Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the future – they’re the now. With more homeowners in San Diego embracing electric cars, the convenience of installing a home EV charger is becoming a must-have. But if you live in an older home (especially one built before the 1970s), adding that charger might not be as plug-and-play as it sounds.
Before you get too excited about never visiting a gas station again, it’s important to understand how your home’s electrical system factors into the decision. Spoiler alert: older homes and EV chargers don’t always get along. The good news? With the right upgrades, your home can be just as EV-ready as a brand-new build.
Let’s walk through what homeowners need to consider before installing an EV charger in an older home – and what kind of electrical updates may be needed to make it happen safely and legall.
EV Chargers: How Much Power Do They Really Need?
There are two common types of EV chargers:
- Level 1 Charger: This uses a standard 120-volt outlet – the same kind you’d use for a lamp or coffee maker. It’s super convenient but also very slow, adding only 2-5 miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 Charger: This requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit (like what powers your dryer or oven). It provides 10-60 miles of range per hour and is the most popular choice for home installations.
Here’s where the challenge comes in: many older homes don’t have the electrical capacity to handle a Level 2 charger without significant upgrades.
The Power Struggle: Older Homes vs. Modern Electrical Loads
Most homes built before the 1970s were designed with 60-100 amp service. That was more than enough back then – think minimal appliances, no central air conditioning, and certainly no EV chargers drawing serious power overnight.
Fast forward to today, and you’ve got a house full of devices: HVAC systems, large refrigerators, high-wattage kitchen appliances, and now, potentially an EV charger. A Level 2 charger alone can pull anywhere from 30 to 50 amps. That’s a huge chunk of your home’s total electrical capacity, and in many cases, it’s just not feasible without tripping breakers or overloading circuits.
Common Upgrades Required for Older Homes
If you’re living in an older home and considering an EV, here are some of the most common upgrades you might need to make first:
- Electrical Panel Upgrade
If your current panel is 100 amps or less, you’ll likely need an upgrade to a 200-amp panel to support the additional load. A panel upgrade also allows for better distribution of power through your home and opens the door for future electrical additions – like solar panels, spas, or even a second EV charger. - Rewiring Portions of the Home
Some older homes still have outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube or aluminum), which can be unsafe and not up to code. If the area where the charger is being installed has inadequate or deteriorated wiring, it may need to be replaced.
Rewiring is also essential if your grounding system isn’t up to par. Proper grounding is critical when dealing with high-voltage equipment like EV chargers. - New Dedicated Circuit
Even if your panel can handle the load, you’ll still need a new dedicated 240V circuit for the EV charger. This involves running new wing from the panel to the charging location – often the garage or driveway. Depending on the layout of your home, this could be a relatively simple job or a more involved project. - Permits and Code Compliance
The City of San Diego and other municipalities require permits for EV charger installations. That means all work must be done to code – which older homes often don’t meet without upgrades. Working with a licensed electrician ensures the job is done safely and legally, and helps you avoid headaches down the line if you ever sell the home.
Bonus: Added Home Value and Insurance Perks
Upgrading your electrical system doesn’t just help with EV charging – it adds long-term value to your home. A modern panel and wiring can make your property more attractive to future buyers, especially as ECs become more mainstream.
Also, some insurance companies offer lower premiums for homes with updated electrical systems, viewing them as lower risk for electrical firres or outages.
What to Expect From the Installation Process
Here’s how a typical EV charger installation process goes for an older home:
- Home Evaluation – A licensed electrician assesses your current electrical system, panel capacity, and wiring.
- Permit and Planning – Permits are pulled, and an installation plan is created that meets local codes.
- Upgrade Work – If needed, your panel or wiring is upgraded before the charger installation.
- Charger Installation – The EV charger is installed, tested, and ready to power up your ride.
Depending on the scoper of work, the whole process could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
The Bottom Line
If you live in an older home and are ready to make the leap into EV ownership, don’t be discouraged by a little extra electrical work. With the right team, it’s entirely possible – and worth it – to upgrade your system and enjoy the convenience of charging at home.
At Point Loma Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, we specialize in bringing older homes up to speed with today’s electrical demands. Our experienced electricians understand the unique challenges of San Diego’s older homes, and we’re here to make your EV journey smooth, safe, and code-compliant.
Ready to get started? Call us today for an EV charger consultation – we’ll help you power the future, rght from your own garage.
