EV Charger Installation Services

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.

Closeup of ev charger

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 1 vs. Level 2 EV Chargers: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Homeowners can choose between using a Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger in their home.

A Level 1 charger does not require professional installation. When you get a new EV, the dealership includes a Level 1 mobile charger, which delivers the slowest charging speed. You can plug this portable Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charger directly into a standard 120-volt outlet, the same one you might use to charge your phone or power your toaster. For EV owners who drive 40 miles or less per day, a Level 1 charger may be sufficient.

A Level 2 charger allows significantly faster charging but requires professional installation. A Level 2 charger may be used with a dedicated 240-volt outlet or can be hardwired for even faster charging.

Level 2 Charging for Faster Speeds

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.

How to Prepare Your Home for EV Charger Installation

To prepare for EV charger installation, choose a charging location that allows the cable to reach the vehicle’s charging port without being stretched, driven over, or placed where it could create a tripping hazard.

A garage or carport can provide added protection, but many EV chargers are designed for outdoor installation when they have the appropriate weather-resistant rating. Outdoor equipment should be installed where it can withstand rain, snow, humidity, temperature changes, and direct sunlight without sitting in standing water or being exposed to damage from vehicles, lawn equipment, or snowplows.

The charger should also remain easy to reach throughout the year, so avoid locations that may be blocked by stored items, landscaping, snow accumulation, or another parked vehicle.

Clear the area around the proposed installation site and make sure the electrician has unobstructed access to both the charging location and the electrical panel. When practical, selecting a location near the panel can also reduce the amount of wiring required and simplify installation.

Panel and Circuit Requirements

Level 2 EV chargers generally require a dedicated 208- or 240-volt circuit. Because EV charging is considered a continuous electrical load, the circuit breaker must typically be rated for at least 125% of the charger’s maximum amperage. Some older homes in the DMV area have 100-amp electrical panels that may not have enough available capacity for a high-powered charger. An electrician can perform a load calculation to determine whether the panel needs to be upgraded or whether a lower-amperage charger or load-management system can be used.

A 200-amp electrical panel may be needed when a home’s existing service cannot safely support an EV charger along with its other electrical demands. This is more likely in homes with 100-amp service that also use electric heating, central air conditioning, an electric water heater, range, dryer, hot tub, or other high-demand equipment. An upgrade may also be recommended if the panel lacks breaker space, is outdated or damaged, or the planned charger requires a higher charging rate.

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.

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.

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 to learn more or request 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 common questions we often get:

What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers?

Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet on a dedicated circuit. Level 2 charging is significantly faster, safer, and more reliable than Level 1.

Can any home support a Level 2 EV charger?

Not all homes support a Level 2 EV charger. If your home doesn’t have a 240-volt circuit, it will be part of our installation and panel upgrade. Older homes with 100-amp panels will need full upgrades. We can also install backup generators for emergency EV charging.

Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at my home?

If we can mount it on the interior wall of a garage, we don’t need permits. Outdoor pedestal installations may need permits for multi-unit properties or gated communities with HOA rules. Most commercial EV charger installations will need some permitting, which we take care of.

Can I charge more than one electric vehicle at home?

Yes, you can charge more than one electric vehicle at home, but your electrical system must have enough capacity to support the added demand. Some homeowners install two separate charging circuits, while others use a dual-port charger or a load-sharing system that divides available power between vehicles. A licensed electrician can evaluate your panel, perform a load calculation, and recommend a setup that allows both vehicles to charge safely without overloading the system.

Will installing an EV charger increase my electric bill?

Yes, charging an electric vehicle at home will increase your electricity use, but the amount depends on how far you drive, your vehicle’s efficiency, local utility rates, and when you charge. Homeowners in the DMV area may be able to reduce charging costs by using utility programs that offer lower rates during off-peak periods, such as overnight or on weekends. For example, BGE offers an EV time-of-use rate for eligible Maryland customers, while Pepco and Dominion Energy offer rate plans or EV programs in portions of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Because programs and eligibility requirements vary by utility and location, check with your electricity provider before installing the charger and consider using a smart charger that can automatically schedule charging during less expensive hours.