EV Charger Installation in Atlanta Suburbs: What Homeowners Should Know

Key takeaways:

• If you live in the greater Atlanta area, you could qualify for rebates on an at-home EV charger or even have an EV-ready home.
• Level 2 chargers offer 4-6 times faster charging than standard outlets and can boost your home’s resale value in competitive Atlanta suburbs.
• You need to get a licensed electrician to install your EV charger. This will keep you safe and ensure that your charger meets all electrical and building codes.

EV adoption is up in Georgia, and Atlanta’s suburbs are a great place to go electric, with public chargers and short driving distances.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an EV, now is a good time to look into installing a charger at home. It’s also important to keep up with the latest rules and incentives available. Here’s what you need to know about EV charger installation in Lawrenceville, GA, and nearby suburbs.

Let’s take a closer look at EV charger installation in Lawrenceville, GA, and nearby suburbs.

Why Install a Level 2 Charger at Home?

Your new EV came with a basic charging cord, so why spend more money on a dedicated home charger? The answer comes down to speed, convenience, and long-term value.

A Level 2 charger delivers power 4 to 6 times faster than a standard 120-volt outlet, charging your EV in 4 to 8 hours. To give you an idea, a standard charging cord plugged into a 120-volt outlet can take up to 30 hours to fully charge your battery.

For busy Atlanta commuters dealing with traffic on I-85 or Highway 400, Level 2 charging means waking up to a full battery every day. You don’t have to worry about range, and, depending on how much you drive, you might not even need to plug in your EV every day.

A Level 2 charger also increases your home’s value. In Lawrenceville and surrounding suburbs, more homebuyers are shopping for EV-ready homes, and these homes tend to sell faster and go at a higher price. Your charging station can become a selling point that sets your property apart in competitive neighborhoods like Hamilton Mill or Sugarloaf.

Permits and Other EV-Related Rules in Georgia

There are a few local rules in place that will impact your EV charger installation project. You should also know about the incentives available to you.

Atlanta City Ordinance

In 2017, the city of Atlanta adopted an ordinance stating that single-family homes should have EV-ready infrastructure. This means electrical panels and wiring can handle a charger if you decide to install one, but your home doesn’t need to actually have a charger installed.

If you bought your home recently, it’s likely that it meets this standard, even if you live outside of city limits. For those who live in older homes, an electrician can help you determine if you need an electrical panel upgrade before installing a charger.

Georgia Power Rebate

Georgia Power offers a $200 incentive to help you save on a Level 2 charger. This program is easy to qualify for and could reduce installation costs.

Federal Tax Credit

You can reduce installation costs further by taking advantage of a federal tax credit. This credit covers 30% of what you spend on installing your charger, with a cap at $1,000.

HOA and Multifamily Rules

There are currently no rules dictating that HOAs or landlords have to approve your EV charger installation.

However, since more people are getting EVs, many landlords and HOAs are open to the idea of installing chargers. Some HOAs even have their own community rules for safe installation.

Permit Requirements

Because installing an EV charger involves electrical work, you need a permit. The fee ranges from $75 to $150, and the process is different for each city. A local electrician can help you navigate this process.

How Much Does Installing an EV Charger Cost?

The more you know about the cost of EV charger installation, the better you can budget for this project.

Basic installations typically cost $800 to $2,500. The total price depends on your electrical infrastructure and your home setup. For instance, a simple installation close to the panel will cost less, while you’ll have to spend more to run a circuit all the way to the garage.

Here’s what affects your final price:

• Panel upgrades for older homes with 100-amp service can add $1,500 to $3,000 to your project cost.
• Trenching for underground wiring varies. Cost depends on distance and soil conditions.
• Smart chargers with Wi-Fi cost more, but you can save more by scheduling your charging.

A licensed EV installer can help you plan this project and give you an accurate cost estimate early on.

Hire a Licensed Electrician, Not Just a Handyman

EV charger installation is a simple upgrade, but you still need a professional. The right electrician will ensure safety and code compliance.

It’s important to follow all the rules from the National Electrical Code and local building codes. These rules cover wire sizing and GFCI protection, as well as proper grounding and circuit labeling.

You might want to save money with a DIY installation or think about hiring someone who isn’t properly licensed. However, you could face major safety risks if your charger isn’t installed properly. Bad electrical connections could start a fire in your home or cause electrical shocks. A bad installation could also damage your EV’s battery or your home’s electrical infrastructure.

You’ll ultimately have to spend more to get the installation fixed, and you could even face fines from your city or lose your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Plus, a bad installation can void the warranty on your EV charger.

For safety and peace of mind, it’s best to work with a licensed installer. They’ll ensure your EV charger meets all local codes and coordinate with your utility provider to make the installation process easier.

Ready to Power Up Your EV at Home?

A home EV charger is a must-have upgrade if you’re thinking about getting an EV. It’s a lot more convenient than public charging, and you’ll save money by paying residential rates for EV charging.

At Kalahari Electrical Services, we’ve helped hundreds of Lawrenceville area homeowners with EV charger installations. Our licensed electricians stay current on Georgia’s rules, local permit needs, and the latest charger technology. We handle everything from site assessment through final inspection.

Give us a call at 678-665-2309 so we can talk about your EV charging needs.

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