As electric vehicles become more popular throughout Sacramento, homeowners are quickly realizing that having a reliable home EV charger is essential. Public charging stations are helpful, but nothing compares to the convenience, speed, and cost savings of charging your car at home. Whether you drive a Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, Kia EV6, or any other EV, installing a Level 2 home charging station can make a major difference in your daily routine.
If you’re considering EV charger installation in Sacramento, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before getting started.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Are Installing Level 2 EV Chargers
Sacramento’s EV adoption has grown rapidly thanks to state incentives, HOV lane benefits, environmental goals, and rising gas prices. More homeowners want faster, safer home charging, and that means upgrading from the slow Level 1 charger that comes with most vehicles.
Here’s why Level 2 chargers are so popular in Sacramento:
• 4–7x faster charging than Level 1
• Overnight full charging
• Lower long-term charging costs
• Increased home value
• Compatible with nearly all EV models
Many Sacramento neighborhoods — from Natomas to Elk Grove to East Sacramento — now have homes with fully installed EV chargers.
Types of EV Chargers Available in Sacramento
1. Level 1 Chargers (Standard Outlet)
Most EVs include a Level 1 charger that plugs into a regular outlet. While convenient, they charge very slowly and are not ideal for daily use.
2. Level 2 Chargers (240 Volt)
The most popular choice for Sacramento homeowners. These require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and professional installation.
Brands include:
• Tesla Wall Connector
• ChargePoint Home Flex
• JuiceBox
• Emporia
• Wallbox
• Blink
3. DC Fast Chargers (Commercial Only)
These are found at charging stations, not homes. They charge extremely fast but require industrial power not available in residential properties.
Do You Need an Electrician to Install an EV Charger?
Yes. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, proper breaker sizing, weather-rated wiring (for outdoor installs), and adherence to Sacramento building and electrical code.
A licensed electrician will:
• Inspect your electrical panel capacity
• Determine if you need a panel upgrade
• Run new wiring if needed
• Install the charger and test it
• Ensure full code compliance
This protects your home from electrical hazards and ensures your charger functions safely at full speed.
Do Sacramento Homes Need Electrical Panel Upgrades for EV Chargers?
Not always, but many older homes do. Homes built before the 1990s may not have enough available amperage for a Level 2 charger.
A professional load calculation determines whether your panel can handle:
• A 40-amp EV charger
• A 50-amp Tesla charger
• Multiple high-demand appliances
If not, a 100–200 amp panel upgrade ensures your home can charge your EV safely without tripping breakers or overloading circuits.
Best Locations to Install an EV Charger at Home
Sacramento homeowners typically install chargers in:
• Garages
Protected, easy wiring, highest safety.
• Driveways
Requires weatherproof, outdoor-rated installation.
• Side yards or carports
Convenient for homes without garages.
Solir Electric installs indoor and outdoor EV chargers with proper weatherproofing and conduit protection.
Cost of EV Charger Installation in Sacramento
Pricing varies depending on wiring distance, panel space, and mounting location.
General ranges:
• Labor + wiring: Usually between $450–$1,200
• Charger unit: $300–$900 (depending on brand)
• Panel upgrade (if needed): $1,800–$3,500
Sacramento homeowners often qualify for state or utility incentives that reduce installation costs.
Permits for EV Charger Installation in Sacramento
Yes, a permit is required. Solir Electric handles all permits and ensures your charger meets:
• Sacramento County electrical code
• California electrical codes
• Utility company requirements
This protects you when selling your home and ensures safety.
Benefits of Installing an EV Charger at Your Sacramento Home
• Significant long-term savings versus public charging
• Increased property value
• Convenience of charging overnight
• Safer, faster, more reliable charging
• Ready for future EV ownership
A Level 2 charger can fully charge most EVs in 4–8 hours, compared to 20–40 hours using a Level 1 charger.
Final Thoughts
As Sacramento continues moving toward clean energy and electric vehicles, installing a reliable home EV charger is becoming a must-have upgrade. Whether you’re buying your first electric car or adding a faster charging solution, Solir Electric ensures safe installation and long-term performance.
