How to tell whether your panel can handle a Level 2 charger — the warning signs and the green lights.
One of the first things we check before any EV charger install: can your electrical panel actually handle it? Here's how to tell.
A Level 2 charger typically needs a 40 to 50 amp circuit. Your panel has a total amperage — usually 100, 150, or 200 amps — and everything in your home draws against it. The question is whether there's enough headroom left for the charger.
Rules of thumb help, but the real answer comes from measuring your actual electrical load — not just the panel's rating. We do that before quoting, so you get a straight answer instead of a guess. If you do need an upgrade, see our panel upgrades page.
Call (715) 396-1720 and we'll assess your panel and tell you exactly where you stand.
Questions? Call us for a straight answer — and a flat quote while we're at it.
(715) 396-1720 Call for a Free QuoteMon–Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–3pm
Not always. A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 40 to 50 amp circuit. If your panel is 200 amps and your home's actual load leaves enough headroom, you likely don't need an upgrade. We measure your real electrical load before quoting — not just the panel's rated capacity.
Signs you're probably fine: 200-amp service, open breaker slots, no frequent tripped breakers. Signs you may need an upgrade: 100-amp service, a full panel, or high-draw appliances already running near capacity. The only definitive answer comes from measuring your actual load, which we do before quoting.
A panel upgrade in Parker and Douglas County typically costs $1,500 to $3,500. If an upgrade is needed, we provide a flat bundled quote for both the panel upgrade and EV charger installation — and the entire project qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit.
Sometimes. A 100-amp panel can occasionally support a Level 2 charger on a 30 to 40 amp circuit if your home's other loads are modest. We measure your load before recommending anything — running a charger on an undersized panel is a safety issue we will not allow.
Most residential panel upgrades take one full day. We coordinate with the utility for any meter disconnect, pull the permit, and schedule the inspection. You don't have to manage any of it.
Yes. When a panel upgrade is required to support EV charger installation, the upgrade cost can be included in the 30% federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. We document the work so you can claim the full amount. See our rebates guide.