If you've recently bought an electric vehicle — or if you're considering one — the first question most people ask is: can I charge it at home? The answer is almost always yes. The better question is: what kind of charging setup makes the most sense?
This guide covers the basics of home EV charging, what the installation process actually involves, and why the electrician you choose matters more than most people realize.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging — what's the difference?
Every electric vehicle comes with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into a standard household outlet. It works, but slowly — typically 4–5 miles of range per hour of charging. For most drivers, that means a partially depleted battery takes all night (or longer) to top off.
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit — the same voltage as your dryer or electric range — and charges at roughly 20–30 miles of range per hour. For the majority of EV owners, that means you plug in at the end of the day and wake up to a full charge, regardless of how far you drove.
For most Gainesville drivers, Level 2 is the practical standard for a home charging setup.
What the installation actually involves
A Level 2 EV charger installation is a dedicated electrical project — not something a handyman can or should handle. Here's what a proper installation looks like:
Panel evaluation
Before anything else, we assess your electrical panel to confirm it has capacity for a new 240-volt, 50-amp circuit. Many Gainesville homes, especially those built before 2000, may require a panel upgrade as part of the project. This is evaluated and quoted upfront — no surprises.
Circuit installation
We run a dedicated 240V circuit from your panel to the garage (or wherever you're parking). The wire gauge, conduit type, and burial method depend on the path and local code requirements.
Charger mounting and connection
We mount the wall connector or universal EVSE unit in your preferred location, make all electrical connections, and test the circuit before the job is done.
Permit and inspection
EV charger installations require a permit in Florida. We handle the permit and coordinate the inspection.
Why Tesla certification matters
Not all EV charger installations are equal, and not all electricians are authorized to install Tesla equipment. 352 Electric is one of the few Tesla certified electricians in the Gainesville area — meaning we've gone through Tesla's vetting and certification process and are authorized to install Tesla Wall Connectors.
Even if you don't drive a Tesla, certification reflects a standard of expertise. And most modern wall connectors use the standard J1772 connector, making them compatible with all EVs regardless of make.
Future-proofing your home
If you're not buying an EV yet but you think you might in the next few years — especially if you're doing any other electrical work or a remodel — this is the ideal time to at least run the conduit and rough in the circuit. Adding the charger later becomes a much simpler and less expensive project when the infrastructure is already in place.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Level 2 EV charger installation cost in Gainesville?
The total cost depends on panel capacity, the distance from the panel to the installation location, and whether any panel work is needed. We provide a free estimate before any work begins.
Can I install an EV charger in my garage if my panel is in a different part of the house?
Yes. We run the circuit wherever it needs to go. The longer the run, the more involved the project, but it's standard work.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Florida?
Yes. Electrical permits are required for EV charger installations in Florida. 352 Electric handles the permit as part of the project.
352 Electric is a Tesla certified EV charger installer serving Gainesville and North Central Florida. If you're ready to charge at home the right way, call (352) 331-6459 or request a free estimate.
