Los Angeles, California
EV charger installation in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles the charger is rarely the hard part. The questions are which building department issues the permit, which utility serves the address, and whether a 100-amp panel from the 1950s can carry another 40 amps.
Call availability varies by area and time of day. Calls are routed to an independent electrical contractor. Reviewed .
Start with the address, not the charger
The City of Los Angeles has its own building department and its own utility. Neighboring cities and unincorporated county areas have different ones, and incentive programs follow the utility.
- Permit
- LADBS inside the city. The city or county building department elsewhere.
- Utility
- LADWP inside the city. Southern California Edison in most other parts of the county, with municipal utilities in Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.
- How to tell
- Your electric bill names the utility. The permit office follows from the city named on your property tax bill.
What your existing service usually allows
- Plan it
200-amp panel with free spaces
A 40 or 50-amp circuit normally fits. The job is a circuit and a permit.
- Plan it
100-amp panel in a house with gas heat and gas cooking
Often workable with a smaller circuit or a load management device, confirmed by a load calculation.
- This week
100-amp panel with central air conditioning and electric cooking
Expect load management at minimum, and possibly a service upgrade.
- This week
A Zinsco or other obsolete panel
Replace the panel before adding a charger. See panel upgrades.
Cases particular to Los Angeles housing
- Detached garage on an alley
- Common in older neighborhoods. The feeder to the garage is often undersized for charging and has to be replaced, sometimes by trenching across the yard.
- No garage, street or driveway parking
- The charger is mounted outdoors on the house. The cord must not cross a public sidewalk.
- Condominiums and apartments
- California law limits an association's or landlord's ability to refuse a charger, but the owner or tenant generally pays for it and the wiring route through common areas has to be agreed.
- Accessory dwelling units
- A second household on the lot competes for the same service capacity.
Order of work in the city
Check incentives first
Utility rebates and special EV rates often require an application before installation. Programs change, so read the current terms on the utility's own site.
Load calculation
Sets the circuit size.
LADBS permit
Simple electrical permits are commonly issued online.
Installation
Hardwired charger or a heavy-duty 240-volt outlet.
Inspection
The inspector checks the circuit, the breaker and the charger's current setting.
Where to confirm Los Angeles EV requirements
Permit rules, utility service requirements and incentive terms are each published by the agency responsible. Check the contractor's C-10 license with the state board. The wider city guide is electricians in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles EV charger questions
Can my landlord refuse an EV charger?
California law gives tenants and condominium owners a qualified right to install one at their own cost, with exceptions. Read the current statute or get advice before relying on it.
How long does a service upgrade take in Los Angeles?
The electrical work is a day or two. Utility scheduling for the disconnect and reconnect is usually what sets the overall timeline.
Is a separate meter for the car worthwhile?
Some EV rate plans use the existing meter and some use a second one. Compare the utility's current rate options before paying for extra metering equipment.
EV Charger Installation help in Los Angeles
Call to be connected with an independent electrical contractor that works in Los Angeles, CA, or request a callback.
(888) 555-0167Call availability varies by area and time of day
Breakerwick is a referral service. Your call or request goes to an independent electrical contractor that sets its own prices and schedule. Ask for the license number, proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Request a callback
Leave a number and an electrical contractor in your area will call you.