What if the installer says no permit is needed?

Walk away. Most jurisdictions require an electrical permit for any new 240V circuit, and skipping it can void your insurance and complicate a future home sale.

Should I get the quote in writing?

Always. A written quote should list the charger model, breaker size, wire gauge, mounting, permit fees, labor, and warranty. Verbal quotes change.

Is a load calculation really necessary?

Yes. The NEC requires a load calculation to confirm your panel can safely add the new circuit. Skipping it risks tripped breakers, panel damage, or a failed inspection.

What if quotes vary by 2x?

Compare the line items, not the totals. The cheapest quote often skips the permit or undersizes the breaker. The most expensive may include a panel upgrade you don't need.

Can the installer also supply the charger?

Yes, but compare to the manufacturer's price. Buying the charger yourself often saves money and lets you keep the warranty in your name.

Questions to Ask an EV Charger Installer

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Asking the right questions up front filters out unqualified installers and protects you from hidden fees, code issues, and warranty problems. Use this list when collecting quotes for any home EV charger.

Short answer

Confirm the electrician is licensed and insured, that the quote includes the permit and inspection, that a load calculation has been performed, that wire and breaker sizing match the charger amperage, and that there is a written labor warranty of at least one year.

Licensing and insurance

Question	Why it matters
Are you a licensed electrician in this state?	Required by code for 240V work; protects you legally.
Can you share your license number?	Lets you verify on the state licensing board website.
Do you carry general liability and workers' comp?	Protects you from claims if a worker is injured.
Are you certified by any EV manufacturer or network?	Tesla, ChargePoint, Qmerit, and Enphase certifications indicate EV-specific experience.

Permit and inspection

Question	Why it matters
Will you pull the electrical permit?	Required in most jurisdictions; the licensed electrician should handle it.
Is the inspection included?	Inspection should be scheduled and met by the installer, included in the quote.
What is the permit fee?	Should appear as a line item, usually $50-$300.
What happens if the inspection fails?	Reputable installers fix code corrections at no extra cost.

Panel capacity

Question	Why it matters
Will you perform a load calculation?	Required to confirm the panel can safely handle the new circuit.
Is my panel large enough for the charger I want?	Older 100A panels may need an upgrade or load-management device.
What are my options if the panel is full?	Subpanel, panel swap, or load management, get pricing for each.
What's the cost difference for a 32A vs 48A install?	Higher amperage may need larger wire, larger breaker, and hardwiring.

Charger compatibility

Question	Why it matters
Is the charger I picked compatible with my vehicle?	Confirm connector type (J1772 vs NACS) and supported amperage.
Should I go plug-in or hardwired?	Affects code requirements, cost, and future flexibility.
What charger brands do you recommend and why?	Lets you gauge their experience with the model you're considering.
Do you stock the charger or do I supply it?	Either is fine, compare cost and warranty terms.

Quote details

Question	Why it matters
Is the price fixed or time-and-materials?	Fixed-price quotes protect you from scope creep.
What wire gauge and breaker will you install?	Should match charger amperage and run length per NEC.
Is the conduit included?	Outdoor and exposed runs need conduit, confirm it's not extra.
Does the quote include cleanup and patching?	Drywall patching after fishing wire is sometimes extra.
What payment terms do you accept?	Avoid 100% upfront. A small deposit + balance on completion is normal.

Warranty and follow-up

Question	Why it matters
What is the labor warranty?	Industry standard is 1-2 years on workmanship.
How are warranty issues handled?	Confirm response time and whether call-out fees apply.
Do you handle the manufacturer warranty if the EVSE fails?	Some installers manage RMA; others leave it to the homeowner.
Can you provide references from recent EV installs?	Two or three recent references is reasonable to ask for.

Red flags to watch for

No license number or insurance documents
"We don't need a permit for this"
Verbal-only quote
Demands full payment upfront
No load calculation before quoting panel work
Wire or breaker undersized for the charger amperage
No written labor warranty

How to use this list

Send the questions in an email or use them on the phone during the initial quote. Most reputable installers will answer them quickly and confidently. Vague or evasive answers are a sign to keep shopping. Collect at least two written quotes and compare line items, not just totals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Costs and code requirements vary by home wiring, panel capacity, permits, local labor rates, charger model, and installer. EV charger work should be performed by a licensed electrician. We do not provide step-by-step electrical wiring instructions.