EV Charger Installation SF: Everything You Need to Know in January 2024 Looking to install an EV charger installation SF? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about EV charger installation in San Francisco in January 2024 – from costs and incentives to finding the right electrical contractor. Introduction Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger, also known as an EV charging station, in San Francisco can provide convenience and cost savings compared to relying solely on public charging stations. This guide will walk you through key factors to consider for residential or commercial EV charger installation in San Francisco, including costs, available rebates and incentives, permitting requirements, and how to select the right electrical contractor like JMO Construction & Electric. We’ll also overview the different levels of EV charging and provide tips on choosing the charger type that best fits your charging needs. Follow along to learn everything you need to know to install EV charging in San Francisco in 2024. Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Types of EV Charging Stations There are three main levels of EV charging to understand when installing a charger: Level 1 Charging Level 1 is the most basic EV charging, using a standard household 120 volt outlet. Level 1 provides 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. This is a good option for plug-in hybrid owners who won’t rely solely on their EV range. It can also work for some all-electric vehicles depending on daily mileage needs. Pros: Low cost (often comes with your EV purchase) Uses existing household outlet Cons: Very slow charge times Won’t fully charge EV battery overnight Level 2 Charging Level 2 is the most common EV charging option for at-home installation in San Francisco. Level 2 uses a 240 volt outlet like those used for large appliances such as dryers. With Level 2, EVs can charge 10-20 miles per hour plugged in. This allows most electric vehicles to fully charge overnight. Pros: Faster charge times Can provide full charge overnight Eligible for rebates and incentives Cons: Requires installation of 240v outlet Higher equipment and installation costs than Level 1 DC Fast Charging DC fast charging provides the fastest charge, adding up to 100 miles of range per hour of charging. However, DC fast chargers are significantly more expensive and require high-voltage connections. They are best suited for commercial applications. Cost to Install an EV Charger in San Francisco The cost to install an EV charging station at your home or business in San Francisco ranges from $1000-$5,000 depending on the amperage and features of the charger. Factors impacting overall costs include: Electrical panel capacity: Upgrades to support higher amperage can add $2,000 or more (See Our Services Electrical Wiring) Distance to electrical panel: Longer wiring runs increase labor time and materials Conduit needs: Underground conduit adds $300 or more if trenching required Permitting fees: San Francisco charger permit fee is $224 Charging station model: Higher amperage adds cost but also speeds charging You can save 25-50% on installation costs after rebates and incentives, discussed next. When hiring a professional electrical contractor like JMO Construction & Electric, they can provide a detailed quote for your specific installation needs after an initial site assessment. San Francisco EV Charger Rebates and Incentives San Francisco and the state of California offer rebates and tax credits to offset the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure. California Clean Fuel Reward This rebate covers $1000 per Level 2 port (up to $3000 per site). To qualify, you’ll need to take and upload a picture of the installed charger. Workplace and multi-unit dwelling chargers also qualify. See eligiblity details here. Federal EV Tax Credit The federal government offers up to a $1000 tax credit for installing EV charging equipment. This can be combined with other incentives. See details on the EV federal tax credit here. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Rebate San Francisco offers a rebate up to $500 per port for installing Level 2 EV charging. See more details on eligibility and how to apply here. When combined, these incentives can reduce the out-of-pocket cost of installing a Level 2 home EV charger in San Francisco by 50% or more. Contact local electrical contractors like JMO Construction & Electric to see if they can apply rebates on your behalf to simplify the process. Permitting Requirements for EV Chargers in San Francisco Like most major electrical work, installing an EV charger in San Francisco requires a city permit. The permit fee is currently $224, with single family residential permits taking 1-2 days for approval. The permitting process ensures: Electrical safety standards are met Chargers meet local building codes Installer carries required licensure Using a qualified, licensed electrical contractor like JMO Construction & Electric familiar with the local permitting process can streamline permitting. Be sure to verify your electrical contractor is familiar with EV charger installation and permitting before hiring. How to Choose an EV Charger Installer in San Francisco Choosing the right electrical contractor is key to a smooth permitting and installation process. Here are top tips for selecting an EV charger installer in San Francisco: Find a licensed electrician – Ensure they carry an active city electrical contractor license. This is required to pull EV charging permits. JMO Construction & Electric meets this requirement. Look for EV charging experience – Ask about their specific experience with EV charger installs, not just general electrical work. JMO Construction & Electric has extensive EV charging installation experience. Request 3-4 bids – Get multiple quotes to compare pricing and offerings. Be sure to get a bid from JMO Construction & Electric. Check reviews and references – Verify they have happy customers and excellent reviews. JMO Construction & Electric has outstanding online reviews. See if they offer rebate assistance – Many will handle applying for rebates and tax credits for you. JMO Construction & Electric provides turnkey rebate assistance. Inquire about warranties – Quality electrical contractors will stand behind their work. JMO Construction & Electric offers strong workmanship