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How to Buy a Level 2 EV Charger Without Getting Burned

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Level 2 EV Charger Without Getting Burned

Skip public charging lines and install a Level 2 home charger for about $1200 using a smart payment window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $66.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Owning an electric car is great until you are stuck waiting at a public charger in the rain. Charging at home changes everything, turning your garage into your personal gas station while saving you a ton on fuel compared to public stalls. Prices for equipment and installation dip a bit in late winter when contractors look for work.

We need to talk about negotiating the install before we touch any financing. Get multiple quotes from electricians and check your local utility company for hidden rebates before you buy the hardware.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, standard interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check utility rebates first

    Before you buy a single part, look up your local power company. Many utilities offer cash back or bill credits just for installing a home EV charger, which can knock hundreds off that typical $1200 price tag.

  2. 02

    Get multiple quotes

    Call at least three licensed electricians to price out the labor and any panel upgrades your garage might need. Electricians often bundle the permit fees into the quote if you ask up front.

  3. 03

    Pick your charger

    Decide if you want a hardwired unit or a plug-in model. Hardwired chargers often charge slightly faster and handle outdoor weather better, but plug-ins let you take the unit with you if you move.

  4. 04

    Use your payment window

    If you are spreading out the remaining cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to about $66.67 per month if $1200 is spread across the 18-month window.

  5. 05

    Schedule the permit check

    Make sure your installer pulls the proper city permit for the work. Skipping the permit might save a few bucks today, but it can cause headaches when you try to sell your house later.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I really need a Level 2 charger at home?

A standard wall outlet only adds a few miles of range per hour, which is painfully slow. A Level 2 charger fills your battery overnight while you sleep.

Can I install an EV charger myself?

Unless you are a licensed electrician, no. This work involves high voltage and local building codes that require professional permits.

Will a home charger raise my electric bill?

Yes, but charging at home is still much cheaper than buying gas or paying for fast public chargers. Check if your power company offers cheaper rates at night.

What happens if I move?

If you buy a plug-in charger instead of a hardwired one, you can usually unplug it and take it with you to your next home.