Thinking about going electric? Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is one of the best upgrades a San Diego homeowner can make. Here's everything you need to know before you start.
Why Level 2 Charging Is the Right Choice for Home
Level 1 charging — plugging your EV into a standard 120-volt outlet — is slow. It typically adds only 3–5 miles of range per hour. For most San Diego drivers, that means waking up with a car that's still not fully charged, especially if you're driving 30–50 miles per day.
Level 2 charging runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and delivers 15–30 miles of range per hour, depending on your vehicle and charger. Most EV owners can top up overnight easily. It's the standard for home EV charging — and it's exactly what we install.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Here's what San Diego homeowners can expect when they hire Merino Electric for EV charger installation:
- Panel evaluation: we check whether your existing panel has capacity for a dedicated 240V circuit
- Charger selection: we help you choose the right Level 2 unit for your vehicle and use case
- Permit filing: we handle all permit applications required by the City of San Diego or your municipality
- Installation: we run the circuit, install the charger, and verify safe, code-compliant operation
Cost and Timing in San Diego
Most Level 2 EV charger installations in San Diego cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on panel location, distance to the charger, and whether your panel needs an upgrade. The installation itself typically takes 2–4 hours once permits are in hand.
Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction. San Diego City typically takes 1–3 business days for residential permits. We'll give you a realistic timeline from day one — no surprises.
Let Merino Electric Handle It All
From the initial panel check to the final inspection, Merino Electric manages the entire EV charger installation process. We serve San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, and all surrounding San Diego County communities.
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is one of the smartest investments you can make as an EV owner. Let Merino Electric make it simple.