A fair quote for installing a Level 2 charger lists every part of the job: the circuit size, breaker, wire, conduit, mounting, permit, labour and final testing. It should state whether the charger is hard-wired or plug-in, and what happens if the panel needs work. For the EV-ACT5006T, the quote should say whether the circuit is designed for 48 A charging on a 60 A breaker or 40 A charging on a 50 A breaker.
Key Takeaways
- A fair quote itemizes circuit, materials, panel work, permit and testing.
- Ask what could change the price before work begins.
- The charger current must be set to match the breaker.
- Never accept a suggestion to skip the permit.
Line Items a Complete Quote Should Show
Compare quotes line by line. A low total sometimes leaves out the permit, the trench or the panel work.
| Item | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit design | Breaker size, charger current setting, conductor size | No current or breaker stated |
| Materials | Wire type, conduit or cable, boxes, fittings | “Materials as needed” |
| Panel work | Space for a 2-pole breaker, load calculation, any upgrade | No load calculation mentioned |
| Route | Distance, through-wall or trench, surface or concealed | No site visit or photos reviewed |
| Permit and inspection | Who pulls the permit and attends inspection | Suggestion to skip the permit |
| Commissioning | Setting the charger current, testing a session | No testing described |
| Warranty | Workmanship warranty period | None offered |
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Is the price fixed, or an estimate that can change after the work starts?
- What would change the price, such as hidden obstacles, a full panel or a longer route?
- Will you set the charger’s current to match the breaker?
- Is the installer licensed and insured where you live?
- How long will the job take, and will the power be off?
Our guide to choosing an installation company covers licensing and references, and the factors that affect installation cost explains why quotes vary so much.
What Pushes the Price Up
Distance from the panel, trenching to a detached garage, drilling through masonry and panel upgrades are the big drivers. A plug-in setup adds a receptacle; a hard-wired setup avoids it but needs a correctly sized conductor at the charger. For public chargers, the U.S. DOE cites typical installation costs of about $2,500 per Level 2 connector, but home jobs can be far lower or higher depending on the site.
Bringing the Charger to the Job
If you supply the charger, give the installer the manual in advance. The EV-ACT5006T supports up to 48 A hard-wired or a NEMA 14-50P plug, uses a NACS connector on a 25 ft cable, and has an IP65/IP66 enclosure with ETL, FCC and CE marks. ETL listing comes from an OSHA-recognized testing laboratory, which inspectors often look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should an EV charger installation quote include the permit?
Yes. A good quote states who pulls the permit and whether its fee is included.
Why do installation quotes vary so much?
Distance, routing, panel capacity and local labour rates differ by site. Quotes that skip a site visit may be missing items.
Can I ask the installer to set the charger to a lower current?
Yes. The current setting must match or be below what the breaker and wire allow, and the installer should confirm it.
Related Reading
- How to Choose the Best EV Charger Installation Company
- What Affects EV Charger Installation Cost? 8 Factors to Check
- Why Is EV Charger Installation So Expensive?
- What Is a Standard EV Charger Installation?
