Can Your Electrical Panel Support an EV Charger?
Get a NEC 220.82 load calculation in minutes to understand your panel capacity.
Confirm your panel capacity before you commit to an upgrade.
Free charger sizing calculator. Full panel assessment $12.99.
Results are guidance based on NEC 220.82. Final installation decisions should be confirmed by a licensed electrician and local code requirements.
A Professional Assessment You Can Trust
Designed for homeowners who want clear answers before committing to electrical work.
NEC 220.82 Method
We use the Optional Method load calculation trusted by licensed electricians for residential panels.
Clear, Shareable Report
Get a PDF with your load breakdown, safe capacity, and charger sizing guidance.
Built for Homeowners
Straight answers without the sales pressure—use it to plan, budget, or confirm quotes.
How It Works
Upload Your Panel Photo
Snap a photo of your electrical panel for AI-powered analysis
We Calculate Your True Load
Professional electrical load calculation using NEC demand factors
Get Your PDF Report
Professional report showing your capacity and recommendations
Panel Assessment vs. Upgrade First
Validate your capacity before you commit to major electrical work.
| Feature | ChargeRight Assessment | Panel Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $12.99 | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Time Required | Minutes | 2-4 Weeks (Permits/Labor) |
| Standard Used | NEC 220.82 Optional Method | Varies by installer |
| Result | Detailed capacity report | Hardware changes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
It depends on your service size, existing loads, and the charger you want. We run a NEC 220.82 load calculation and show your safe capacity so you can make the call with confidence.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
Costs vary by location, panel condition, and charger size. A panel upgrade can add significant cost, which is why we help determine if an upgrade is actually required.
What size EV charger do I need?
Most drivers are well-served by a Level 2 charger, but the right size depends on your driving habits and panel capacity. Our calculator recommends the best fit for your home.
Is this NEC compliant?
We use the NEC Article 220.82 Optional Method to estimate load. Final installation should always be verified by a licensed electrician and local code requirements.
Why do you use NEC 220.82 instead of other methods?
NEC 220.82 is the industry-standard Optional Method for residential load calculations. It applies realistic demand factors (40% for loads over 10kVA) based on the fact that not all appliances run simultaneously. Other methods like the Standard Method (Part III) are more conservative, while 220.83 is specifically for adding loads to existing dwellings. We show all methods in your results for comparison.
How does the 2026 NEC affect EV charger installations?
The 2026 NEC (effective in jurisdictions adopting it) makes significant changes: lighting load reduced from 3 to 2 VA/sqft, first demand tier reduced from 10kVA to 8kVA, and critically, EV chargers must now be calculated at 100% with no demand factor allowed. We include a 2026 preview in our comparison so you can plan ahead.
What's the difference between optional and standard NEC methods?
The Optional Method (220.82) applies a blanket 40% demand factor to loads over 10kVA, resulting in lower calculated loads. The Standard Method (Part III) applies demand factors to individual load categories and produces higher, more conservative results. For most residential EV assessments, 220.82 is appropriate and widely accepted by electricians and inspectors.
What do I receive with the assessment?
A clear PDF report with your load breakdown, recommended charger size, and next-step guidance you can share with an electrician.
How do you handle my data?
We only use your inputs to generate the report. We don’t sell your data, and you can contact us to remove it at any time.
What You Receive
A professional PDF you can use to plan upgrades or share with your electrician.
- Load breakdown by category and demand factors
- Safe panel capacity and headroom summary
- Charger size recommendation tailored to your inputs
- Clear next steps for quotes and installation
How the NEC 220.82 Method Works
We follow the Optional Method used by electricians to estimate residential load.
1. Gather Loads
Square footage, major appliances, HVAC, water heater, and EV charging needs.
2. Apply Demand Factors
Apply NEC demand factors to reflect realistic usage and diversity.
3. Compare Capacity
Compare calculated load to safe panel capacity for a clear go/no‑go signal.
Know Your Panel Capacity. Get Started Today.
Free charger sizing calculator → Full panel assessment with AI analysis
Step 1: Free charger sizing. Step 2: 7-step wizard. Step 3: Pay $12.99 for full AI analysis + PDF report.