Charging your EV at home is cheaper and more convenient than public stations — but a proper install is more than mounting a box on the garage wall. Here's what Los Angeles homeowners should know before adding a Level 2 charger.
Level 1 vs. Level 2
Level 1 uses a standard household outlet and adds just a few miles of range per hour — fine for plug-in hybrids or light drivers. Level 2 runs on a 240-volt circuit (like your dryer) and charges several times faster, fully replenishing most EVs overnight. For most households with an electric vehicle, Level 2 is the one worth installing.
Does your electrical panel have room?
This is the step people skip. A Level 2 charger is a significant electrical load, and many older LA homes have 100-amp panels that are already near capacity. A licensed electrician runs a load calculation to confirm your panel can safely handle the charger — and if it can't, a panel upgrade or a smart load-management device is the fix. Getting this checked upfront avoids tripped breakers and safety risks later.
Permits and installation
EV charger installs require a permit and inspection in most LA-area jurisdictions. A licensed contractor pulls the permit, runs the proper wiring, installs the circuit, and passes inspection — so it's done to code and safely. A typical install is quick once the panel question is settled.
Pair it with solar
Charging your car with power from your own roof is about as cheap as driving gets. If you have — or are planning — solar, sizing the system to include your EV's charging load means you're fueling the car for a fraction of grid or gas prices.
Paxton Energy is a licensed C-10 electrical contractor serving Greater Los Angeles. We handle the panel check, the charger, and any upgrade in-house — one team, done right. Reach out for a quote.