Planning on installing an electric vehicle charger at home?
One of the benefits of purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) is being able to charge at the convenience of your home. Studies show that 80% of EV charging occurs at home. All EVs can be charged from a regular 110/120 Volt outlet, providing 3 to 5 miles of charge per hour which may be sufficient for the average driver traveling less than 40 miles a day.
For drivers considering the installation of a Level 2 charger at home, have an electrician ensure that your home is wired to provide enough electricity for your EV, along with other electrical home appliances. Most Level 2 EV chargers need 30 to 50 amps of current. If your home has a 100 amp electrical panel, you may need to upgrade to a 200 amp panel. Visit the Electric Panel Upgrade page for details and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit page for tax incentives up to $2,000 for EV charging equipment.
For information and resources about installing EV chargers in condos, apartments, or other multi-family properties, visit our EVs for Multi-Family Properties and Organizations page.
Support Your Local Grid
Different chargers use different amounts of electricity. Consider using the right equipment in the right place, at the right time. Fast is not always necessary.
Voltage (V) is a measure of the pressure that allows electrons to flow. Amperage (A) is a measure of the volume of electrons. Every EV comes with a portable charging cord that lets the driver plug it into a standard 120V (“Level 1”) household outlet. Level 1 charging may be slow, but this option is easy, inexpensive, and the most grid friendly.
Level 2 chargers require 240V (just like electric clothes dryers). If you have limited electric panel capacity, consider installing a low-powered Level 2 charger that uses only 20A (amperes) of electricity, instead of a charger that uses 40A or more. Some vehicles also allow the driver to adjust charging amperage from 50A down to 15A. These low power Level 2 solutions provide a slower charge, but are more grid friendly.
Home EV Charger Installation Free Online Estimate
Want to install an electric vehicle charger at home, but don't know where to start? Receive a free online estimate for your project and get connected with a local, vetted professional who will handle the permitting and inspections process for you by simply answering a few questions and uploading some photos. Get started by visiting Qmerit.
Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate Program
Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger may require upgrading the electric service capacity to your home. The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is offering a Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate program to help residents install EV chargers.
If you have applied for an EV charger permit you may receive notice that your home’s EV charger installation will result in electric service fees that are over and above standard electric service connection fees directly related to EV charger installation, due to the need to upgrade the City’s transformer. In this event, this program will credit the utility costs for providing this service by up to $10,000 per service address. However, the customer shall be responsible for the base fee, as outlined in Utility Rate Schedule E-15.
Learn More
Interested in applying for the Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate program? Click through to learn if you are eligible, what the terms and conditions of the program are, and how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our EV FAQs page to learn more about EVs & EV Chargers in Palo Alto.
For questions about Utility Service Upgrades and the Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate Program, contact Utilities Electrical Engineering at (650) 566-4500.
For questions about EV programs, contact Utilities Program Services at (650) 329-2241.