Kolb Electric is your best option for EV charger installation in the DC, MD, and VA (DMV) region. We are the name you should remember when you need a home EV charger or a commercial charging station.
We train and certify our electricians to install all major brands and models of Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. When you need a licensed electrician for an EV charger, Kolb Electric is always ready to help. We also specialize in EV charging station maintenance and repairs.
Contact Kolb Electric today for any questions about EV charger installation in the DMV.
Why Kolb Electric?
Kolb Electric has been in business since 1925, from the Ford Motor T to the Tesla Model 3. Our century of experience in providing electrical services speaks for itself. We operate one of the largest electrical contracting fleets in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Reasons customers in the DMV prefer our home EV charger services:
- Our electricians hold statewide licenses; plus, we certify them to install and service all EV charger equipment.
- We’ve been providing excellent service to DMV homes and businesses for a century.
- We provide full transparency throughout the installation process. You are always welcome to ask our electricians about our services.
- Thanks to many positive reviews from homeowners and property managers, we enjoy a high rating on Angi.
- We hold professional liability insurance policies for your peace of mind. We take building and electrical code compliance seriously.
Residential EV Charger Installation
If you drive an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, a home Level 2 charger can enhance your experience. According to estimates from the United States Department of Energy, 80% of EV drivers enjoy the convenience of residential chargers. The most common Level 2 charger installations include:
- Mounting the unit on an interior or exterior wall.
- Crafting a pedestal with single or dual charging ports.
- Weatherproof EV charging stations for the winter.
- Outdoor stations with overhead protection.
Level 2 Charging for Faster Speeds
The three current technologies for EV battery charging fall under three levels. When you get a new EV, the dealership includes a Level 1 mobile charger, which delivers the slowest charging speed. You can plug this piece of portable Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) into standard residential outlets.
To get an idea of the slow charging capacity of Level 1 EVSE devices, consider the Nissan LEAF. At 40 kWh, the LEAF features one of the smallest EV battery packs on the market. Charging a LEAF from 0% to 100% with a portable EV charging cord would take over 30 hours. Although portable EVSE units are generally safe and reliable, we can’t say the same about electricity loads in the DMV.
Not all utilities in the DMV deliver stable loads, so the 30-hour estimate for charging a LEAF can be longer. Portable EV chargers can overload circuits in older homes that should have dedicated circuits. We often hear from EV drivers who complain about circuit breakers tripping while the battery charges on Level 1.
With a Level 2 charger, you get faster and more reliable performance. A dedicated circuit makes the process safer. Level 2 home chargers can replenish an EV battery overnight. A new LEAF, for example, can charge in less than 8 hours.
Panel and Circuit Requirements
Electrical panels have 240-volt circuit requirements for Level 2 charging. The circuit breaker must have a higher amperage rating than the EV charger. Some older homes in the DMV have 100-amp panels, thus making an upgrade necessary.
Commercial EV Charging Station Installation
If you operate a business, a charging station would be an excellent perk for EV-driving customers and employees. You can install it as an amenity or utility. You can install EV chargers for employee convenience. If you manage apartment buildings or Airbnb properties, charging stations are ideal. Kolb Electric takes care of everything from code compliance, permitting, and long-term support for chargers in commercial properties.
Our EV Charger Installation Process
Our residential and commercial EV charger installations begin with consultation. We first consider the EV model and compatible charging hardware. Then, we take the following steps:
- Evaluate the site and equipment.
- Calculating the voltage and amperage.
- Check for permits and code compliance.
- Connect and configure smart chargers.
- Thorough load testing and inspection.
Power Your EV With a Professional Charger Installation
The EV driving experience gets a significant boost with a professional installation. We handle all aspects of the EV charger installation, from site evaluation to circuit integration and panel upgrades. Our professional electricians are standing by to improve your EV ownership and driving lifestyle.
Contact Kolb Electric when you are ready to request an EV charger installation in the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are in the early stages of the EV driving revolution, so we get many inquiries about charging stations. Contact us to learn more about home or business EV chargers. Here are three common questions we often get:
