (240V) – Requires a 240V circuit like an electric dryer. Typical charging rates are 10-60 miles of range per hour depending on the vehicle and charger. Best choice for home installations.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3) – High-speed public chargers unsuitable for residential panel-level installation in most homes due to cost and required service upgrades.

How a home Level 2 installation works

A typical home Level 2 installation involves:

A site assessment to identify panel capacity, preferred charger location and wiring route.

Upgrading the main electrical panel or adding a subpanel if needed to support the new 240V circuit.

Installing a dedicated 240V circuit with appropriate breakers and conduit to the charger location.

Mounting the charger (wall or pedestal) and connecting the unit per code.

Obtaining permits and an inspection — required in most jurisdictions including Los Angeles.

Key considerations for Los Angeles homeowners

Los Angeles has local rules, permit requirements and utility programs that affect EV charger installations. Keep these points in mind:

Permits and inspections: Most jurisdictions require electrical permits and final inspection for new 240V circuits and equipment. Permits protect you and ensure the work meets code.

Panel capacity: Older homes often need a panel upgrade to safely add a 40–50 amp EV circuit. A qualified electrician will evaluate the load and recommend upgrades if necessary.

Conduit and cable routing: The charger should be placed where the cord can reach the vehicle without creating trip hazards. Typical cord lengths range from 18–25 feet; plan mounting accordingly.

Load management and smart chargers: Smart chargers can schedule charging during off-peak rates, control power when you have multiple chargers, and integrate with utility programs. Public agencies and utilities are also investing in smarter network management (for example, the Southern California Public Power Authority’s network management work is part of regional planning efforts cited in industry coverage: CleanTechnica – SCPPA contract).

Range, road trips and charging behavior

Many prospective EV buyers worry about range and road trips. Real-world experience shows planning matters: most daily driving needs are easily met with overnight home charging, while public fast charging is used for longer trips. One EV owner’s road-trip account highlights the value of planning stops and using networked charging stations on longer drives (CarBuzz – EV road trip takeaways).

Costs and incentives

Installation costs vary depending on panel condition, distance from panel to charger, conduit needs and whether a panel upgrade is necessary. Typical installed Level 2 home chargers range from a few hundred dollars for the unit plus installation, to several thousand dollars if a panel upgrade or long conduit runs are needed. Incentive programs can reduce net costs. While the incentive landscape differs by state and utility, local and statewide programs have funded new public chargers and supported private installations. For example, state-level grant programs continue to fund charging expansion in multiple states (CBS Colorado – example of grant funding).

Commercial and fleet lessons that help homeowners

Municipal fleet electrification projects show how smart software and managed charging lower costs and avoid overloads. Cities and agencies are deploying charging-management platforms that optimize schedules, reduce demand charges and coordinate many vehicles — and similar principles apply at multi-car homes or properties with panel constraints. For an example of a fleet charging management rollout in California, see this coverage of BetterFleet’s work with a California city (CleanTrucking – BetterFleet).

How to plan your home installation: a step-by-step checklist

Follow these steps to make the process smooth:

Decide target charger level: For most homeowners, a Level 2 charger is the best balance of speed and cost.

Schedule a site assessment: Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical panel, meter and preferred charger location. They’ll confirm feasibility and recommend circuit size and any panel upgrades.

Review utility programs and incentives: Check local utility offerings and state incentives. Also ask your electrician if there are installation rebates or permit fee reductions.

Choose a charger brand and features: Consider cord length, mounting, smart features (Wi‑Fi, scheduling), and whether you want networked billing for shared charging scenarios.

Obtain permits: Your electrician should pull necessary permits. Don’t skip this step — inspections ensure safety and code compliance.

Install and inspect: After installation, schedule the final inspection. Keep documentation for future buyers or incentive claims.

Common questions homeowners ask

Do I need a panel upgrade?

It depends on your existing load and panel size. Many homes can support a single Level 2 charger on a dedicated circuit, but older homes with small panels may need upgrades. A professional assessment will confirm.

How long does installation take?

Typical installations (no panel upgrade, short run) can be completed in a day or two, plus time for permits and inspection. If a panel upgrade or long conduit runs are required, allow several days to a week for electrical work and coordination with the permit office.

Should I get a smart charger?

Smart chargers let you schedule charging during off-peak rates, track energy use and integrate with home energy systems. For households with time-of-use rates or multiple chargers, smart features can save money and manage load.

Why hire a licensed electrical contractor — and what to look for

EV charger installations involve high-voltage circuits and code requirements. Hiring a licensed electrical contractor ensures safe, code-compliant work and helps with permit and inspection flow. When choosing a contractor, ask about:

Licensing and insurance

Experience with EV charger installations

References and recent installations

Ability to handle permits and inspections

Warranty and post-installation support

Real-world examples and industry trends

Homeowners are increasingly installing chargers before they own EVs to make their homes “plug-and-play” ready. At the same time, public agencies and utilities continue to invest in network management and public charging expansion — a trend that improves long-distance travel options and supports broader adoption. For example, recent coverage shows agencies contracting for charging network management and expansion work to improve reliability and planning in Southern California (CleanTechnica – SCPPA network work), and fleet projects show the value of managed charging for cost control (CleanTrucking – fleet charging).

Bottom line: who should install a home charger now?

If you expect to own an EV within a few years, if you want the convenience of at-home charging, or if you want to increase future resale appeal, installing a Level 2 charger or at least pre-wiring now is a practical move. For occasional drivers or those with minimal daily mileage, a Level 1 outlet might suffice temporarily, but a Level 2 installation delivers the flexibility and speed most EV owners want.

Need help in Los Angeles?

Shaffer Construction, Inc. provides licensed electrical and general contracting services in Los Angeles, specializing in EV charger installations and infrastructure. We handle site assessments, panel upgrades, permits and complete installations to meet code and your schedule. To learn more or schedule an assessment, contact us:

Shaffer Construction, Inc. 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202 Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: 323-642-8509 Email: hello@shaffercon.com Website: www.shaffercon.com

Sources and further reading

InsideEVs – home ‘future-ready’ Span charger story

CarBuzz – observations from an EV road trip

[CBS Colorado – $5M in grants to expand EV charging network](https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/5-million-grants-awarded-new-colorado-ev-charging-plazas/)

CleanTechnica – SCPPA charging network management

[CleanTrucking – fleet charging management example](https://www.cleantrucking.com/infrastructure/charging-infastructure/article/15752593/betterfleet-powers-ev-fleet-charging-in-california-city)

Installing home EV charging infrastructure is an investment in convenience, flexibility and future value. If you’re a Los Angeles homeowner considering the move, a short site assessment is the fastest way to get a clear cost and timeline estimate. Contact us at Shaffer Construction to get started.