EV charger installation typically takes two to four hours for a straightforward Level 2 home charger when there’s existing panel capacity and the installation point is close to the electrical panel. More complex installs — longer conduit runs, a panel upgrade, or a subpanel addition — can extend the project to a full day. Done!’s licensed electricians assess your specific setup during a pre-installation evaluation so you know what to expect before work begins.

What Determines Installation Time

The single biggest factor is the distance between your electrical panel and where the charger needs to go. A charger installed in a garage directly adjacent to an interior panel wall is a short conduit run and can be completed quickly. A charger on an exterior garage wall, in a detached garage, or in a specific spot required by a particular vehicle or parking configuration may involve substantially more conduit, trenching, or wire routing — all of which adds time.

Panel capacity is the second major variable. A 240-volt, 50-amp circuit for a Level 2 charger is a significant load. If your main panel has open breaker slots and sufficient remaining ampacity, adding the circuit is relatively quick. If the panel is full, a breaker load study is needed to determine whether circuits can be combined or whether a panel upgrade is required. Older Denver-area homes with 100-amp service are often candidates for panel upgrades when EV charging is added, particularly if the home has other modern loads like a heat pump or electric dryer.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: Installation Complexity

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet — no special installation required if a properly grounded outlet is already in the right location. The tradeoff is speed: Level 1 adds only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging, which works for plug-in hybrids or light daily driving but is impractical for a full battery electric vehicle with a large battery pack.

Level 2 charging at 240 volts adds 20 to 30 miles of range per hour — enough to fully charge most EVs overnight. This requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), commonly called an EV charger. The installation is more involved but it’s a one-time project that transforms how practical EV ownership is day to day.

  • Simple Level 2 install (panel nearby, open slots, short run): 2 to 3 hours
  • Moderate complexity (longer conduit run, exterior wall penetration): 3 to 5 hours
  • Complex install (panel upgrade, subpanel, detached garage trench): full day or multi-day

Permit Requirements in Colorado

EV charger installations require a permit in most Colorado jurisdictions, including Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and surrounding municipalities. The permit process requires an inspection before the circuit is put into service. Done!’s electricians handle permitting as part of the project — this protects your installation and ensures it’s documented for homeowner’s insurance and future home sales.

Some utilities and local governments in Colorado offer rebates for Level 2 charger installation. Xcel Energy has periodically offered EV charging incentives for residential customers. Done! can let you know what programs may be current at the time of your installation so you can capture any available rebates.

Smart Charger Options and Load Management

Many modern Level 2 chargers include Wi-Fi connectivity and scheduling, allowing you to charge during off-peak utility hours when electricity rates are lower. This is particularly valuable if your utility uses time-of-use pricing. Some smart chargers also integrate with home energy management systems and solar installations. Done! installs a range of EVSE units and can advise on options that fit your vehicle, your electrical setup, and your energy management goals.

For homes where the panel is already at capacity, load management devices can allow EV charging on an existing circuit by dynamically reducing charger output when other large loads are running — a cost-effective alternative to a full panel upgrade in some situations.

Get the full picture on our EV charging installation page. If a panel upgrade is part of the picture, visit our panels and wiring page. Contact Done! to schedule a free estimate for your EV charger installation.