If you just bought an EV -- or you are considering one -- the single best thing you can do is install a Level 2 home charger. Charging at home overnight is the EV equivalent of having a full tank of gas every morning without ever visiting a gas station.
I install EV chargers across Utah County and Salt Lake County regularly. Here is everything you need to know: what it costs, what is involved, whether you need a panel upgrade, and which charger to buy.
Level 1 vs Level 2: What Is the Difference?
Level 1 charging uses the standard 120V outlet that comes with your car. It works, but it is painfully slow -- adding about 3-5 miles of range per hour. If you drive 40 miles a day, you are looking at 8-13 hours of charging. For a 300-mile EV, a full charge from empty takes 2-4 days.
Level 2 charging uses a 240V circuit (the same voltage as your dryer or oven). It adds 25-40 miles of range per hour depending on the charger and your car's onboard charger capacity. Most EVs can fully charge overnight on Level 2 -- plug in when you get home, wake up with a full battery.
| Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V | 240V |
| Amps | 12A | 32-50A |
| Charging speed | 3-5 miles/hr | 25-40 miles/hr |
| Full charge time (60kWh battery) | 40-50 hours | 6-10 hours |
| Installation required | None (standard outlet) | Yes (dedicated 240V circuit) |
| Installation cost | $0 | $1,499 - $3,499+ |
For the vast majority of EV owners, Level 2 is the right choice. Level 1 only works if you drive very little (under 20 miles/day) and can dedicate a full overnight charge every night.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
Through BYOP Electric, EV charger installation ranges from $1,499 to $3,499+. Here is what drives the cost:
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Garage install, panel nearby (under 20ft run), charger included | $1,499 - $1,999 |
| Garage install, longer run (20-50ft), charger included | $2,000 - $2,799 |
| Outdoor install or long conduit run (50ft+), charger included | $2,500 - $3,499 |
| Any of the above + 200A panel upgrade | Add $2,000 - $4,000 |
These prices include the charger unit, all materials (wire, conduit, breaker, disconnect if required), labor, permit, and inspection. I do not quote labor-only and then surprise you with materials on install day.
The 30C Tax Credit: Up to $1,000 Back
The federal 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is still active through 2032. It covers 30% of the total cost of your EV charger installation -- including the charger unit and all labor -- up to a maximum of $1,000 for residential installations.
On a $2,500 installation, that is $750 back. On a $3,300+ installation, you get the full $1,000.
Important: the property must be in an eligible census tract. The good news is that most areas in Utah qualify. You can check eligibility on the IRS website or ask me during your quote -- I verify this for every customer.
Note that the federal solar tax credit (ITC) expired on December 31, 2025, but the EV charger tax credit (30C) is a separate program and remains active. Read more about the solar tax credit situation here.
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?
A Level 2 EV charger requires a 40-50 amp dedicated circuit. Whether your panel can handle this depends on two things:
- Available capacity: I run an NEC Article 220 load calculation to determine whether your panel has enough headroom for a 50A circuit. If your panel is already near its rated capacity, an upgrade is needed.
- Available space: You need two open breaker slots for a 50A double-pole breaker. If your panel is full, we either need to consolidate circuits with tandem breakers (if the panel accepts them) or upgrade to a larger panel.
If you have a 200A panel that is not heavily loaded, you almost certainly have capacity for an EV charger without an upgrade. If you have a 100A panel, a panel upgrade is very likely needed.
I assess this during every quote. If an upgrade is needed, I can bundle the charger installation with the panel upgrade to save you money and minimize disruption.
NEMA 14-50 Outlet vs Hardwired: Which One?
There are two ways to connect a Level 2 charger:
NEMA 14-50 outlet: This is the same type of outlet used for electric ranges and RVs. The charger plugs in and can be unplugged if needed. Per NEC, a plug-in charger on a 50A circuit is limited to 40A continuous draw (80% rule). This is the most common approach and works perfectly for most EVs.
Hardwired: The charger is permanently connected to the circuit with no plug. This allows the full 50A continuous capacity (on a 60A breaker) and results in a cleaner installation with no visible outlet. Some charger brands, like the Tesla Wall Connector, can take advantage of higher amperage when hardwired.
My recommendation: For a permanent installation in a home you own, hardwired is cleaner and allows higher charging speed. If you are a renter, plan to move soon, or want the flexibility to swap chargers, NEMA 14-50 is the smarter choice. Both pass inspection, both work well.
Best EV Charger Brands
I have installed a wide range of charger brands. Here are my recommendations:
- Tesla Wall Connector: Best for Tesla owners. Hardwired, up to 48A, sleek design. Also works with non-Tesla EVs via J1772 adapter (included on newer models). Around $400-500 for the unit.
- ChargePoint Home Flex: Best all-around option. Works with every EV, adjustable amperage (16A-50A), excellent app, plug-in or hardwired. Around $600-700.
- Grizzl-E: Best value. Rugged, simple, reliable. NEMA 4 rated for outdoor use. No app or smart features, which means fewer things to break. Around $400-500.
- Emporia Energy: Best if you want energy monitoring integration. Good app, reasonable price. Around $450-550.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus: Good compact option with smart features and Power Boost for load management. Around $500-650.
I do not have a preferred brand or dealer incentive. I will recommend what works best for your car, your budget, and your installation scenario.
Tesla-Specific Tips
Tesla vehicles deserve a few extra notes because they are the most common EVs I install chargers for in Utah:
- Tesla Wall Connector vs NEMA 14-50: Every Tesla comes with a mobile connector that works on a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The Wall Connector charges faster (48A vs 32A on some models) and looks cleaner, but the mobile connector is free and works fine.
- Multiple Teslas: The Wall Connector supports power sharing -- you can install two Wall Connectors on a single circuit and they will split the available power. This is significantly less expensive than running two separate 50A circuits.
- NACS adapter: If you have a non-Tesla EV with a J1772 port, you can still use a Tesla Wall Connector with an adapter. It works fine.
Outdoor vs Garage Installation
Garage installation is the most common and typically the least expensive. The charger mounts on the wall near your parking spot, and the conduit run to the panel is usually short. Weather protection is not a concern.
Outdoor installation works well too -- all quality EV chargers are rated for outdoor use (NEMA 3R or NEMA 4). The main cost difference is the conduit run, which is often longer for outdoor installs, and the potential need for a weatherproof disconnect. I use weather-rated enclosures, THWN wire, and rigid or liquid-tight conduit for all outdoor runs.
If you park in a driveway or carport rather than a garage, outdoor installation is the way to go. I have done dozens of these -- they hold up perfectly to Utah's weather.
Utah Permit Requirements
EV charger installation requires an electrical permit in all Utah jurisdictions. The process:
- I pull the permit from your city or county building department
- Install the charger and circuit
- Schedule final inspection with the building department
- Inspector verifies the work meets NEC 2023 code
I handle the entire permit and inspection process. You do not need to visit any government offices or schedule anything yourself. This is included in every quote from BYOP Electric.
How Long Does Installation Take?
The install itself takes 2-4 hours for a standard garage installation. More complex jobs (long conduit runs, panel upgrades, outdoor mounting) may take a full day.
The full process from first call to driving on your home charger is typically 1-2 weeks, depending on permit processing time and my schedule. In some cases, I can get same-week installation if the permit comes through quickly.
Pairing with Solar
If you are considering both an EV charger and solar panels, doing them together makes a lot of sense. Your solar system generates power during the day, and if you charge your EV when you get home in the evening, a battery system can bridge the gap -- storing daytime solar to charge your car after sunset.
Even without a battery, adding solar offsets the additional electricity your EV uses. An EV driven 12,000 miles/year uses roughly 3,600-4,000 kWh -- about a 3kW solar addition would cover that.