When it comes to a level 2 EV charger installation, one decision can impact your charging experience in meaningful ways. You’ve made the smart choice to go electric, and now you’re ready for home charging that actually works for your life. But here’s the question that stumps many new EV owners: should you hardwire your charger directly into your electrical system, or install a plug-in option?
This choice affects your charging speed, installation costs, and flexibility for years to come. The good news is that both hardwire and plug-in EV charger installations deliver reliable, fast charging. We’ll help you understand which option saves you more money and gives you the charging power you need to stay confidently charged at home.
An Overview of EV Charger Installation Options
There are two main ways to install a Level 2 EV charger in your home, and both give you the same core benefit: charging that’s about 6-9 times faster than a standard household outlet.
Hardwire installation means your EV charger connects directly to your home’s electrical panel through dedicated wiring—no outlet involved. Think of it like a ceiling fan that’s permanently wired into your electrical system.
Plug-in installation means your electrician installs a heavy-duty outlet (called a NEMA 14-50), and your charger plugs into it. It’s similar to the outlet you’d use for an electric dryer, and is bigger and more powerful than your typical home outlet you might plug a phone into.
Why does this choice matter for everyday homeowners? It comes down to three key factors: charging speed, flexibility, and cost. The right choice depends on your specific situation, but here’s what’s important to know upfront—both options work with all electric vehicles and both give you reliable, fast charging at home.
Hardwire EV Charger Installation: Maximum Power, Permanent Solution
Hardwiring means your EV charger becomes a permanent fixture, connected directly to your electrical panel with dedicated wiring. No outlet, no plug—just a direct connection that delivers maximum power to your electric vehicle.
How a hardwired installation actually works
Your electrician runs electrical wiring from your main panel straight to where your charger will be mounted. The charger connects directly to this wiring through what’s called a junction box or disconnect switch. It’s a permanent installation that becomes part of your home’s electrical system.
Key advantages of hardwire EV charger installation
You get maximum charging speed. This is the biggest advantage. A hardwired EV charger can deliver up to 48 amps of charging power, compared to 40 amps maximum with plug-in options. This difference is a safety issue, and NEMA outlets are rated for lower amperage.
For many EVs, this could mean the difference between a 6-hour charge and a 7.5-hour charge. If you drive long distances or have a large battery, every amp of charging speed could matter.
You get a clean, professional appearance. No visible outlets, no cords to manage. Your electrician will mount your charger to the wall and connect a seamless electrical connection. If you care about aesthetics, hardwiring delivers that streamlined, professional look that many homeowners prefer. Plus, our Emporia Pro charger features a rear-entry hardwiring option, which means you can run wiring through the back of the charger and completely hide it from sight.
It often costs less to install. This surprises many people, but hardwire installation is frequently the more affordable option. Many areas require expensive GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers for NEMA outlets, which can add $200-400 to your installation cost. Hardwired chargers typically don’t need these specialized breakers.
It’s permanent and secure. Once installed, your charger isn’t going anywhere. No worries about someone unplugging it or using your charging connection for other purposes. It’s dedicated solely to charging your EV.
Other considerations with hardwiring
Importantly, professional installation is usually required—this isn’t a simple DIY project for the vast majority of people. You’ll also have less flexibility if your needs change. Moving to a new home means leaving the charger behind or paying an electrician to disconnect it. Future upgrades require professional electrical work rather than simply unplugging and replacing.
When hardwiring makes the most sense
Choose hardwire EV charger installation if you plan to stay in your home for several years, want the fastest possible charging speeds, prioritize a clean aesthetic, and have an EV that can accept 48-amp charging. It’s the permanent solution for homeowners who want maximum performance and don’t anticipate major changes.
Plug-in EV Charger Installation: Flexibility and Future-Proofing With a NEMA Outlet
The plug-in approach means installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet—the same heavy-duty connection used for ovens and dryers. Your EV charger then plugs into this outlet, giving you the flexibility to move, upgrade, or repurpose the connection.
What NEMA 14-50 outlet installation means
A NEMA 14-50 is a standardized 50-amp outlet that can safely deliver 40 amps of continuous power. Your electrician installs this outlet connected to a 50-amp breaker in your electrical panel. Once installed, any compatible Level 2 EV charger can plug into it.
Key advantages of plug-in EV charger installation
You get plenty of flexibility. Moving to a new home? Unplug your charger and take it with you. Want to upgrade to a newer model with better features? Simply unplug the old charger and plug in the new one. Need to temporarily relocate your charger for construction or other work? Easy to do.
It’s future-proof. The EV charging world evolves rapidly, with new features and capabilities emerging regularly. With a plug-in setup, upgrading to take advantage of new technology is as simple as buying a new charger and plugging it in, no electrician required.
The outlet serves multiple purposes. Your NEMA 14-50 outlet isn’t limited to EV charging. You can use it for RV hookups, power tools, or other high-power appliances. This versatility could add value, especially if you have varied electrical needs around your property.
It uses standardized connections. NEMA outlets follow established industry standards, so you’re not locked into one manufacturer. Any compatible Level 2 EV charger will work with your outlet, giving you maximum choice in chargers now and in the future.
Considerations with a plug-in installation
You’ll get slightly lower charging speeds—40 amps maximum instead of the 48 amps possible with hardwiring. For typical daily driving, this difference is often minimal, but it matters if you need the absolute fastest charging.
You’ll also have a visible outlet and charging cord, which some homeowners prefer to avoid. In areas where building codes require GFCI breakers for outlets, installation costs can be higher than hardwiring.
NEMA outlets add a potential point of failure that doesn’t exist in a hardwired connection. Cheaper NEMA outlet products may not be designed to handle the sustained output required for an EV charger and can potentially melt. Only 14-50 outlets designed specifically for EV charging should be considered.
When plug-in installation makes the most sense
Choose plug-in EV charger installation if you might move within a few years, want flexibility to upgrade chargers, don’t need maximum charging speed, or value having a versatile outlet for other high-power devices. It’s the smart choice for homeowners who prioritize adaptability and future options.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
The best installation method depends on your specific situation and priorities. Here are the key questions to help you decide:
How long do you plan to stay in your home? If you’re settled for the long term, hardwiring makes more sense. If you might move within 3-5 years, plug-in installation offers valuable flexibility.
Does your EV support 48-amp charging? Check your owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications. Many popular EVs max out at 32 or 40 amps anyway, which means the hardwire speed advantage doesn’t apply to your vehicle.
How important is maximum charging speed to you? If you drive long distances daily, have a large battery, or frequently need rapid charging, every amp counts. For typical commuting and errands, the difference between 40 and 48 amps might not be noticeable in your daily routine.
Do you prioritize aesthetics or flexibility? Neither choice is wrong—it’s about what matters most to you and your household.
Emporia’s recommendation framework
Choose hardwire installation if: You plan to stay in your home long-term, want maximum charging speed, have an EV that supports 48-amp charging, prioritize clean aesthetics, and don’t anticipate major changes to your setup.
Choose plug-in installation if: You have an existing 14-50 outlet, might move in the next few years, value flexibility to upgrade or change chargers, want to use the outlet for other purposes, or don’t need the absolute fastest charging speeds.
Why Choose Emporia for Your EV Charger Installation
Whether you choose hardwire or plug-in installation, our chargers deliver exceptional performance and value. We’re proud to be recognized as the “Best Smart EV Home Charger” by MotorTrend and “Best EV Charger of 2024” by InsideEVs—recognition that reflects our commitment to helping homeowners charge smarter.
Our award-winning chargers work with both installation methods, so you can choose the approach that fits your home and situation. You get Energy Star certification, weatherproof construction, a 25-foot cable, and smart app control—all at competitive pricing that delivers premium features without premium costs.
Plus, when you pair your Emporia charger with our Vue Home Energy Monitor, you unlock advanced energy management capabilities. Charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest, avoid costly demand charges, and maximize your solar energy use—all automated through our intelligent platform.
Get Started Today
Ready to transform your home charging experience? We’re here to help you make the right choice and get installed quickly and professionally.
Get your free installation estimate with our trusted installation partner, Treehouse. They’ll provide a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific situation.
Have questions about which installation method is right for you? Our customer service team is standing by Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time. Call us at 844-EMPORIA (367-6742) or email [email protected].
Ready to explore your options? Browse our complete selection of Level 2 EV chargers, available in both hardwire and plug-in configurations. Find the perfect match for your installation preferences, charging needs, and budget.
