Home EV Charger Installation in California: The Complete Guide

By the Broad Moor Electric team · 2026-09-27

California leads the nation in electric vehicles, and a home Level 2 charger is the single best upgrade for any EV owner. This guide covers what you need to know before booking ev charger installation.

Level 1 vs Level 2

Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240V circuit and adds 25–45 miles per hour — a full charge overnight. For anyone driving more than a few miles a day, Level 2 is the answer.

Hardwired charger vs NEMA 14-50 outlet

A hardwired unit like the Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint Home Flex or Wallbox Pulsar delivers up to 48 amps and looks clean. A NEMA 14-50 outlet lets you plug in a mobile connector and is cheaper to install. Both need a dedicated 40–60 amp circuit from our dedicated circuit team.

Does my panel have room?

A 200 amp panel usually does. A 100 amp panel often does not, which is where an electrical panel upgrade or a smart load-management device comes in. We run a load calculation before quoting so there are no surprises.

Permits and inspections

EV charger circuits require a permit in nearly every California jurisdiction. We pull it and meet the inspector. In many cities the whole process — quote, permit, install, inspection — takes under two weeks.

Rebates

PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SMUD and LADWP all run EV charger rebate programs at various times, plus federal tax credits for charging equipment. We provide the documentation you need to claim them.

Popular cities

We install chargers statewide, including San Jose, Irvine, Sacramento, Fremont and San Francisco. Call (833) 652-8933 to book.

Need an electrician? Broad Moor Electric serves every city in California, 24/7. Call (833) 652-8933 or find your city.