Short answer: A standard Level 2 (240-volt) home EV charger installation typically costs about $1,200 to $2,500 when the charger is 20 to 40 feet from the panel. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the circuit, published estimates add roughly $1,500 to $4,000.
Typical cost breakdown
These are published national ranges for a typical install. Your total depends mostly on how far the charger is from your panel and whether the panel has capacity.
- Charger unit: about $400 to $700
- Labor: about $400 to $900 for a typical 2 to 4 hour job
- Wire and materials: about $150 to $400
- Permit: about $50 to $300, depending on the city
What makes it cost more
- Distance from the panel: every additional foot of wire adds cost, and long runs through finished walls add labor
- Panel capacity: many older homes need a panel upgrade or a subpanel to support a 40 to 50 amp, 240-volt circuit
- Outdoor mounting: weatherproof enclosures and conduit add to the price
- Trenching or drilling through concrete for detached garages
Can my older panel handle a charger?
Often, yes. An electrician calculates your home's actual load, not just the panel's label. If there is headroom, the charger gets its own dedicated circuit. If not, options include a load-sharing charger, a subpanel, or a service upgrade. Many 1950s to 1970s ramblers in the Seattle area have 100-amp service, which is why this check matters.
Permits
A new 240-volt circuit generally needs an electrical permit and inspection in Washington. When you hire a licensed contractor, the contractor handles the permit.
Cost figures are published national ranges and are for planning only. Your price depends on your home, so we quote after we see it. Last updated October 2026.
Get a quote for your home
All City Electric has been a family-owned, licensed and insured Shoreline electrician since 1971. Call (206) 533-6333 or request a free quote.