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Not always, though it is a common part of many EV charger installations. Whether your home needs a panel upgrade depends on your existing panel\’s capacity and remaining headroom relative to what an EV charger adds. Here is how it works, from the licensed electricians at EZSMART, serving Toronto and the GTA.
A Level 2 EV charger draws a substantial and continuous current when charging, typically 40 amps or so at 240 volts. That load runs for hours at a time, which is significantly more sustained draw than most other household appliances. Your panel needs to be able to support that added load alongside your existing appliance and lighting loads without going over its rated capacity.
A licensed electrician performs a load calculation to confirm whether your existing panel can safely support an EV charger. This is more reliable than guessing based on panel size alone. If an upgrade is needed, panels from manufacturers like Eaton or Square D are standard replacements, and all work should follow Electrical Safety Authority standards.
Can I install a lower-amp EV charger to avoid a panel upgrade?
Sometimes yes, particularly if your panel is tight on capacity. A lower-amp charger charges more slowly but may fit within existing capacity.
Is it worth doing a panel upgrade even if not strictly required?
If your panel is aging or undersized for future needs, addressing it now often makes more sense than waiting.
How long does a panel upgrade add to an EV charger project?
Panel upgrades are typically completed in a single day, though permit and utility coordination can extend overall project timeline.
Wondering if your panel needs upgrading for an EV charger? EZSMART provides licensed panel assessments and EV charger installation across Toronto and the GTA. Call 416-838-9006, and see what our customers say on our Google reviews page.
