You’re ready to install an EV charger at home. Maybe you just bought your first electric vehicle. Or maybe you’re planning ahead, thinking about convenience, and long-term savings.
But here’s a question most homeowners don’t ask until the last minute:
“Can my electrical panel even handle this?”
The answer isn’t always obvious. In fact, for a lot of older homes, it’s a “maybe” at best. If you install a Level 2 EV charger without checking your panel’s capacity first, you might end up tripping breakers, overloading your system, or worse.
Here’s how to know if your panel is ready… and what to do if it’s not.
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Why Your Electrical Panel Matters for EV Charging
Think of your panel as your home’s energy traffic controller. It sends electricity where it’s needed, your lights, fridge, AC, water heater… and now, your EV charger.
A Level 2 charger adds a serious load. We’re talking 240 volts and anywhere from 20 to 50 amps, depending on your charger and vehicle.
If your panel is already maxed out, or just old, it might not be safe or even possible to add that much demand without making changes.
5 Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Here are the most common clues that your current setup isn’t ready for an EV charger.
1. You’ve Got a 100-Amp Panel (Or Older)
This one’s simple. If your panel is rated for 100 amps, and you’re running a typical modern household, washer, dryer, HVAC, microwave, maybe a hot tub, there might not be enough room left for a high-powered EV charger.
More and more homes are being upgraded to 200 amps for a reason. Today’s homes use more electricity than ever.
2. Your Breakers Trip a Lot
Notice lights flickering when the AC kicks on? Do your breakers trip when you use multiple appliances at once?
That’s not normal. It’s a sign your panel is straining to keep up. Throwing an EV charger into the mix? Not a good idea, unless you expand your capacity first.
3. There’s No Room Left for More Breakers
Take a peek at your panel. If every single breaker slot is taken, you’ve got a problem. Installing a 240V breaker (required for most EV chargers) means you’ll need two open slots. No space = no charger… unless you upgrade or install a subpanel.
4. Your Panel Is 30+ Years Old
Even if it “works,” older panels aren’t built for today’s demands. Some brands, like Zinsco or Federal Pacific, have known safety issues, and many electricians recommend replacing them regardless.
Age matters. So does safety.
5. Your Electrician Tells You It’s Time
At the end of the day, a licensed electrician can do a load calculation. They’ll assess what your home is using now, and how much headroom you’ve got left. If the numbers are too tight, you’ll know what needs to happen next.
What a Load Calculation Actually Looks Like
This isn’t just a guess. Your electrician looks at your appliances, square footage, HVAC, water heater, kitchen load, and any major draws.
From there, they calculate the total expected load, measured in amps.
If your home is already using 140–160 amps during peak times, a Level 2 charger pushing another 40 amps could tip the scale.
That’s where the upgrade conversation starts.
Your Options If Your Panel Isn’t Ready
1. Install a Subpanel
If your main panel still has capacity but no free breaker slots, a subpanel could be the answer.
Think of it like adding an expansion pack. You get more space for breakers without swapping out your entire panel.
Best for: Homes with decent panel capacity, but no physical space left.
Cost range: $500–$1,500
2. Upgrade to a 200-Amp Panel
This is the most common and most future-proof option. If your panel is outdated, undersized, or struggling already, a full upgrade is a smart investment.
You’ll be set not just for an EV charger, but for solar, battery storage, kitchen remodels, whatever’s next.
Cost range in California: $2,000–$4,500 depending on your home, panel brand, and city permit fees.
3. Use Load Management Systems
Some smart charging setups allow the EV charger to monitor your home’s overall usage. It’ll pause or slow charging if your system is under stress.
Good for: Homes that are borderline, or where panel upgrades aren’t practical right now.
Not perfect: It can’t magically create more capacity. Just helps you stretch what you’ve got.
What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Here’s the typical process, step-by-step:
- Disconnect and remove your old panel
- Install a new 200A panel (often outside, for modern code)
- Connect all existing circuits and the new EV breaker
- Coordinate with utility company for shut-off and reconnection
- Handle city inspections and final approval
It usually takes a day for installation, but permits and inspections can take up to a week depending on your city.
What If I Just Use a Level 1 Charger?
That’s the one that plugs into a standard outlet. No special wiring. No panel changes needed.
But it’s slow. Really slow. Like 3–5 miles of range per hour of charging.
For daily commutes under 20 miles? Sure, maybe.
But if you want full overnight charging or faster top-offs, you’ll want a Level 2, and that’s where your panel comes into play.
What About Permits and Rebates?
Yes, you need a permit.
California cities and utility companies require it, especially for 240V work.
Also yes, you might qualify for rebates.
Here’s a few you should know about:
- Federal EV Charger Tax Credit: Covers 30% of costs, up to $1,000
- California Utility Rebates: SMUD, PG&E, and others offer $500–$1,500 rebates for EV charger installs
- Time-of-Use Plans: Lower your charging cost by charging at night or off-peak hours
Ask your electrician to help you apply, good ones will.
Why It’s Worth the Upgrade
Let’s be real, dropping $3K on something behind a metal door doesn’t feel exciting.
But it’s a long-term upgrade with serious benefits:
- Safety – Avoid fires, overloads, and constant tripping
- Home Value – Buyers love EV-readiness
- Future-Proofing – Solar, battery storage, remodels, hot tubs, whatever’s next
It’s like rewiring your home for the next decade. One and done.
Call Prime Electric – We’ll Help You Figure It Out
Still unsure? You don’t have to guess.
If you’re in Sacramento or the surrounding areas, call Prime Electric. We’ll inspect your panel, walk you through the numbers, and give you honest options, no pressure.
We handle everything from permits to installation. One call, no surprises.
Final Thought
If your home is more than 20–30 years old, there’s a good chance your panel isn’t ready for an EV charger. And that’s okay.
The key is knowing what you’re working with, and making a safe, smart upgrade if needed.
With the right plan (and the right electrician), getting your home EV-ready doesn’t have to be stressful.
Reach out to Prime Electric today to schedule your panel inspection and start charging smarter.