The short version
A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit, typically 40 amps (about 7.7 kW of charging, roughly 25 miles of range per hour) or 60 amps (up to 11.5 kW, roughly 35–45 miles per hour). Because the National Electrical Code treats EV charging as a continuous load, the circuit must be sized at 125% of the charger's draw. Whether your panel can take that extra load depends on everything else your home already uses.
What is a load calculation?
A load calculation (NEC Article 220) adds up your home's demand: square footage, kitchen and laundry circuits, your AC or heat pump, water heater, dryer, range and other fixed appliances, with code-allowed demand factors. The result is compared to your service rating. If adding the charger keeps you under the limit, you're good to go. You can try our Panel Load Calculator for a planning estimate.
Homes that usually don't need an upgrade
- 200A service, gas or heat-pump heating, one EV
- Panel in or near the garage with open breaker spaces
- Most homes built in Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock since the early 2000s
Homes that often do
- 100A or 125A service (common in 1970s–80s North Austin and Anderson Mill homes)
- All-electric homes with resistance heat strips
- Two EVs, plus a pool, hot tub or shop
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, which we recommend replacing regardless
Alternatives to a full panel upgrade
Lower the charger setting. Most chargers can be set to 24–32A. For a typical 30–40 mile Central Texas commute, that still refills overnight.
Load management. The NEC allows energy management systems that monitor your home's total draw and throttle the charger when the AC and oven are running. It costs a fraction of a service upgrade.
Circuit sharing. Some chargers can share a circuit with a dryer or a second charger, alternating power automatically.
What it costs
A straightforward Level 2 install near the panel typically runs $900–$1,800 in our area. Long runs and exterior installs run higher. If you do need a 200A panel, budget $2,800–$5,500. A load-management device is usually under $1,000 installed. Get an instant estimate for your setup.