
How To Choose An EV Charger Installer?
Home charging changes the way a driver lives with an electric vehicle. The right installer makes charging fast, safe, and easy from day one. A poor install leads to nuisance breaker trips, slow charge rates, or expensive rework. In Charlotte, code rules, utility requirements, and older panel setups vary block by block. This guide explains what matters, how to compare quotes, and why homeowners across Charlotte neighborhoods call Ewing Electric Co when they search for electric car charging station installers near me.
Start with your home and your driving
A good installation begins with two facts: the car’s onboard charger rating and the home’s electrical capacity. Most modern EVs accept 32 to 48 amps at Level 2. A 48‑amp charger requires a 60‑amp breaker on a dedicated circuit, while a 40‑amp charger uses a 50‑amp breaker. Daily miles also matter. A 32‑amp charger adds about 25 miles of range per hour, a 48‑amp unit adds roughly 35 to 37. For a commuter in South End with a 30‑mile round trip, 32 amps may be enough. For a household in Ballantyne with two EVs, a higher‑amp unit or load sharing becomes practical.
Many Charlotte homes built before the 2000s have 100‑ to 150‑amp service. If the panel is already crowded with HVAC, range, and dryer loads, the installer must calculate demand under the National Electrical Code 220. That load calculation decides whether a simple new circuit is safe or if a service upgrade to 200 amps is smarter. A quick “yes we can” without a calculation is a red flag.
What a proper site visit looks like
A reliable contractor walks the home, opens the panel, checks conductor sizes, neutral and ground bars, bonding, and available breaker spaces. The technician measures the charger run in feet and looks at routing: through crawlspace, attic, or surface‑mounted conduit. They note wall construction, moisture, parking pattern, and Wi‑Fi strength if you plan a smart charger. They ask about future needs such as a second EV or backup power.
In neighborhoods like Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, detached garages and tight lots often call for trenching or overhead runs. In Steele Creek and University City, longer driveway runs are common. A clear plan up front avoids surprise change orders.
Permits, code, and Duke Energy considerations
Level 2 chargers fall under the North Carolina Electrical Code with local amendments. In Charlotte, permits go through Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. An inspection verifies conductor size, breaker rating, GFCI requirements where applicable, working clearances, and labeling. Many chargers require GFCI protection either in the breaker or in the unit; doubling GFCI can cause nuisance trips, so the installer must choose one method and wire accordingly.
Duke Energy offers time‑of‑use plans and occasional rebates. A load management device or charger with scheduling shifts charging to off‑peak rates. If you plan a service upgrade or a new meter base, Duke approvals and lead times apply. An installer who coordinates with Duke and pulls proper permits saves weeks.
Hardwired vs plug‑in, and where to mount
Hardwired chargers handle higher amperage and weather better outdoors. Plug‑in units (NEMA 14‑50 or 6‑50) are flexible and simple to replace. For exterior installs in Charlotte’s humidity and summer storms, hardwired with a NEMA 3R or better enclosure is the safer choice. Indoors, a 14‑50 receptacle can work well if the cord strain relief is correct and the receptacle is high‑quality industrial grade.
Mount height around 42 to 48 inches keeps the holster reachable. Cable length between 18 and 25 feet suits most garages; longer cables can be heavy and messy. The holster belongs near the vehicle’s charge port side to avoid dragging the cable across the hood.
Smart features that actually help
Wi‑Fi chargers give usage data, remote start, and schedule control. Load sharing lets two units split a single circuit, which is useful in townhomes in NoDa or SouthPark where panel capacity is tight. OCPP‑compatible models integrate with future utility incentives. If internet in the garage is weak, plan for a mesh node or choose a charger with Bluetooth fallback.
Firmware updates should be automatic, and the maker should have a U.S. support line with posted hours. An installer who has commissioned dozens of the same model will know the setup quirks and ideal breaker pairings.
What should be in the quote
- Permit fee and inspection, with who handles scheduling
- Precise charger location and circuit size in amps
- Material list: conductor type and gauge, conduit type, breaker brand, receptacle grade if used
- Wall repair or paint scope if any penetrations are required
- Warranty terms: parts and labor length, and response time for service
Clear scope prevents the “cheap” bid from turning expensive later. Copper prices vary, and a 70‑foot run in EMT conduit costs more than a 15‑foot surface run. Ask for the footage and path in writing.
Common pitfalls an expert avoids
An undersized conductor on a 60‑amp circuit runs hot and shortens charger life. Stacking GFCI on GFCI causes random trips. Installing a 14‑50 receptacle on aluminum feeders without proper anti‑oxidant and torque can lead to failures. Running indoor‑rated cable in sunlight breaks down insulation. Good installers plan for drip loops, use proper fittings, and label both the panel and the charger disconnect.
Another frequent issue is panel derating. EV chargers are continuous loads by code at 125 percent. A 48‑amp setting must sit on a 60‑amp breaker with wire sized for that continuous load. If the panel bus rating or main breaker cannot support it under the load calc, a load management device such as a smart relay can shed the charger when the home spikes, or the charger can be set to 32 or 40 amps. Right‑sizing protects the home and still supports overnight charging.
Brand guidance from field experience
Most homeowners in Charlotte choose between ChargePoint Home Flex, Tesla Wall Connector, Emporia, Wallbox, and Enphase. Tesla units work well for Teslas and can charge other EVs with an adapter. ChargePoint and Wallbox offer polished apps and reliable load sharing. Emporia pairs strong value with good data and flexible load management. The choice should match the panel capacity and vehicle mix. If the home has two different EV brands, a J1772 unit with a reliable app often wins.
How fast is fast enough
Charging speed should match the driver’s pattern and the home’s panel. A 32‑amp charger adds roughly 6 to 8 kWh per hour. Overnight, that is 50 to 60 kWh, more than enough for most drivers. Only high‑mileage drivers or multi‑EV homes really feel the benefit of 48 amps. If a 200‑amp service upgrade costs several thousand dollars, it may be smarter to install a 40‑amp circuit now and plan a second shared unit later.
Timeline, warranties, and service
From site visit to inspection, most Charlotte projects complete in 3 to 10 business days, depending on permit volume and material path. Service upgrades extend the timeline to 2 to 4 weeks because of utility coordination. Labor warranties of at least one year https://ewingelectricco.com/residential-electrical-services/electric-car-charging-station/ are standard; high‑quality firms back workmanship for two to three years. Manufacturers offer 1 to 3 years on chargers. Keep proof of purchase and installer documentation; it speeds replacement if hardware fails.
Safety and future‑proofing
A labeled emergency disconnect near an outdoor charger helps first responders. Surge protection at the panel protects EVSE electronics from summer lightning. If a second EV is likely, run conduit sized for two circuits or a heavier feeder and plan for a subpanel in the garage. The additional cost now is modest compared to opening walls later.
How Ewing Electric Co approaches EV charging in Charlotte
Ewing Electric Co installs every Level 2 charger with a permit and inspection. The team performs a full NEC 220 load calculation, photographs the panel before and after, and documents torque values. They stock common breakers for Siemens, Square D, and Eaton panels found across Myers Park, Huntersville, Matthews, and Fort Mill. For condos and HOAs, they handle board approvals, shared metering discussions, and mounting details that fit community rules.
Clients who search electric car charging station installers near me often need a fast, dependable answer. The company offers weeknight and Saturday slots for assessments, provides same‑day written quotes, and coordinates with Duke Energy for meter or service work. If a charger trips or a homeowner changes vehicles, a technician can be back to adjust amperage settings and update labeling.
A simple homeowner checklist
- Confirm license, insurance, and that the installer pulls permits in Mecklenburg County
- Ask for a load calculation and a written scope with breaker size and conductor type
- Choose hardwired outdoors; consider plug‑in only for indoor dry locations
- Verify GFCI plan, surge protection, and labeling
- Request photos and documentation after the job
Local credibility matters
Homes in Charlotte vary: brick ranches in Montclaire, new builds in Berewick, townhomes in SouthPark, and lake houses in Cornelius. Each has its own panel quirks and routing challenges. An installer who has worked across these neighborhoods brings practical solutions, faster approvals, and cleaner installs.
Ready to move from gas station stops to overnight charging? Call Ewing Electric Co to schedule a site visit. Share the make and model of the EV, a photo of the electrical panel, and the preferred charger location. The team will map the safest, cleanest route, give a transparent price, and handle everything from permit to final inspection. That way, the next time you search for electric car charging station installers near me in Charlotte, you already know who to call.
Ewing Electric Co provides electrical services in Charlotte, NC, and nearby communities. As a family-owned company with more than 35 years of experience, we are trusted for dependable residential and commercial work. Our team handles electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, generator setup, whole-home rewiring, and emergency electrical service available 24/7. Licensed electricians complete every project with code compliance, safe practices, and clear pricing. Whether you need a small repair at home or a full installation for a business, we deliver reliable results on time. Serving Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, and surrounding areas, Ewing Electric Co is the local choice for professional electrical service. Ewing Electric Co
7316 Wallace Rd STE D Phone: (704) 804-3320 Website:
ewingelectricco.com |
Electrical Contractor NC
Social Media:
Facebook |
Instagram |
Twitter
Map: Google Maps
Charlotte,
NC
28212,
USA