Millions of new cars are now electric or plug-in hybrid, and the infrastructure to charge them at home isn't something most DFW homeowners realize they need to plan for until it's too late. The good news is that EV charger installation from a licensed, local electrician is straightforward — but it does require getting a few things right before you buy the charger. Here's what you need to know.
Level 1 is the 110-volt setup you plug directly into a standard outlet. It gives you roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging — enough to top off overnight if you drive less than 40 miles a day, but barely anything beyond that. Level 2 uses 240 volts and gives you 20 to 60 miles of range per hour depending on the unit. For most DFW families who want meaningful charging speed, Level 2 is the only practical choice.
Level 2 chargers can be wired one of two ways. A NEMA 14-50 outlet is the same kind of plug used by an electric range — you plug the charger in, and it's relatively simple for an electrician to install. Hardwired means the charger connects directly to the panel through dedicated breakers and conductors with no plug at all. Hardwired is cleaner-looking, slightly more efficient, and often preferred for newer installations. Your electrician will advise on which approach is best for your panel setup.
This is the single most important step — and the one most people skip. A Level 2 EV charger typically draws 30 to 50 amps continuously. If you're already near the limit of a 100-amp panel (and many older DFW homes are), adding a full 50-amp EV circuit can overload the system. Panel upgrades may need to happen before the charger install, or the panel might be sized to accommodate the EV load on a dedicated 30-amp circuit. Get a capacity assessment before you buy the charger so you don't end up with a unit you can't use.
EV charger installs require permits in the vast majority of Dallas–Fort Worth municipalities. The permit ensures the work is inspected and safe — and it's required by the utility in many cities before they'll allow the service to run. Grizzly handles the permit process end-to-end, so you don't have to navigate the city's requirements yourself.
Once the panel is confirmed to be adequate and the permit is filed, the actual install typically takes one to two days. Grizzly will pull a dedicated circuit from the panel (or a NEMA 14-50 circuit if that's the approach), mount the charging station at a convenient location in the garage, and test everything before leaving. The electrician will also walk you through how the unit works and what to expect when you plug in.
Don't buy the charger until you've had a licensed electrician look at your panel. Text a photo of the current panel to (469) 896-3862 for a free same-day quote — Grizzly can usually schedule a site visit the same day you text. Senior and veteran discounts available.
Grizzly Electrical Solutions serves Rowlett, Garland, Plano, Richardson, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area. Get a quote or call for 24/7 emergency service.