But for others, an outdoor charger is the better fit because the vehicle sits in the driveway or carport every night.
Basically, any residential EV charger installation project should be based on the way your home operates.
If you’ve searched “EV charger installation near me” and found a licensed electrician for the job, location should be one of the first things you discuss. You can always move a charger later on, but it’s much easier to get it in the right spot the first time.
Garage Installation Benefits
A garage is typically the most practical place for home EV charger installation.
For one, your charger stays protected. It’s out of the rain, wind, sun, and everything else.
Garage charging is also more convenient for overnight use. You pull in, plug in, and the car charges while you sleep. It’s easier to organize the cord on the wall how you’d like, and you don’t have to run it across the driveway or walkway.
The garage is closer to the electrical panel for most homes, which is why garage EV charger installation is often more cost-effective. There’s less wiring and labor involved.
Outdoor Installation Benefits
If your car doesn’t live in the garage, then, obviously, installing your EV charger in there wouldn’t make sense.
But if you’re parking in the driveway every night, you can’t really go wrong with outdoor EV charger installation. The important thing is that you’re using equipment rated for outdoor use and installing it correctly.
If the charger will be used for two cars, we recommend placing it somewhere in the center where both parking spots can reach it without creating a tripping hazard.
How Weather Affects Outdoor Chargers
EV charger installation in Vancouver, WA, needs to account for local weather.
We have long wet seasons. If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for any amount of time, you know how persistent damp conditions can be.. But, of course, moisture and electricity aren’t the best of friends.
If you have an outside charger, it needs to be built and installed for that environment.
Talk to your electrician about installing an outdoor-rated EV charger that’s rated for outdoor conditions. Most high-quality EV chargers are designed with safety in mind, and outdoor-rated equipment can be used safely when installed correctly.
The issue is when they’re not installed correctly or have exposed wiring. Anything that lets water collect around the equipment can be a problem.
Wiring Distance and Installation Cost
The further you are from the electrical panel, the more it’ll likely cost to install your charger. It requires a longer wiring run, conduit, trenching, and more labor.
Detached garages add another layer of complexity because the electrician has to evaluate the power already available there. In some cases, an existing garage circuit may not support a Level 2 charger, so they might need to run new wiring from the main panel.
That isn’t to dissuade you from installing an outdoor charger, but it does mean the installation needs to be planned carefully.
With professional electrical wiring services in Vancouver, you can compare options based on your budget and preferred charger location.
Safety and Code Requirements
Because EV chargers pull a steady electrical load for hours at a time, they need to be installed correctly. Level 2 home chargers typically operate on a dedicated 240-volt branch circuit sized for the charger’s electrical load.
Electrical permits are required for EV charger electrical work and installations in Washington. The installation must also meet applicable electrical code and inspection requirements.
The main takeaway here is that this isn’t a DIY project. There are many different variables to consider with electric charger installation, including mounting height, placement, weather exposure, cord management, and access, so having an experienced contractor is invaluable.
Planning for the Future
Think beyond your current vehicle.
You may buy another EV later. Someone else in your house might switch to one. You might end up turning the garage into an ADU and parking in the driveway.
Depending on your vehicle, it might be worth discussing smart chargers. Some models offer scheduling, energy tracking, app controls, and charging adjustments that can help manage household electrical use.
Of course, you can’t plan for every future possibility, and you don’t want to overbuild to account for everything, but it’s worth thinking about whether the spot you want to install your charger will be convenient for you in six months.
Choosing the Best Location for Your Home
The best EV charger location balances convenience, safety, wiring distance, weather exposure, and the way you normally park your vehicle.
A garage isn’t automatically better than an outdoor location—the right choice depends on your home’s layout and electrical system.
Talk with your electrician about where you park, where your electrical panel is, how long the wiring run would be, what charger output you want, and whether your panel can support the added load.
Your installer should be able to explain the tradeoffs so you can choose a location that fits your home.
Before scheduling installation, have your electrical system evaluated by a professional.
FAQ
Can an EV charger be installed outside?
Yes, as long as the EV charger is rated for outdoor use and the wiring is installed correctly.
Are outdoor EV chargers waterproof?
Outdoor-rated chargers are designed to handle weather exposure, but they still need to be installed properly with code-compliant wiring.
Is garage installation less expensive?
Often, yes. Garage installation typically costs less if the charger is close to the electrical panel and doesn’t require trenching or long conduit runs.
Does charger location affect charging speed?
The location itself won’t affect how fast it charges. Speed is affected by charger output, circuit capacity, available electrical capacity, and the vehicle’s maximum AC charging rate.
Can I move my EV charger later?
Yes, but you’ll have to redo electrical work. It’s much better to choose the right location during the first installation.