EV Charging Solutions
The Technologies Solutions Group (TSG) simplifies the EV charging installation experience from start to finish. That means making sure you have all the information you need before getting your upfront pricing estimate for our expert installation services.
​
What's the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (DCFC) charging?
​
Level 1 is charging at home with a 120-volt circuit (i.e., using a standard electrical outlet). This normally provides 3-5 miles of charging per hour.
​
Level 2 is charging with a 240-volt circuit in the home or workplace. This requires professional installation of either a NEMA 14-50 outlet or a hardwired charging station and can usually refill your EV battery overnight. TSG and our certified installers make your Level 2 installation easy, delivering the highest levels of safety and quality at competitive pricing.
​
Level 3 or Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) uses a 480-volt DC circuit, and typically provides about an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. These charging stations are generally found at commercial sites such as shopping centers or highway rest areas.
​
I want a Level 2 charging station. Should I purchase a hardwired or plug-in model?
​
A hardwired Level 2 charger is recommended over plug-in installation. The main reason is that many local electrical inspectors require the use of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) breaker when adding the 240-volt circuit needed for a NEMA 14-50 plug. However, most Level 2 chargers come equipped with an internal GFCI. Having two GFCIs on the same circuit can lead to nuisance tripping. This causes a major inconvenience for EV drivers because the GFCI must then be manually reset at the main electrical panel. Most drivers are not aware that the GFCI breaker has tripped until they are ready to leave their home in the morning, and then realize their EV has not charged at all during the night. We have not seen this same nuisance tripping occur when installing a NEMA 14-50 plug to be used with the dual level charging cords that come standard with some EVs.
All of these leading charger manufacturers partner with Qmerit to provide trusted installation solutions for their customers.
​
How much will my Level 2 installation cost?
​
Most standard installations range from $799 to $1,999, not including the purchase price of a Level 2 charger (about $500 to $800 depending on the model and its options).
The cost of a standard installation includes the labor, materials and expertise needed to add a circuit and either install a NEMA 14-50 electrical outlet or hardwire your charging station and mount it on your wall.
​
For standard installation service, your garage must be attached to the home and your electrical panel must have:
-
Sufficient ampacity to handle the new charging station load
-
Enough room to accommodate a new 2-pole breaker
​
If your home does not meet these requirements, TSG will prepare a custom quotation.
What if my panel is full or I don’t have the electrical capacity to add a charger?
​
If your panel lacks the ampacity to handle the new charging load, or the space to add a new 2-pole breaker, a TSG certified installer can upgrade your panel to provide additional capacity. TSG can also talk to you about adding an energy management system to allow charging at times when your home is consuming the least energy (e.g., at night).
​
Does installation include a charging station?
​
The standard installation cost does not include the purchase price of a Level 2 charger, which runs about $500 to $800.
​
When you purchase a new EV, it may come with a charging cord – Level 1 or Level 2. If you want a Level 2 charging station and it is not included with your EV purchase, TSG will be happy to assist you with purchasing one.
​
How long does installation take?
​
A standard installation can usually be completed in half a day. More complex installations—for such as those that require trenching or a panel upgrade—may take a bit longer.
​
​
Adding a 240-volt electrical appliance—like an EV charging station—often requires a permit from your local jurisdiction. Depending on where you live, permitting processes can vary widely, and costs can range from about $50 to $500. In addition to the city permit fee, that cost may include the contractor’s time in creating and presenting documentation to your local building department and inspector.
To simplify the installation experience, your TSG certified installer will handle all required permitting and inspections.
​
What are the benefits of a permit?
​
There are many reasons to pull a city permit, including:
-
Safety and protection – All electrical upgrades must be done properly to void electrical and fire hazard risk. Permitting provides a final inspection process to confirm your upgrade was completed safely and according to electrical code specifications. If additional services are required for code compliance, the city inspector is there to catch it and ensure it is updated right away.
-
Homeowners insurance – If you ever need to file a claim involving an electrical circuit upgrade, your insurance company will likely require evidence the work was properly permitted.
-
Warranty – Our industry-leading technology platform enables your TSG installer to document installation details that are helpful if your charger needs service or warranty attention in the future.
How are TSG installers vetted and certified?
​
All electrical contractors in the TSG installation network must comply with our stringent certification standards and provide proof of:
-
Current business licenses
-
Current electrical licenses
-
Liability Insurance, Workers Comp Insurance, and Auto Insurance
Rigorous background checks for TSG certified installation electricians include:
-
Criminal history
-
Motor vehicle history
How do I start the installation process?
​
Complete and submit an online EV Charging Station Request Form about your home, upload a few pictures, and one of team members will contact you with a pricing estimate.
​
How do I schedule an installation?
​
After you complete our brief EV Charging Assessment, you’ll be matched with one of our certified installers, who will confirm your project scope and installation cost (including any permits). If you approve, you can schedule your installation directly with the installer at your convenience.
What if I live in a condo/townhome?
​
Before having an EV charging station installed, you must obtain permission from the landlord and/or property manager. Once you secure this approval, a TSG certified installer will visit the site to determine the best way to proceed.