Installing a home Level 2 charger typically means adding a dedicated 240V circuit, similar to what powers an electric dryer or oven, plus mounting the charging unit itself.
What the electrical work involves
A licensed electrician runs a dedicated circuit from your home's electrical panel to the charger's location, sized appropriately for the charger's amperage — this is the part of the job that requires a professional, both for safety and to meet local code.
Hardwired vs. plug-in units
Some Level 2 chargers plug into a dedicated high-voltage outlet (similar to a dryer outlet), while others are hardwired directly to the circuit — plug-in units offer more flexibility to move or replace the charger later.
What affects cost
The charger unit itself is often the smaller cost — the bigger variable is how far the charging location is from your electrical panel and whether your panel has enough spare capacity, which can require an upgrade in older homes.
Do I need a permit to install a home EV charger?
In most areas, yes — a licensed electrician handling the installation will typically pull the required permit as part of the job, since it involves a new dedicated high-voltage circuit.