What "Level 2" actually means
Level 2 is 240V charging — anywhere from 16A up to 80A. For most homes, the sweet spot is 40A or 48A, delivering 9.6–11.5 kW. That's enough to add 30–40 miles of range per hour and fully charge most EVs overnight.
Hardwired vs plug-in
Hardwired (no plug) gives you the full 48A rating. Plug-in chargers max at 40A on a 14-50 outlet. NEC 2023 also requires GFCI protection on 14-50 outlets in many locations, which has caused nuisance tripping issues with some plug-in chargers. We recommend hardwired for permanent installations.
How to size the circuit
A continuous-rated EV charger uses 80% of its breaker capacity. So:
- 32A charger → 40A breaker → 8 AWG copper
- 40A charger → 50A breaker → 6 AWG copper
- 48A charger → 60A breaker → 6 AWG copper
If your panel is full or your service is undersized, you have three options: upgrade the service, install a load-management module, or step down to a smaller charger.
Panel capacity check
A standard 200A panel with a heat pump and electric water heater typically has 20–40A of free capacity. A load calc per NEC 220 tells you exactly. We do this on every site visit before committing to a circuit size.
Permits
Required in every MD, DC, and Northern VA jurisdiction. A licensed electrician pulls and closes the permit. Inspection is typically same-week.
Mounting location
The charger lives inside the garage on the wall closest to the parking spot, usually 36–48 inches off the floor. Outdoor installs are fine for rated units (NEMA 4) but cable management matters in winter.
Wire route planning
We try to keep the run under 75 feet to avoid wire-size upgrades. Routes through attic, basement, or crawl space avoid surface conduit on finished walls.
Brands we install most often
- Tesla Wall Connector (hardwired, 48A)
- Emporia EV (hardwired or plug-in, 48A)
- ChargePoint Home Flex (plug-in, 40A)
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus (hardwired, 40A)
Typical install cost in the DMV
$900–$1,800 for most homes. Add $400–$1,200 for long wire runs, panel changes, or trenching.
If you want a written estimate from a licensed electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia, call Flash Power LLC at (202) 926-7065 or request a free quote.