EV charger install timeline — 1 to 3 weeks, usually.
From initial call to charging your EV: typical Marin Level 2 install runs 1-3 weeks. Most of that is permit and scheduling time; actual install day is 4-6 hours. Same-day installs are possible in narrow scenarios.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
From contract signature to operational EV charger: typically 1-3 weeks for standard Marin install. Quote visit takes 30-45 minutes. Permit issues in 1-3 business days. Install scheduled within a week, completed in 4-6 hours on install day. Inspection within following week. Same-day installs possible only when panel work isn't needed and we have current opening.
01The realistic timeline.
| Step | Typical timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial call / online inquiry | Day 0 | We respond within business hours |
| Quote visit | Days 1-3 | 30-45 min on-site, written quote within 24 hours |
| Contract signing | Day 3-5 | Deposit, scheduling confirmed |
| Permit application | Days 5-7 | We file with AHJ |
| Permit issued | Days 6-10 | 1-3 business days from filing typical |
| Install scheduled | Days 7-14 | Next available date from permit issuance |
| Install day | Day 7-14 | 4-6 hours on-site, charger operational by end of day |
| Inspection | Days 10-21 | AHJ inspector visits, permit closed |
| Total elapsed | 1-3 weeks | From first call to closed permit |
02What can accelerate or delay.
Faster — straightforward scope
Panel passes load calc, garage install near panel, no panel work needed, no PG&E coordination required, AHJ with quick turnaround. Total time as fast as 5-8 days.
Slower — panel work needed
Panel upgrade required adds 1-3 weeks for PG&E coordination. Total time extends to 3-5 weeks for typical EV install requiring service-side panel work.
Slower — supply chain or scheduling
Specific charger hardware on backorder (rare in 2026 but happens), AHJ permit backlog during high-demand periods, our scheduling fully booked. These add 1-2 weeks typically.
Same-day install scenarios
Possible when: panel verified during quote visit (passes load calc, has spare slot), permit can be pulled online same-day, we have a same-week opening. Realistic in maybe 15-20% of installs. Most installs benefit from the standard 1-2 week pacing.
03Install day itself.
Install day is shorter than people expect. Typical 4-6 hour install: arrival and setup (30 min), confirm install location and routing with customer (15 min), conduit and conductor pull (2-3 hours, longer for complex routing), panel work and breaker install (45 min), charger mounting and final connections (45 min), commissioning and customer training (30 min). Power is restored throughout; you're not without power for the install duration.
Same-day install includes the inspection prep — we leave the install in inspector-ready condition (labels affixed, documentation packet handed off, accessible work for inspector verification). The customer can start using the charger immediately after install; inspection happens within the following week without disrupting use.
Common questions.
Can you install my EV charger today?
Sometimes, in narrow scenarios. Same-day install is possible when: panel passes load calc (we'd verify by phone), AHJ allows online same-day permit (Marin AHJs vary on this), we have a same-week opening (depends on current scheduling), and scope is straightforward (no panel work, simple routing). About 15-20% of inquiries qualify. Most customers benefit from the standard 1-2 week pacing — better quote depth, scheduled work day, proper coordination.
Why does it take a week if the install is only 4-6 hours?
Calendar time is mostly permit and scheduling, not work time. From your call to the install day: 1-3 business days to schedule the quote visit, 1-3 days for written quote and contract signing, 1-3 days for permit issuance from AHJ, then we schedule the install for the next available date (often within a week of permit issuance). Total elapsed: 1-2 weeks for most installs. The actual install work is fast; the surrounding process takes the time.
Do I need to be home during the install?
Yes for the start and end. We need to confirm install location with you at the beginning (15 minutes), and walk you through the commissioned charger at the end (30 minutes for training and any questions). The 3-4 hours of conduit/conductor/install work in the middle don't require your presence — we can work alone if you need to step out for errands. Some customers arrange to work from home on install day; others arrange the start and finish around their schedule.
Does the install require shutting off power?
Briefly, yes. The breaker install at the panel requires turning off the main breaker for safety — typically 15-30 minutes during the install. Computers, refrigerators, and other equipment lose power during that window. We schedule the panel work for a convenient time during install day and notify you before powering down. Power is restored before we leave; the only power interruption is the brief panel work window.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.