Derek called me two weeks after picking up his Ford F-150 Lightning. He was plugging into a standard 120V outlet in his garage and getting maybe 4 miles of range per hour of charging. With a 300-mile battery, that math doesn't work for anyone with a real commute.
First Step: Panel Assessment
Before I ever touch an EV charger install, I assess the panel. Derek had a 200A panel with decent headroom — about 60A of unused capacity — which is exactly what we need for a Level 2 charger circuit. Some Bowie homes I visit have older 100A panels where we need to discuss a panel upgrade first. Always assess before committing to a charger installation.
“Had our panel upgraded by Belvin — fast, clean work and he pulled all the permits. Super professional. Our whole family feels safer now.” — Derek W., Bowie MD
The Installation
We ran a dedicated 60A circuit from Derek's panel to the garage — about 25 feet of conduit along the wall. I mounted the ChargePoint Home Flex that Derek had already purchased, wired it in, and tested the charging rate. He's now getting 30+ miles of range per hour. The F-150 Lightning goes from empty to full overnight.
The Permit
Yes, EV charger installations require a permit in PG County and most Maryland jurisdictions. I pulled the permit, the inspector came out two days later, and we passed. This matters because unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance and create liability if something goes wrong. I pull every permit on every job — no exceptions.
Is Your Home Ready for Level 2?
If you have a 200A panel and a standard garage, you're probably ready. If you have an older 100A panel or your garage is far from the panel, we'll talk through the options honestly. Call me and I'll give you a real assessment.