EV charger installation in Columbus GA
Plugging a new EV into a regular wall outlet adds only a few miles of range per hour. Professional EV charger installation gives you a Level 2 charger on its own 240 volt circuit, so the car is full every morning. Sherrill Co. is Tesla and Qmerit certified, licensed in Georgia and Alabama, and has been wiring Columbus homes since 1984.
We check your panel first, run the right circuit to your garage or driveway, install the charger and test it with you before we leave.
- Panel check before every install
- Licensed in GA and AL
- Follow up call after the job
What our EV charger installation includes
Every home EV charger installation follows the same five steps, whether you drive a Tesla, a Ford or anything else with a J1772 or NACS plug. No shortcuts at the panel, and no surprises at the end.
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Talk it through
On the first call we ask about your vehicle, where you park, how far the panel is from that spot and which charger you have in mind.
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Check the panel
We look at your panel and the loads already on it to make sure it can carry a charger safely. If it can't, we explain your options.
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Run the circuit
A dedicated 240 volt circuit with the right breaker and wire size goes from the panel to your garage, carport or driveway.
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Mount and connect
We hardwire the charger or install a NEMA 14-50 outlet for a plug-in unit, then set the charger to match the circuit.
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Test and check back
We test it with you before we leave, show you how it works, and call a few days later to make sure charging is going smoothly.
Chargers we install, and where they go
Already bought a charger? We'll install it. Still deciding? We'll walk you through the options for your car, your panel and the way you drive. These are the three setups we install most.
Tesla Wall Connector
Tesla's own Level 2 charger, hardwired on a dedicated circuit. It also works with many non-Tesla vehicles that use the NACS plug, and it can share power between two cars if you add a second one later.
- Hardwired installation
- Set up to match your circuit
- Tesla Wall Connector installation by certified installers
Hardwired Level 2 chargers
Chargers from Ford, ChargePoint and most other brands can be wired directly to the circuit. Hardwiring allows higher charging speeds and leaves no plug to wear out, which is why many homeowners choose it for the garage.
- Best for higher amp chargers
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Qmerit certified installation
NEMA 14-50 outlet
A 240 volt outlet on its own 50 amp breaker, ready for a plug-in charger or the mobile cord that came with your car. It's a good fit if you might take the charger with you when you move.
- NEMA 14-50 outlet installation
- EV rated receptacle
- GFCI protection where required
Wherever you park
The charger goes where the car lives. The farther that is from the panel, the more planning the wire run takes, and we plan it before we start.
Can my panel handle an EV charger?
A Level 2 charger is one of the biggest loads in a house, often running for hours at a time. Before any EV charger installation, we check whether your panel and electrical service have room for it. Many homes do. Some need a little help first.
Signs your panel may need attention first:
- No open breaker spaces left in the panel
- Breakers already trip when several big appliances run
- An older or smaller service, such as 100 amps or less
- You're also adding a pool, hot tub, shop or addition
If your panel needs work, we can handle the upgrade and the charger in the same project, so one crew takes care of the whole thing.
Learn about electrical panel upgradesWhat affects the cost of EV charger installation
Every house is different, so we don't quote a flat price before we understand the job. These are the things that move the number up or down.
Distance from the panelA charger right next to the panel needs a short run. A detached garage or the far end of a driveway needs more wire and sometimes trenching.
Panel capacityIf there's room on the panel, the job is simpler. If not, a panel or service upgrade becomes part of the project.
Charger sizeHigher amp chargers charge faster but need a larger breaker and heavier wire.
Hardwired or outletHardwiring and a NEMA 14-50 outlet are priced a little differently, and the charger itself is a separate cost.
The routeFinished walls, attics, crawl spaces and outdoor runs each take a different approach to keep the job clean.
What an EV charger customer had to say
"Put an EV charger in my garage. They were reasonably priced, showed up on time, didn't leave a mess, and answered any questions I had. They also informed me of a loose wire breaker box that could have caused problems and fixed it for me. I have no complaints and would call them again for any electrical needs."
Brandon CurryGoogle review, EV charger installation
Workplace and fleet charging
Offices, shops and small fleets in Columbus and Phenix City can add Level 2 charging for employees, customers or company vehicles. We plan the circuits around your building's capacity and the number of spaces you want to serve.
Commercial electrical servicesInstalled across our area
- Columbus
- Phenix City
- Auburn
- Opelika
- Fortson
- Cataula
- Smiths Station
EV charger installation questions
What homeowners ask us most before installing a home charger. For your specific car, panel and garage, a quick call gets you a real answer.
Ask about your charger(706) 569-7518
How long does EV charger installation take?
When the panel has room and the charger goes in a garage near the panel, many home installs are finished in a single visit. Longer wire runs, detached garages, outdoor trenching or a panel upgrade add time. We will give you a realistic timeline after we see the job.
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. Many homes have enough capacity for a Level 2 charger as they are. Homes with 100 amp service, full panels or several other large loads may need a panel or service upgrade first. We check your panel before every EV charger installation and explain what, if anything, needs to change.
Can you install a charger I already bought?
Yes. We install Tesla Wall Connectors and most other UL listed Level 2 chargers that homeowners buy themselves. Tell us the make and model when you call so we can plan the right circuit and breaker size.
Should I get a hardwired charger or a NEMA 14-50 outlet?
Hardwired chargers allow higher charging speeds and have no plug to wear out, so they are a great fit for a garage you plan to stay in. A NEMA 14-50 outlet works with plug-in chargers and mobile cords and lets you take the charger with you if you move. We can help you decide based on your car and how you drive.
What size breaker does a Level 2 EV charger need?
Electrical code requires the circuit to be rated for 125 percent of the charger's continuous load. That means a charger set to 32 amps needs a 40 amp circuit, and a charger set to 48 amps needs a 60 amp circuit. We size the breaker and the wire to match your charger and your panel.
Can I charge two EVs at home?
Yes. Some households add a second charger on its own circuit, while others use chargers that share power between two vehicles on one circuit, such as a pair of Tesla Wall Connectors. The right choice depends on your panel capacity and how much you both drive, and we can plan it with you.
Will a home EV charger raise my electric bill?
Charging at home adds to your usage, but for most drivers it costs less than filling a gas tank for the same miles. The amount depends on how far you drive and your utility rate. A rough rule is that every 100 miles uses about 30 kilowatt hours, so you can multiply that by the rate on your Georgia Power or Alabama Power bill for an estimate.
Do I need a permit for EV charger installation?
Permit requirements depend on your city or county, and they are different in Columbus, Phenix City and Auburn. Ask us when you call and we will explain what applies to your address.
Do you install EV chargers in Auburn and Phenix City?
Yes. We are licensed in both Georgia and Alabama, so we handle EV charger installation in Columbus, Fortson and Cataula as well as Phenix City, Smiths Station, Opelika and Auburn. See our service area for the full list.
Are you certified to install Tesla chargers?
Yes. Sherrill Co. is Tesla and Qmerit certified for EV charger installation, and all of our work is done under Georgia electrical contractor license EN008188 and Alabama license 02198.