Home EV Charger Location? A Guide for Central Coast Homeowners

Where Should You Install Your Home EV Charger? A Guide for Central Coast Homeowners

So, you’ve made the smart decision to install a Level 2 EV charger at home—great move! Charging your electric vehicle (EV) from the comfort of your garage or driveway is convenient, fast, and cost-effective. But one detail many homeowners overlook is where to install that charger.

At Elect Electric, we serve Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, and the surrounding Central Coast, helping homeowners make safe, efficient decisions when it comes to EV charging. Let’s walk through what you should consider when choosing the best location for your home EV charger installation.

Why Location Matters for Level 2 EV Chargers

A Level 2 EV charger pulls a significant electrical load and needs to be strategically placed for safety, convenience, and efficiency. A poor installation location could lead to:

• Tripping over charging cables

• Inconvenient access to your car

• Increased installation costs

• Water exposure risks (for outdoor units)

• Delays in permitting or code issues

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charger Location

✅ 1.

Proximity to the Electrical Panel

The closer your EV charger is to your main panel, the less expensive the installation will likely be. Longer wire runs can increase material and labor costs, especially if your panel is on the opposite side of your home.

We often recommend placing the charger on the same side of the house as the panel to keep your installation budget-friendly.

✅ 2.

Where You Park Your Car

The charger should be located near the spot where your EV is typically parked—whether that’s inside the garage, in a carport, or in your driveway. Level 2 charging cords range from 16 to 25 feet, so you’ll want the port within easy reach without stretching or dragging the cable across walkways.

✅ 3.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation

Here on the California Central Coast, many homes have EV chargers installed outdoors due to space or garage access. Outdoor installations are totally viable—but they require weather-resistant chargers and a mounting location protected from rain and direct sun.

For outdoor setups in San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, or Pismo Beach, we recommend hardwired installations with weather-rated enclosures for durability and safety.

✅ 4.

Accessibility & Safety

• Avoid placing the charger in a tight corner or behind large obstacles.

• Make sure cables won’t become a tripping hazard.

• Install the charger high enough to avoid water exposure, but low enough to easily reach the plug.

If you’re renting or planning to move, a plug-in Level 2 charger mounted in an accessible location (like your garage wall) may be a more flexible solution.

✅ 5.

Future-Proofing

Are you planning to add solar panels, a battery backup, or a second EV in the future? Think ahead. Leave space for a second charger or future electrical upgrades.

At Elect Electric, we offer panel upgrades for EV charging throughout Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo County, helping homeowners prep for the long run.

Most Common Charger Locations We Install

• 🔌 Inside the garage (wall-mounted)

• 🔌 Exterior wall near driveway

• 🔌 Carports and detached garages

• 🔌 Side of house with easy cable routing

We’ll help you determine the safest, most efficient option based on your property layout.

Trust Your Local EV Charger Installation Experts

At Elect Electric, we’ve installed dozens of Level 2 EV chargers throughout Santa Maria, Grover Beach, Paso Robles, Atascadero, and surrounding areas. We’re familiar with local building codes, weather conditions, and permitting processes across San Luis Obispo County—and we’ll make sure your installation is safe, reliable, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Schedule Your EV Charger Site Visit Today

Before you buy a charger or schedule installation, it’s smart to walk through your space with a licensed electrician. We’ll look at:

• Your panel location

• Where you park your EV

• Cable reach and charger placement

• Indoor vs. outdoor conditions

• Any trenching or conduit needed

Contact Elect Electric today to schedule a site assessment. We’ll help you choose the best location for your EV charger—and make sure it’s installed right the first time.

About the Authors:

This blog post was originally written by Grok 2 and/or ChatGPT prompted by Daniel Ehinger, an experienced electrician dedicated to promoting electrical safety and best practices. The content was edited and enhanced by Daniel Ehinger, who provided valuable insights and improvements to ensure accuracy, clarity and readability.