Electric vehicles are everywhere in Northern California. From Teslas on Highway 101 to hybrids at downtown Petaluma shops, it’s clear that drivers in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties are adopting EVs at a rapid pace. But one of the first questions new owners ask is:

“Can I install an EV charging station in my garage?”

Yes — and if you own an EV, you’ll want to. A properly installed charging station in your garage transforms EV ownership from a daily hassle into a seamless routine. But the process is more technical than many homeowners realize. It’s not just about plugging a unit into the wall. It involves evaluating your home’s wiring, electrical panel, circuit capacity, and compliance with local codes.

This article breaks down exactly what’s involved in installing a garage EV charger, the common mistakes people make, and why calling 101 North Electric is the safest choice for your home.

Why a garage EV charger makes sense

Driving an electric vehicle without home charging is like owning a smartphone without a charger at home. Sure, you can rely on public charging, but it’s inconvenient, inconsistent, and often more expensive.

Benefits of a garage EV charger:

• Charge overnight and start each morning with a full battery.

• Faster charging speeds compared to a standard outlet.

• Safer than running extension cords or relying on improvised setups.

• Increases resale value of your property.

• Saves money by letting you charge during off-peak utility hours.

For homeowners in Petaluma and across Sonoma County, where commutes can stretch long and public charging isn’t always close, having a reliable garage charger is almost essential.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: What’s the difference?

Not all charging setups are equal. The type of charger you install affects how quickly you can get back on the road.

Level 1 Charging

• Uses a standard 120-volt outlet.

• Adds only 3–5 miles of driving range per hour.

• Fine for plug-in hybrids or occasional drivers.

• Not practical for daily EV use.

Level 2 Charging

• Uses a 240-volt outlet or a hardwired station.

• Adds 25–35 miles of range per hour.

• Ideal for full electric vehicles.

• Requires a dedicated circuit and professional installation.

Most EV owners in Petaluma, Novato, and San Rafael choose Level 2. It’s the difference between waiting two days to charge your car and waking up every morning with a full battery.

What’s really involved in installation?

Many homeowners assume an EV charger is “plug and play.” But installing one properly is more complex. Here’s what a professional like 101 North Electric handles during the process:

Step 1: Evaluate your electrical panel

Your panel is the starting point. Many homes built in the 1970s or earlier in Sonoma County only have 100-amp panels. A Level 2 charger often needs a 200-amp panel to handle the load safely. If your panel is too small, it will need to be upgraded before installation.

Step 2: Check available circuit capacity

A charger requires its own dedicated 240-volt circuit. That means no sharing with dryers, ovens, or other high-demand appliances. Without this, your system risks overloads and tripped breakers.

Step 3: Install wiring and outlet or hardwire the unit

Depending on the charger model, we either install a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwire the station directly. Both require precise voltage testing, grounding, and protection.

Step 4: Secure permits and pass inspection

Local jurisdictions in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Marin County require permits for EV charger installation. DIY installs without permits may fail resale inspections or void insurance coverage if something goes wrong.

Step 5: Mount and test the unit

The final step is securing the unit in the garage, testing voltage, load, and charging speed, and confirming safe operation.

Signs you may need a panel upgrade

Not every home is ready for an EV charger right away. You’ll likely need a panel upgrade if:

• Your home has a 100-amp or fuse-based panel.

• Breakers trip frequently when multiple appliances run.

• You plan to install more than one charger.

• Your home is 40+ years old and hasn’t had electrical updates.

At 101 North Electric, we regularly perform panel upgrades in Petaluma and surrounding cities, so you don’t have to coordinate with multiple contractors.

Common mistakes homeowners make

It’s tempting to cut corners when adding a charger, but these mistakes often lead to safety issues and wasted money:

• Running an extension cord from a dryer outlet.

• Using an unlicensed handyman instead of a certified electrician.

• Skipping permits and inspections.

• Installing a charger without checking panel capacity.

• Mounting the charger in an inconvenient location.

All of these create hazards or lead to failed inspections. Professional installation avoids them.

How long does installation take?

• Simple installs: 3–5 hours if the panel is sufficient and the garage is near the panel.

• Panel upgrades: 1–2 days including permits and inspections.

• Complex installs: Up to several days if trenching or rewiring is needed.

Most homeowners in Petaluma and Rohnert Park are up and charging the same day if their panel has the necessary capacity.

Rebates and incentives

California supports EV adoption, and several rebate programs are available. Local utilities in Sonoma and Marin counties sometimes offer credits for residential EV charger installations. A licensed electrician like 101 North Electric can guide you through the paperwork.

Why Petaluma homeowners trust 101 North Electric

When it comes to EV charger installations, you want more than a quick hookup. You need safety, reliability, and compliance with California codes.

Why call us:

• Serving Petaluma, Sonoma County, Marin, and Napa since 2017.

• Licensed electricians with expertise in EV charging technology.

• Specialists in panel upgrades, rewiring, and energy-efficient solutions.

• Commitment to clean, precise, and reliable work.

Call today for professional EV charger installation

If you’re ready to make charging easy, call 101 North Electric at (707) 867-2750. We’ll evaluate your panel, secure the permits, and install a charging station that’s safe, efficient, and built to last.

We proudly serve Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Novato, San Rafael, and the entire North Bay.

101 North Electric — Powering your EV, safely and reliably.