How EV Charger Installation Works in an Illinois Home
Updated: Sep 26
Buying an electric car is the easy part. Getting a Level 2 charger installed at home takes a little planning, and most of that planning is electrical. Here's how the process works for a typical house in Northbrook, Chicago and the North Shore, from the first call to the first charge.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging
Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet and the cord that came with your car. It needs no installation, but it adds only a few miles of range per hour, which isn't enough for many drivers.
Level 2 runs on a 240-volt circuit, like a dryer or oven. It charges several times faster and can fully recharge most EVs overnight. This is what most homeowners install, and it requires a licensed electrician.
Step 1: Home assessment
An electrician looks at three things before quoting the job:
Your electrical panel. Does it have room for a new 240-volt circuit, and can the service handle the added load? See our guide on whether your panel can handle an EV charger.
Where you park. Garage, driveway or carport, and how far that is from the panel.
The charger you want. Hardwired or plug-in, and its amperage rating.
Step 2: Choose the charger and location
Pick a location that reaches your car's charging port without stretching the cable across a walkway. Indoor garage walls are most common. Outdoor installs need equipment and wiring rated for weather. Your electrician will size the circuit to match the charger you choose.
Step 3: Permit
Most North Shore municipalities require an electrical permit for a new EV charger circuit. A licensed electrician typically pulls the permit and schedules the inspection. More on this in our post about electrical permits in Illinois.
Step 4: Installation
The electrician installs a dedicated circuit and breaker, runs wiring from the panel to the charger location, and mounts and connects the charger. A straightforward garage install is often done in a single day. Longer wire runs, finished walls, or a panel upgrade add time.
Step 5: Inspection and first charge
After the village inspector signs off, you're ready to charge. Your electrician should test the charger with your car and show you how the unit and any app work.
What affects the cost
Distance from the panel to the parking spot
Whether your panel needs an upgrade to handle the load
Indoor vs. outdoor installation
Finished walls or ceilings that need to be opened and patched
The charger itself, if you buy it through the installer
For typical price ranges, read how much EV charger installation costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a Level 2 charger myself?
It's not recommended. A 240-volt circuit carries real fire and shock risk, most municipalities require a permit, and many charger warranties and insurers expect professional installation.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. Many homes have enough capacity. Older or smaller panels, or homes that already run electric heat, a hot tub or other large loads, may need an upgrade or a load-management solution.
How long does EV charger installation take?
A simple install is often done in a day. Permits and inspections add some calendar time, and a panel upgrade adds more.
Should I ask about rebates?
Utility and government incentives change often. Check with ComEd and your charger manufacturer for current programs before you buy.
Get your EV charger installed
Miron Electricians has served Northbrook, Chicago and the North Shore since 2009. Our licensed electricians install Level 2 home chargers, dedicated circuits and panel upgrades for homeowners and businesses. Learn more on our EV charger installation page.
Call 224-305-7329 for a free estimate, or contact us online.
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