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Owning an electric vehicle transforms how you think about fueling your car—no more gas stations, no more fluctuating fuel prices, just the convenience of charging at home overnight while you sleep. But that convenience requires proper electrical infrastructure. Since 2006, Summit Electric has been installing EV chargers throughout the Inland Empire, helping homeowners make the transition to electric vehicles with safe, reliable, code-compliant charging solutions.
We understand that EV charger installation isn't just about mounting a box on your garage wall. It requires assessing your electrical panel capacity, installing high-amperage dedicated circuits, coordinating permits and inspections, and ensuring your home's electrical system can handle the additional load safely. Whether you drive a Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, Chevy Bolt, or any electric vehicle, we provide professional installation that charges your car efficiently while protecting your home's electrical system.
From initial capacity assessment through permit filing, professional installation, and final inspection, we handle every aspect of your EV charger project. You get a charging solution that works reliably, meets all codes, and often qualifies for federal tax credits and state rebates that significantly reduce your net installation cost.
Call (951) 550-4832 for professional EV charger installation throughout the Inland Empire
If you're considering an electric vehicle or just purchased one, you've quickly discovered that public charging isn't practical for daily use. Public charging stations are expensive—often $0.40-0.60 per kWh compared to $0.15-0.25 per kWh at home. They're inconvenient—you drive somewhere, wait while charging, then drive home. And they're unreliable—stations are sometimes occupied, broken, or simply not where you need them.
Home charging solves all these problems. You plug in when you arrive home, your car charges overnight during off-peak electricity rates, and you wake up every morning with a full charge. It's more convenient than gas stations ever were because you never detour for fuel—charging happens automatically while you sleep.
But home charging requires Level 2 charging equipment. The portable Level 1 charger that came with your EV plugs into standard 120-volt outlets and adds only 3-5 miles of range per hour—barely adequate for overnight charging and completely impractical if you drive significant distances daily. Level 2 chargers operate on 240-volt circuits and add 25-40 miles of range per hour, fully charging most EVs in 4-8 hours.
Level 2 charging isn't optional for serious EV ownership—it's essential. And Level 2 chargers require professional electrical installation with dedicated high-amperage circuits, proper permits, and code-compliant wiring.
EV chargers draw substantial power—typically 40-60 amps continuously during charging. To put this in perspective, that's equivalent to running two or three central air conditioning units simultaneously. If your home has a 100-amp electrical panel that's already running near capacity, adding an EV charger isn't safe or practical.
This is why we start every EV charger installation with electrical capacity assessment. We examine your current panel's amperage and available capacity, calculate your home's existing electrical loads, determine how much capacity remains for EV charging, identify whether panel upgrade is necessary first, and recommend the appropriate charger circuit size for your situation.
Many homeowners discover they need panel upgrades before EV charger installation. This isn't a sales tactic—it's electrical reality. A 100-amp panel supporting a modern home with central AC, kitchen appliances, and typical loads simply can't safely add a 40-50 amp EV charger. The math doesn't work, and attempting it creates fire hazards and constant electrical problems.
If panel upgrade is necessary, we can coordinate both projects efficiently—upgrade your panel to 200-amp service, then install your EV charger. Many homeowners appreciate this opportunity because panel upgrades benefit their entire home, not just EV charging.
EV charger installations require electrical permits from your local building department. This isn't bureaucratic red tape—it's protection for you and your home. Permits ensure your installation meets current electrical code, handle high-amperage loads safely, include proper ground-fault protection, and use appropriate wire sizing and circuit breakers.
We handle all permit requirements—application preparation and submission, fee payment (included in quotes), coordination with inspectors, and final approval. You never visit city offices or deal with inspection scheduling. We manage everything professionally so your installation proceeds smoothly.
Why does this matter? Unpermitted EV charger installations create serious problems. Insurance companies may deny claims related to electrical fires from unpermitted work. Home buyers discover unpermitted installations during inspections and demand corrections or price reductions. And most importantly, unpermitted work often doesn't meet code, creating actual fire hazards that endanger your family and home.
Professional installation with proper permits costs more upfront than hiring an unlicensed handyman or attempting DIY installation. But it protects your safety, your home's value, and your insurance coverage. The difference in cost is small compared to the risks of unpermitted work.
Tesla Wall Connector – If you own a Tesla, the Tesla Wall Connector is purpose-built for your vehicle. It integrates seamlessly with Tesla's charging system, provides fast charging (up to 48 amps on appropriate circuits), and offers the sleek design Tesla owners expect. Tesla Wall Connectors work exclusively with Tesla vehicles (though adapters exist for emergency use).
The Wall Connector costs approximately $400-500 from Tesla, and we install it with dedicated 60-amp circuits that maximize charging speed. Most Tesla owners choose Wall Connectors because they're optimized for their vehicles and provide the best user experience.
Universal J1772 Chargers – If you drive a non-Tesla EV or own multiple EVs from different manufacturers, universal chargers using the J1772 connector standard make more sense. Popular brands include ChargePoint Home, JuiceBox, Wallbox, Grizzl-E, and ClipperCreek.
Universal chargers work with all non-Tesla EVs and with Teslas using Tesla's J1772 adapter (included with Tesla vehicles). They offer various features—Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring and scheduling, smartphone apps for controlling charging, power-sharing between multiple vehicles, and integration with home automation systems.
Universal charger prices range from $400-800 depending on features and amperage ratings. We help you select chargers appropriate for your vehicle and needs, then install them properly with correctly sized circuits.
Hardwired Installation – Hardwired chargers connect directly to your electrical system with no plug or outlet. This is the most common installation method because it's cleaner looking, more secure (can't be unplugged accidentally), and often required by local codes for high-amperage installations.
Hardwired installations cost slightly more because they require direct electrical connections, but most homeowners prefer them for their permanent, professional appearance.
Plug-In Installation (NEMA 14-50) – Some chargers can plug into NEMA 14-50 outlets (the same outlets used for electric ranges and RV connections). This provides flexibility—you can unplug the charger and take it with you if you move, or use the outlet for other purposes.
However, plug-in installations have limitations. Many local codes restrict maximum amperage for plug-in devices. The outlet and plug connections create additional potential failure points. And most EV owners never need the "portability" that plug-in installation theoretically provides.
We recommend hardwired installations for most situations unless you have specific reasons to prefer plug-in options.
Smart Chargers – Modern smart chargers include Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone apps, scheduling capabilities, energy monitoring, and integration with home automation systems. You can schedule charging during off-peak electricity hours, monitor energy consumption, receive notifications when charging completes, and manage charging remotely.
Smart features add $100-200 to charger costs but provide convenience and potential energy savings if your utility offers time-of-use rates. Southern California Edison's EV rate plans provide significantly cheaper electricity overnight—smart chargers let you take full advantage of these savings.
Basic Chargers – Basic chargers simply charge your vehicle when plugged in. No apps, no monitoring, no scheduling. They cost less and work reliably, but you lose the convenience and potential savings of smart features.
For most Inland Empire homeowners on SCE's time-of-use plans, smart chargers pay for themselves through off-peak charging savings within 1-2 years.
We start every EV charger project with thorough assessment of your electrical system. This critical first step determines whether your current panel can support EV charging or whether panel upgrade is necessary first.
During the assessment, we examine your electrical panel's total capacity (amp rating), calculate your home's existing loads and usage, determine available capacity for EV charging, check wire sizing from meter to panel, identify any code issues requiring correction, and recommend appropriate circuit size for your EV charger.
This assessment is free and includes honest recommendations. If your panel can support EV charging, we'll tell you. If upgrade is necessary first, we explain why and provide options. We never recommend unnecessary work, but we also never compromise safety by overloading inadequate panels.
Many homeowners in older Inland Empire neighborhoods discover they need panel upgrades. Homes built before 2000 typically have 100-amp service that can't safely add EV chargers to already-substantial loads. We can coordinate panel upgrade and EV charger installation together, completing both projects efficiently.
Once we confirm your electrical capacity, we help you select the appropriate charger for your vehicle and needs. We discuss Tesla Wall Connector vs. universal chargers based on your vehicles, smart features and whether they're valuable for your situation, appropriate amperage rating (32, 40, 48, or 60 amps), and mounting location and cable length requirements.
We also plan the installation route—where circuits will run from panel to charger, whether installation requires opening walls or can use existing pathways, and how to minimize visible conduit and maintain aesthetic appearance.
Good planning prevents surprises during installation and ensures professional results you're happy with.
EV charger installations require permits from your local building department. We handle this entire process—preparing permit applications with technical specifications, submitting applications to your city or county, paying permit fees (included in quotes), and tracking approval status.
Permit review typically takes 3-7 business days depending on your jurisdiction. We schedule installation after permit approval so all work is legal and inspected.
On installation day, our licensed electricians arrive with all necessary materials and equipment. Installation typically takes 4-6 hours for straightforward projects, though complex installations or panel upgrades might take longer.
Our installation process includes running dedicated circuit from panel to charger location (appropriate wire size for amperage), installing proper circuit breaker in panel, mounting charger securely at optimal height and location, making all electrical connections per code requirements, installing ground-fault protection (required for EV chargers), testing charger operation thoroughly, and reviewing operation with you so you understand how to use your new charger.
We take pride in clean, professional installations. Conduit runs are neat and minimized where possible, mounting is secure and level, and work areas are cleaned thoroughly when we're done.
After installation, your city or county building inspector visits to verify the work meets all codes. We schedule inspections, we're present during inspections to answer questions, and we ensure work passes on first visit.
Once inspection passes, you receive final approval documentation and you can begin using your charger immediately. Your EV charging is now permitted, inspected, and completely legal—protecting you if you ever sell your home.
Highly recommended by us! We used Summit for our EV Charger upgrade and installing a subpanel for some outdoor upgrades at our place in Idyllwild. Matt is very responsive and got us quotes and a plan quickly. The work was great and we will use him again for our future electrical work.
John Sawyer
The federal government offers tax credits up to $1,000 for residential EV charger installation (30% of total installation cost, maximum $1,000). This applies to both charger equipment and installation labor, significantly reducing your net cost.
To claim this credit, keep all receipts and documentation from your installation, file IRS Form 8911 with your tax return, and claim the credit on your taxes for the year you installed the charger. Your tax professional can help if you have questions about claiming the credit.
This credit can reduce a $3,000 installation cost to $2,000 net cost—substantial savings that make home charging more affordable.
California offers various rebates for EV-related purchases through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) and other programs. While these primarily cover vehicle purchases, some programs include charging infrastructure rebates.
Eligibility and availability change periodically, so we recommend checking current programs when planning your installation. Visit cleanvehiclerebate.org for current information.
SCE offers various programs for EV owners, including special electricity rate plans for EV charging (time-of-use rates with cheap overnight electricity), rebates for smart chargers in some circumstances, and education about optimizing charging for lower costs.
We recommend SCE's EV rate plans for most customers because overnight electricity costs 50-60% less than daytime rates. Smart chargers that automatically charge overnight maximize these savings.
Combined Savings Example
Let's look at a real scenario:
With federal tax credit: $1,000 back
With time-of-use electricity rates, save $50/month vs. public charging: $600 annually
Home charging with proper installation and rate optimization is far cheaper than public charging over time.
✓ Free electrical capacity assessment
✓ Honest recommendations about panel upgrades
✓ Licensed California C-10 electrical contractors
✓ We handle all permits and inspections
✓ Experience with all EV charger brands
✓ Clean, professional installations
✓ Help claiming federal tax credits
✓ Serving the Inland Empire since 2006
Start Charging at Home: (951) 550-4832
Most EV charger installations take 4-6 hours if your electrical panel has adequate capacity. If panel upgrade is necessary first, the complete project takes 1-2 days (panel upgrade one day, charger installation next day or later). We provide accurate timelines after assessing your specific situation.
Most EV chargers need 40-60 amp dedicated circuits. The exact size depends on your vehicle's charging capabilities, your charger's specifications, and your electrical panel's capacity.Tesla Model 3/Y typically use 60-amp circuits for maximum charging speed. Other EVs vary—some charge well on 40-amp circuits, others benefit from 50-60 amp circuits. We recommend appropriate circuit sizing after discussing your vehicle and needs.
Tesla Wall Connector is purpose-built for Tesla vehicles and provides seamless integration with Tesla's systems. It's the best choice for Tesla-only households.Universal J1772 chargers work with all non-Tesla EVs and with Teslas using adapters. They're the best choice for non-Tesla EVs or households with multiple EV brands.
Legally, no. California requires licensed electricians to install EV chargers because they involve high-amperage circuits and must meet specific codes. DIY installations void equipment warranties, create serious fire hazards if done incorrectly, won't pass inspection if you try to permit them later, and may void your homeowner's insurance if they cause problems.Professional installation costs more upfront but protects your safety, your home, and your insurance coverage.
It depends on your current electrical capacity. If you have 200-amp service with available capacity, you probably don't need panel upgrade. If you have 100-amp service that's already supporting substantial loads (AC, modern appliances, etc.), you probably need upgrade to safely add EV charging.We assess your capacity for free and provide honest recommendations. We never recommend unnecessary upgrades, but we also never compromise safety by overloading inadequate panels.
Yes, but it requires planning. Each EV needs its own dedicated circuit, so a two-EV household needs two charger circuits (typically 40-60 amps each). This means 80-120 amps of new load, which requires adequate panel capacity.Many Inland Empire households with multiple EVs need panel upgrades to 200-amp or larger service to support dual charging. Some smart chargers include power-sharing features that allow two chargers to share a single circuit, charging vehicles sequentially rather than simultaneously.
Complete EV charger installation typically costs $2,000-3,500 including charger equipment, electrical work, permits, and inspection. Straightforward installations in garages near electrical panels cost less. Installations requiring long wire runs, panel upgrades, or complex routing cost more.We provide written quotes after assessing your situation so you know exact costs before committing.
Charging costs depend on your electricity rates and driving distance. On SCE's time-of-use EV rates, charging overnight costs approximately $0.15-0.20 per kWh. A typical EV uses 0.25-0.35 kWh per mile, so overnight charging costs roughly $0.04-0.07 per mile—far cheaper than gasoline.If you drive 1,000 miles monthly, expect to add $40-70 to your electric bill. With smart chargers scheduled for off-peak hours, costs stay at the lower end of this range.
Summit Electric provides professional panel upgrade services throughout Riverside County and the entire Inland Empire. We've completed thousands of panel upgrades in every city we serve, and we understand the specific requirements, common issues, and typical home configurations in each area.
No matter where you're located in the Inland Empire, we provide professional EV charger installation with permits, inspections, and guaranteed code compliance.
If you're ready to enjoy the convenience of home EV charging with properly installed, code-compliant equipment that charges efficiently while protecting your home's electrical system, Summit Electric provides professional installation throughout the Inland Empire. We've installed hundreds of EV chargers for Tesla owners, Rivian drivers, and every EV brand. We understand capacity requirements, permit processes, and installation best practices. We handle everything from assessment through final inspection, and we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties.
Call (951) 550-4832 to schedule your free electrical capacity assessment, or request a quote online. We'll evaluate your panel and discuss your EV charging needs and provide a detailed written quote with no pressure and no obligation.
