Home EV charger checklist

General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.

If in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional.

Work top to bottom.

Before: planning

Decide Level 1 (standard outlet) or Level 2 (240-volt) — DOE says most drivers charge overnight at home with one of these.
Have a licensed electrician check whether your panel has capacity for Level 2.
Pick the spot: garage or outside. Outdoor installs need outdoor-rated equipment.
Check HOA rules if you have an HOA.

Ask your building office if the circuit needs an electrical permit — see your city or county permit guide.
The electrician should pull the permit; ask in writing.

Choose safety-certified equipment (DOE points to ENERGY STAR certified chargers tested by a recognized lab).
Write the charger model and circuit size into the contract.

Get 2–3 written bids. For each one, check their license or registration, read the scam red flags.
Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers' comp).
Get a written contract with scope, price, schedule and payment steps.
Plan to collect lien waivers as you pay.

Topic	What the source says	Source
Level 1 and 2	DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center: most EV drivers charge overnight at home with AC Level 1 or Level 2 equipment.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Outdoors is OK	Outdoor installation and use are safe, even in rain, with outdoor-rated equipment.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Panel capacity	Some homes may not have enough electrical capacity for Level 2; a qualified electrician can tell you and add circuits.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Certified gear	DOE recommends certified equipment such as ENERGY STAR products, and a certified electrical contractor.	Source page checked 2026-11-02

Unknown Whether a permit is needed in each metro city — ask your building office.
Unknown Xcel EV charger rebates in 2026 — confirm with Xcel.
Unknown Installed price — get local quotes.

General guidance, not legal advice. Prices: get local quotes — we don't publish numbers without a source.