EV Charger Installation in Chicago, IL

Wake Up to a Fully Charged EV Every Morning

Professional Level 2 charger installation that turns your garage into a convenient charging station, so you never worry about finding public charging again.

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Chicago Level 2 EV Charging Solutions

Skip the Gas Station Forever

You plug in when you get home. You wake up to a full charge. No more planning trips around charging stations or waiting in line while your car slowly charges.

Level 2 charging gives you 25-40 miles of range per hour of charging. That means a full overnight charge for most daily driving. Your EV becomes as convenient as your smartphone – just plug it in and forget about it.

The math is simple: home charging costs about 80% less than gasoline, and you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Plus, your home value goes up because buyers want EV-ready properties.

Licensed Chicago EV Electricians

25 Years Solving Chicago's Electrical Problems

Jimco Electric has been the go-to electrical service for Chicago homeowners since 1999. We’ve handled everything from flickering lights to complete panel upgrades, and now we’re helping homeowners make the switch to electric vehicles.

We’re licensed, bonded, and insured – which matters when you’re dealing with 240-volt circuits and city permits. We know Chicago’s electrical codes, work with ComEd’s rebate programs, and handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.

Chicago winters are tough on EVs, which makes having a reliable home charging setup even more important. We understand the local challenges and install systems that work year-round in Illinois weather.

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EV Charger Installation Process Chicago

From Assessment to Charging in Days

First, we assess your electrical panel and calculate the load to make sure your system can handle a Level 2 charger. If you need a panel upgrade, we’ll tell you upfront – no surprises.

Next, we handle the permit application with the City of Chicago and order your charging equipment. We coordinate everything so you’re not dealing with multiple vendors or waiting for approvals.

Installation day is straightforward. We run the dedicated 240-volt circuit, mount your charger where you want it, and test everything. Then the city inspects it to make sure it meets all safety codes. You’re usually charging your EV within a week of the initial consultation.

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Chicago EV Charging Station Installation

What's Included in Your Installation

Every installation includes a load calculation to determine if your electrical panel can support the charger. We install a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit, mount the charging station, and handle all the wiring according to Chicago electrical codes.

We also take care of the permit application and coordinate the city inspection. If your panel needs upgrading from 100 to 200 amps, we handle that too – it’s often necessary for homes built before 2000.

Chicago homeowners can take advantage of ComEd’s rebate program, which provides up to $3,750 toward installation costs. There’s also a federal tax credit of 30% of the total cost, up to $1,000. We help you navigate these programs to maximize your savings.

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How much does EV charger installation cost in Chicago?

Installation costs typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on your electrical setup. If you already have a 240-volt outlet in your garage and a 200-amp panel, you’re looking at the lower end. If you need a panel upgrade and new circuit installation, costs increase. However, ComEd offers rebates up to $3,750 for EV charger installation, and there’s a federal tax credit of 30% of costs up to $1,000. Many Chicago homeowners end up paying just a few hundred dollars out of pocket after incentives. The bigger picture is the long-term savings. Home charging costs about 80% less than gasoline, and you can charge during off-peak hours for even more savings. Most people save thousands per year on fuel costs.
It depends on your current setup. Level 2 EV chargers need a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit, which requires significant electrical capacity. If your home has a 200-amp panel with available space, you’re probably fine. If you have an older 100-amp panel, you’ll likely need an upgrade. Homes built before 2000 often need panel upgrades. This isn’t just for the EV charger – it’s actually a good safety upgrade that brings your electrical system up to modern standards. The upgraded panel can handle your EV charger plus other high-demand appliances. We perform a load calculation during the initial assessment to determine exactly what you need. Panel upgrades are eligible for the same rebates and tax credits as the charger installation.
The actual installation usually takes 4-6 hours, but the entire process from consultation to charging takes about a week. The timeline depends on permit approval from the City of Chicago and equipment availability. We schedule the city inspection after installation, which adds a few days to the process. But once everything is approved, you’re ready to charge. The inspection is important – it ensures your installation meets all safety codes and protects your warranty. If you need a panel upgrade, add another day or two to the timeline. We coordinate everything so you’re not dealing with multiple appointments or waiting around for different contractors.
Level 2 chargers are the sweet spot for most Chicago homeowners. They use 240-volt power (like your dryer or electric range) and can fully charge most EVs overnight. You get 25-40 miles of range per hour of charging, which covers most daily driving needs. Level 1 chargers use standard 120-volt outlets but are painfully slow – about 5 miles of range per hour. That might work if you drive very little, but most people find it frustrating. Level 3 chargers are commercial-grade and not practical for homes. The specific charger depends on your EV model and driving habits. Tesla vehicles work with Tesla chargers or universal J1772 chargers. Other EVs use J1772 connectors. We help you choose the right charger for your vehicle and usage patterns.
No, and you shouldn’t try. Chicago requires licensed electricians to install EV chargers, and there are good reasons for this. You’re working with 240-volt circuits that can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. Plus, DIY installation usually voids your charger warranty and can create insurance problems. The city requires permits and inspections for EV charger installations. Licensed electricians know the codes and can pull permits. We also carry insurance in case something goes wrong during installation. The cost difference between DIY and professional installation isn’t worth the risk. When you factor in rebates and tax credits, professional installation often costs just a few hundred dollars out of pocket.
Your electric bill will increase, but it’s still much cheaper than gasoline. The average Chicago driver spends about $30-50 per month on home EV charging, compared to $150-200 on gasoline for the same driving. ComEd offers time-of-use rates that make overnight charging even cheaper. If you charge between 10 PM and 6 AM, you pay reduced rates. Most EV chargers have timers so you can automatically charge during off-peak hours. The exact cost depends on your driving habits and electricity rates, but most people save $100-150 per month compared to gasoline. Over a year, that’s $1,200-1,800 in savings, which quickly pays for the charger installation.