I was walking my dog yesterday when I ran into my neighbor Greg who had just brought home his first electric vehicle. He was visibly excited but also a bit concerned about the charging situation.
“I’m thinking of having my regular electrician install an EV charger,” Greg mentioned as we chatted in his driveway. “He’s done some work around the house before. Do you think that’s a good idea?”
Schedule Your Installation Now (801) 218-3359This question comes up a lot in my conversations with new EV owners in Layton, and I shared with Greg what I’ve learned from years in the EV charging installation business.
“Well, technically any licensed electrician can install the wiring for an EV charger,” I explained. “But there’s more to it than just running a new circuit.”
Greg leaned against his new car, interested. “What do you mean? It’s just electricity, right?”
“Yes and no,” I replied. “Standard electricians certainly understand the basics of electrical work, but EV charging installations have specific requirements that many general electricians haven’t encountered regularly.”
I explained to Greg that EV charger installation involves understanding charging equipment specifications, local utility requirements, permit processes specific to EV infrastructure, and optimal placement considerations that maximize both convenience and efficiency.
“For example,” I continued, “did you know that the location of your charger can significantly impact your vehicle’s battery life and charging efficiency? Or that our local utility in Layton offers special time-of-use rates for EV owners that require specific installation configurations?”
Greg raised his eyebrows. “I had no idea. My electrician didn’t mention any of that.”
“That’s because general electricians are fantastic at what they do, but EV charging is a specialized field. It’s like the difference between a general practitioner and a specialist in medicine.”
I shared with Greg a story about another Layton resident who had their general electrician install a charger. The installation worked, but it wasn’t optimized for their specific EV model, didn’t account for potential future upgrades, and they missed out on substantial utility rebates because the installation didn’t meet specific requirements.
“In the end,” I told him, “they ended up having us reinstall it properly, which cost more than if they’d just started with a specialized EV installation company.”
Greg nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. So what should I be looking for in an installer?”
“Look for someone who specializes in EV charging installations, is familiar with Layton’s specific codes and utility programs, and can provide documentation about their experience with your specific vehicle brand. They should also be able to walk you through available rebates and incentives.”
Before we parted ways, Greg had one last question. “But won’t a specialized installer be more expensive than my regular electrician?”
I smiled. “That’s the thing – often not. Specialized installers are more efficient because they do this work daily. They already have the right equipment and understand the processes. Plus, they know how to help you claim available incentives and rebates that can significantly offset installation costs.”
Two weeks later, Greg texted me a photo of his new Level 2 charger professionally installed in his garage by our team. “You were right,” his message read. “The installation was smooth, they helped me get a $500 rebate from our utility, and they set up the charger to automatically use the cheapest electricity rates overnight. My regular electrician couldn’t have done all that!”
If you’re in Layton and considering an EV charger installation, remember that while any licensed electrician might be able to connect the wires, a specialized EV charging installer will ensure you get the most efficient, future-proof, and cost-effective charging solution for your specific needs.
Schedule Your Installation Now (801) 218-3359