Charging at home is faster, cheaper, and more convenient than public stations. Here's how a Level 2 install works.
More homeowners in our area are going electric, and the single best upgrade for an EV owner is a home charger. Waking up to a full battery every morning beats hunting for a public charger — especially out here, where stations are few and far between. Here's what a proper home install looks like.
Level 1 vs. Level 2
Every EV comes with a Level 1 cord that plugs into a standard outlet, but it's slow — often only a few miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger runs on a 240-volt circuit (like your dryer) and charges several times faster, typically filling a battery overnight. For daily driving, Level 2 is the way to go.
What the install involves
- Confirming your panel has enough capacity
- Running a dedicated 240V circuit to the charger location
- Mounting and wiring the charger (garage or exterior)
- Adding a breaker and, if needed, upgrading the panel
- Testing and walking you through how it works
Will my panel handle it?
That's the key question. Some homes have plenty of spare capacity; others need a panel upgrade first, especially older homes. We'll assess your panel up front so there are no surprises mid-project.
Seeley Lake Electric installs Level 2 EV chargers throughout the Seeley-Swan Valley and Missoula area, and we offer free estimates. Reach out and we'll get you charging at home.
Back to all articles