How the NEC counts an EV charger
- Each charger counts at 7,200 watts or its nameplate rating, whichever is larger (NEC 220.57).
- It is added at full value in the standard method, and at nameplate in the optional method's general load (220.82).
- Two chargers, or a charger plus a heat pump, often push a 100 amp service over its limit.
What you need for the calc
- The charger model or its nameplate (amps or kW)
- How many chargers, and for which units on a multifamily building
- The rest of the home: appliances, heating and cooling, square footage
- A photo of the panel and meter
Our quick calc on the home page has an EV charger switch for a fast answer. The detailed calc takes each charger with its real rating. If a load-management system is part of the plan, tell us in the notes and we account for it in the review.
See if your service can take a charger. Load calc, reviewed: $197, fixed price.
Start the detailed calc Free quick calcQuestions
How many watts does the code count for an EV charger?
The larger of 7,200 watts or the charger's nameplate rating (NEC 220.57).
Will an EV charger force a service upgrade?
It depends on your existing service and everything else in the home. A load calculation answers it; the free quick calc gives a first number in a minute.
Do you add an EV sheet to drawings?
Yes. An EV charger / heat pump / solar-ready sheet is a $49 add-on to the drawing packages.