EV Charger Installation

The Home EV Charging Revolution

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming mainstream in Georgia. The Marietta area has seen a 35%+ increase in EV ownership over the past three years, driven by Tesla, Ford, Chevy, and luxury brand adoption. For EV owners, home charging is essential: it's cheaper than public charging, more convenient, and transforms your car ownership experience.

While Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet) is free, it adds only 3 miles per hour—meaning a 48-hour charge cycle for many EVs. Level 2 charging (240V) delivers 20–30 miles per hour and is the industry standard for home installations. A professionally installed Level 2 charger ensures safety, code compliance, and maximum efficiency.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: What You Need to Know

Bottom line: For daily EV ownership in Georgia, Level 2 is essential. Overnight charging means your EV is fully charged every morning, eliminating range anxiety.

Recommended EV Charger Brands & Models

We install industry-leading Level 2 chargers, all supporting NEMA 14-50 connectors for universal EV compatibility:

Electrical Requirements & Wire Sizing

EV charger installation requires a dedicated 240V circuit. Here's what we install:

Pro tip: We recommend 48A (6 AWG) for most homes. The extra cost ($200–$400) future-proofs your system and maximizes charging speed—essential if you plan to upgrade to a longer-range EV later.

Code Compliance & Permitting

All EV charger installations must comply with NEC Article 625 (EV charging systems) and Georgia electrical code. Key requirements:

• Dedicated, properly sized 240V circuit
• GFCI protection (ground fault circuit interrupter)
• Appropriate wire gauge for circuit amperage
• Properly bonded ground and neutral
• Permit and inspection before energization

Cobb County permitting: EV charger permits typically cost $75–$150 and take 1–2 weeks for approval. We handle all paperwork and coordinate inspections. Final inspection ensures your charger is safe and code-compliant.

Panel Capacity Assessment

Before installation, we verify your main electrical panel has capacity for a 40A or 48A charger. Most modern homes (built after 2000) have 200A service, which easily accommodates EV charging. Here's what we check:

• Panel size: 200A service? 100A? 150A?
• Available breaker slots: Is there space for a new double-pole breaker?
• Load assessment: What's your typical peak demand? (heating, cooling, major appliances)
• Upgrade options: If needed, we can add a sub-panel or upgrade main service

Most common scenario: Your panel has capacity, we add a new 40A or 48A breaker, and install the charger. Cost: $800–$1,500.

Cost Breakdown & Pricing

Energy Savings & Georgia Power TOU Rates

Georgia Power offers Time-of-Use (TOU) rates that reward off-peak charging. Off-peak rates (typically 9 PM – 6 AM) are 30%–40% cheaper than peak rates, making overnight EV charging extremely economical.

Example savings: Charging at off-peak rates costs ~$0.08/kWh vs. $0.12/kWh at peak. For a 40-kWh charge (200 miles), that's $3.20 overnight vs. $4.80 during the day—saving $1.60 per charge, or ~$500 annually if you charge daily.

Smart chargers like Emporia Vue and ChargePoint Home Flex let you schedule charging during TOU off-peak windows, maximizing savings automatically.

The Installation Process

Here's what to expect when you hire Lightning Bug Electric: