As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, more homeowners in the Chicago area are choosing to install home EV charging stations for convenience, savings, and future-proofing. At Voltek Electric, we’ve helped countless residents across Arlington Heights, Glenview, and the greater Chicagoland area take the leap into at-home EV charging. But what does the process involve, and what should you expect?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, step by step.
Why Install an EV Charger at Home?
- Convenience: Charge overnight without relying on public stations
- Speed: Level 2 chargers are 4–10x faster than standard outlets
- Cost Savings: Avoid peak-hour charging fees
- Property Value: Adds resale appeal and marketability
If you drive a Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, or any plug-in hybrid — a home charger is essential.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Electrical Capacity
Before anything else, we assess whether your panel can handle the added load. Most Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit and at least 40–60 amps of capacity.
Common upgrades before EV charger install:
- Panel upgrade (from 100A to 200A)
- Service entrance upgrade
- Subpanel installation in garage
Voltek Electric will evaluate your current system and recommend options.
Step 2: Choose the Right EV Charger
There are many brands and models to choose from. We help you select based on:
- Vehicle type (Tesla, Chevy Bolt, etc.)
- Desired charging speed (amps)
- Wi-Fi/smart features
- Hardwired vs plug-in
Popular choices in 2025: Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint Home Flex, Emporia, Wallbox Pulsar Plus
Step 3: Site Planning and Permit Filing
We’ll identify the best install location for accessibility, aesthetics, and code compliance. For Chicagoland:
- Permits are required in most suburbs
- Chicago code often requires conduit and specific mounting requirements
- Exterior installs may need GFCI protection and weatherproofing
Voltek Electric handles all city permits and planning approvals.
Step 4: Professional Installation
Our licensed electricians:
- Mount and connect the EVSE unit
- Install dedicated circuit + breaker
- Ensure GFCI/AFCI compliance
- Label and test all connections
Expect clean workmanship, minimal disruption, and full code compliance.
Step 5: Final Inspection + Activation
Once installed, your local building department will inspect the setup (we schedule it for you). After passing, we test the unit and show you how to use it.
You’re now ready to charge your EV safely at home!
EV Charger Installation Costs in Chicago (2025)
| Install Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Level 2 (garage, panel nearby) | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Subpanel or longer conduit runs | $1,600 – $2,400 |
| With panel upgrade or exterior mount | $2,500 – $4,500+ |
Every home is different — we provide accurate quotes after site visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular outlet to charge? Yes, but it’s extremely slow (~3–5 miles of range per hour). Level 2 is strongly recommended.
Will it raise my electric bill? Yes, slightly — but charging at night during off-peak hours keeps costs low.
Can I get a rebate or tax credit? Many programs are available. We’ll guide you through federal, state, and utility incentives available in 2025.
Service Areas
We install EV chargers in:
- Arlington Heights
- Glenview
- Mount Prospect
- Northbrook
- Chicago suburbs
Ready to Power Up?
Don’t wait at public stations or deal with long charging times.
Call Voltek Electric today for a free EV charger consultation and estimate.
We make the switch to electric simple, affordable, and fast.
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