EV Charger Installation Cost
in Vancouver WA
The charger itself is the easy part. The installation cost depends on your panel, how far the wire has to run, and whether anything needs upgrading first.
EV charger installation in the Vancouver WA area runs anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for the electrical work alone. That's a wide range, and the final number depends on things specific to your home that no one can quote accurately over the phone.
Ryan Newman, owner of Newman Electric, says the biggest variable is the distance between your electrical panel and where you want the charger. "If the panel is in the garage and the charger goes on the wall 10 feet away, the wiring is simple and the cost is on the low end. If the panel is in the basement and the charger is in a detached garage 80 feet away, that's a different job."
What you're actually paying for
An EV charger installation has several cost components. Some are fixed, some depend on your home.
| Component | Typical Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| EV charger (equipment) | $300 - $700 | You buy this yourself or Newman can source it |
| Dedicated circuit + wiring | $400 - $1,200 | Biggest variable: wire length and gauge |
| Breaker + panel connection | $100 - $300 | 40 or 60-amp 240V breaker installation |
| Permit + inspection | $75 - $150 | Required in Clark County |
| Panel upgrade (if needed) | $2,000 - $4,500 | Only if your current panel can't support the load |
| Total (no panel upgrade) | $875 - $2,350 | Equipment + installation + permit |
The four things that drive the price up or down
Distance from panel to charger
Every foot of 6-gauge or 4-gauge copper wire costs money. A 10-foot run from a garage panel to the garage wall is cheap. A 60-foot run from a basement panel to a detached garage, potentially through a trench, costs significantly more. This is the single biggest cost variable.
Panel capacity
If you have a 200-amp panel with available slots, adding a 40 or 60-amp breaker is straightforward. If you have a 100-amp panel or a full panel with no open slots, you may need a sub-panel or a full panel upgrade. That adds $2,000 to $4,500.
Indoor vs outdoor installation
An outdoor charger (on the side of the house or a carport post) may require weatherproof conduit and a NEMA-rated enclosure. Some chargers are rated for outdoor use and don't need additional protection. Indoor garage installations are typically simpler and less expensive.
Trenching for detached garages
If the charger goes in a detached garage or structure, the wire needs to get there underground. Trenching and conduit add $500 to $1,500+ depending on the distance and terrain. This is the scenario that pushes installations to the higher end.
Common installation scenarios in Vancouver WA
Simple garage install
$800 - $1,300 totalPanel is in the garage, 200-amp with capacity, charger mounts on the same wall within 15 feet. Short wire run, no trenching, no panel upgrade. This is the most common scenario Newman Electric sees.
Longer run through the house
$1,200 - $2,000 totalPanel is in the basement or utility room, charger is in the garage on the other side of the house. Wire runs 30 to 50 feet through the attic or crawl space. More wire, more labor, but no structural challenges.
Detached garage with trenching
$2,000 - $3,500 totalWire has to run underground from the main panel to a detached garage. Includes trenching, conduit, and possibly a sub-panel in the garage. The cost goes up with distance and landscaping complexity.
Panel upgrade + charger
$3,500 - $6,500 total100-amp panel needs to go to 200 amps before the charger circuit can be added. Newman Electric handles both in one project. The panel upgrade includes the outdoor disconnect required by NEC 230.85.
"Newman installed a Tesla Wall Charger at my home. They were quick, professional, and trustworthy. I ran into an issue a few days after the work was done and they came back right away and made it right."
Rob Cline, Google Review
Federal tax credit for EV charger installation
The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Equipment Tax Credit (IRS Section 30C) lets you claim 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing a home EV charger, up to $1,000 for residential installations. The property must be located in an eligible census tract (rural or low-income areas qualify).
On a $1,500 total installation, that's a $450 credit. On a $2,500 job, it's $750 back. Clark County has eligible census tracts in several areas. Check with your tax professional and the IRS Section 30C page for your specific address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tesla Wall Connector installation cost?
The Tesla Wall Connector costs about $475. Installation runs $500 to $1,500 depending on the wiring distance and panel capacity. Total installed cost is usually $1,000 to $2,000 for a straightforward garage installation. Newman Electric provides free on-site estimates.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
If your panel is 200 amps with available slots, probably not. If you have a 100-amp panel or a full panel, you'll likely need an upgrade ($2,000 to $4,500) before the charger can be installed. Newman Electric checks this during the free estimate and handles both projects if needed.
Is there a federal tax credit for EV charger installation?
Yes. The Section 30C credit covers 30% of the purchase and installation cost, up to $1,000 for residential properties in eligible census tracts. Check with your tax professional and the IRS to confirm your address qualifies.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger?
Yes. A new 240-volt circuit requires an electrical permit in Clark County. Inside the City of Vancouver, permits go through the city (360-487-7890). Elsewhere in Clark County, they go through Washington State L&I (360-896-2300). Newman Electric handles all permitting.
Related Services
EV Charger Installation
Full service page with process and scheduling details
How to Choose an EV Charger
Level 1 vs 2, hardwired vs plug-in, charger comparisons
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Required if your 100-amp panel can't support the load
Dedicated Circuits
EV chargers require their own dedicated circuit
Surge Protection
Protect your EV charger investment from power surges
Electrical Permits in Clark County
How the permit process works for electrical projects
Want an exact price for your EV charger install?
Newman Electric provides free on-site estimates for EV charger installations across Vancouver WA, Clark County, and Cowlitz County. Ryan's crew checks your panel, measures the wire run, and gives you exact pricing before any work starts.