EV charger checklists

Buyer checklist. Your average daily miles. Your car's maximum onboard AC charging rate. Whether you need Level 2 at all under ENERGY STAR's ~40-mile guidance. Whether the unit carries certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Indoor or outdoor rating. Hardwired or plug-in.

Pre-install checklist. Panel capacity confirmed in person. Mounting location chosen and the wire run measured — at $6 to $12 per linear foot, distance is money. Parking position and cable length checked against each other. Whether a panel upgrade at $1,500 to $4,000 is in scope.

Contractor vetting. License number verified on the state board, not a photo of a card. Permit pulled in their name. Itemized quote separating hardware, labor, wiring, permits and any panel work. Reference to which NEC edition your jurisdiction enforces. A site visit before the number, always.

Safety and closeout. Outdoor-rated equipment if it's mounted outside — AFDC confirms outdoor use is safe with the right equipment. Inspection completed and the sign-off filed with your house records. Manufacturer registration done. Cable stored off the ground and out of the vehicle path.

How to choose

Verify the license yourself

Search the number on your state licensing board and confirm the name matches the company on the invoice.

Require an itemized quote

Hardware ($600–$1,200), labor ($1,200–$2,000), wiring ($6–$12 per foot), permits ($100–$200), panel work. Five lines. If they won't itemize, that's the answer.

Measure the cable reach against real parking

Cable length is the most common post-install regret. Park the car, then pick the mount.

Keep the inspection paperwork

It's your proof the circuit was permitted and inspected, which matters for insurance and resale.

Confirm certification before purchase, not after

ENERGY STAR warns some chargers sold by large retailers are not safety certified. Returns are a hassle; check first.