The report authors analyzed the capital costs of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure needed for public, workplace, and home charging for the most populous 100 metropolitan areas in the United States from 2019 through 2025. The analysis data represented 88 percent of all new electric vehicles sold and 75 percent of the overall U.S. vehicle market, but excluded charging costs outside of the 100 largest markets (smaller cities and fast-charging corridors linking the cities).

The cost estimates were derived from research studies that examined charging equipment cost data, including installation and hardware, for chargers of various charging types and locations. Three main categories of electric vehicle charger designs were assessed as outlined in the following table:

The main cost drivers included:

• The power of the unit (in kW)
• Whether it required a pedestal; and
• Whether it was networked with communication or payment gathering capability

Hardware Costs

Average hardware costs for systems installed in public places or workplaces are noted in the table below. Costs were reported in 2019 dollars and future-year hardware costs were assumed to decline over time at the rate of 3 percent per year.

Installation Costs 

Installation costs consisting of labor, materials, permits, taxes, and utility upgrades decrease on a per charger basis as more chargers are installed per site. Estimates for installation of Level 2 chargers installed in a public setting or workplace are shown in the table below.  Other costs associated with signage, striping, lighting, and security cameras were not included in these estimates.

Home Charging Costs

Home charging hardware and installation is typically less expensive than for public chargers. Although many will utilize Level 1 charging with existing 120-volt outlets, higher power Level 2 charging at home will become increasingly important as battery size and vehicle range increase. The average cost to improve a single-family house with installation of outlets and chargers for Level 2 electric vehicle charging was estimated at $1,400. As illustrated by the table, average costs for attached homes and apartments are higher than detached houses, due to greater number of structure penetrations and circuit distance, and service upgrades.