Phase 1
How to Tell If Your Panel Has Room
A Level 2 home charger typically needs its own dedicated 40 to 60 amp circuit. Whether your panel can support that comes down to two things: your total service size, usually 100A, 150A, or 200A, and how much of that capacity your existing appliances already use. A licensed electrician calculates your home’s total connected load, including your range, dryer, water heater, and any heat pump, before adding a new circuit. Homes with 200A service built or upgraded more recently usually have room. Homes with 100A service, especially those with electric heat or an electric range, are more likely to need a closer look.
We do not guess at this. Your free assessment includes a real load calculation, not a visual estimate, so you know exactly where your panel stands before any work is scheduled.
Phase 2
When a Full Panel Upgrade Is Needed
If the load calculation shows your panel is already near capacity, the traditional fix is a full service upgrade, typically moving from 100A to 200A service. This is licensed-electrician work under RCW 19.28, done in coordination with your utility, and it usually runs $2,500 to $5,000 depending on your home’s setup and whether the service line itself needs to be upgraded.
Phase 3
The Smart Panel Alternative
A smart electrical panel is often the lower-cost option. Instead of increasing your total service size, it manages load at the circuit level, automatically shifting power away from lower-priority circuits when your EV charger is drawing current. Under NEC 2026 Article 705, a UL 3141-certified smart panel can substitute for a full service upgrade in many cases, letting your charger fit within your existing service instead of replacing it.
This is not the right fit for every home, but where it works, it can save thousands compared to a full upgrade. We will tell you plainly whether your home qualifies. See how the smart panel works →
Phase 4
What Happens During Your Free Assessment
We check your panel’s age, amp rating, and existing load, then walk you through your real options and pricing before anything is scheduled:
Related Resources
Common Questions
Do I need to upgrade my panel for an EV charger?
Not always. It depends on your existing service size and how much of it your current appliances already use. Many homes with 150A or 200A service have enough room without any panel work at all.
How do I know if my panel has enough capacity?
A licensed electrician runs a load calculation based on your panel’s amp rating and your home’s existing circuits. We include this in every free assessment rather than estimating from a photo.
What’s the difference between a panel upgrade and a smart panel?
A full upgrade increases your home’s total electrical service, usually to 200A. A smart panel instead manages load across your existing circuits so a new charger fits without increasing your service size, often at a lower cost.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
A full service upgrade typically runs $2,500 to $5,000, depending on your home’s setup. A smart panel is often the lower-cost path when your home qualifies.
Can I still get an EV charger installed with a 100A panel?
Often, yes. Between load management options and a possible smart panel, many 100A homes do not need a full service upgrade. We will confirm what your specific home needs during your assessment.
Find Out What Your Panel Needs
A real load calculation and a clear comparison of your options, before any work is scheduled.
