Quick answer
EV charger permits center on electrical capacity. Expect to provide a load calculation showing the existing service can handle the chargers, or a design for a service upgrade or load management system, plus a single-line diagram, panel schedules, and a site plan with charger locations, conduit routes and protection. Commercial sites may also need accessible charging spaces.
Adding chargers is often limited less by the chargers themselves than by the building’s electrical service. Knowing the capacity early decides whether the project is simple or needs a utility upgrade.
Home chargers
A single Level 2 charger usually needs an electrical permit and a dedicated circuit. A load calculation shows whether the existing panel and service can carry it; if not, a panel upgrade or a load management device may be needed.
Apartments and businesses
- Load calculation and service capacity: the starting point for any multi-charger design
- Load management: energy management systems can share capacity among chargers and avoid or reduce a service upgrade
- Single-line diagram and panel schedules
- Site plan: charger locations, trenching or conduit routes, equipment pads and bollards
- Accessibility: accessible charging spaces where your state code or funding program requires them
- Structural: pads for transformers or switchgear, and canopy or solar carport structures
Utility coordination
DC fast chargers and large installations often need a new or upgraded utility service. Utility lead times can exceed the permit timeline, so start that conversation as soon as the load is known.
How we help
We prepare the electrical load calculations, single-line diagrams, panel schedules and site plans for EV charger permits, and structural design for pads and canopies. See MEP engineering and site plans.
What to send us
- Number and type of chargers (Level 2 or DC fast)
- Photos of the main electrical panel and its label
- A site sketch showing where chargers will go
- Property address and building type
Common questions
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Hardwired chargers and new circuits need an electrical permit almost everywhere.
Will I need a service upgrade?
It depends on your existing load and how many chargers you add. A load calculation answers it, and load management can often reduce the upgrade.
Do commercial chargers need accessible spaces?
Many state codes and funding programs require accessible charging spaces. We confirm the requirement for your location.
Do solar carports with chargers need structural engineering?
Yes. Canopy structures and their foundations need engineered design for wind and snow.