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Your electrical panel has a maximum capacity (e.g., 100, 150, or 200 amps). A standard 48-amp EV charger requires a 60-amp circuit. If you are already running an electric oven, dryer, and air conditioner, adding a 60-amp circuit to a 100-amp panel will overload the system and violate fire codes.
The licensed electrician will perform a National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 220 Load Calculation. If your panel lacks the capacity, a full 200-amp panel upgrade is the traditional fix, costing thousands of dollars and requiring a full day of power shutoff.
However, a smart EVITP electrician will offer alternatives to a panel upgrade. You can down-rate the charger (e.g., set it to 24 amps instead of 48 amps), which is still plenty for overnight charging but draws half the power. Alternatively, you can install an Energy Management System (like a DCC-9 or Emporia Vue) that temporarily pauses the EV charger when the oven or AC kicks on.
Related on this site
- Guide: Do You Need a 200A Panel Upgrade for an EV Charger?(9 min read)
- Service: Electrical Panel Upgrade, 100A → 200A service upgrade for homes adding EV + heat pump.