EV charger installation cost in Chicago, 2026
Chicago installers who publish prices put a hardwired Level 2 charger in an attached garage at about $900–$1,800 including the permit, with long runs or detached garages at $1,500–$3,000. A 200-amp panel upgrade adds roughly $1,800–$4,500. ComEd’s home charger rebate (up to $1,000, or $2,500 for income-qualified homes) is closed for 2026 because funding ran out.
Cost breakdown
| Line item | Figure | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwired Level 2 charger, attached garage (labor, materials, permit; charger not included) | $900–$1,800 | Egan Mechanical (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| NEMA 14-50 outlet, short run from panel | $650–$1,100 | Egan Mechanical (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| Long run, detached garage, or through finished walls | $1,500–$3,000 | Egan Mechanical (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| Sub-panel for a detached garage | $1,800–$3,500 | Egan Mechanical (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| 200-amp panel upgrade, if the charger load needs it | $2,500–$4,500 | Egan Mechanical (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| Typical Chicago-area Level 2 install, charger included (market range) | $1,800–$3,000 | Mr. Mighty Electric (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| City of Chicago electrical permit and inspection (installer-reported) | $100–$400 | Mr. Mighty Electric (installer) | Oct 29, 2026 |
Rebates
| Rebate | Amount | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| ComEd Residential EV Charger and Installation Rebate, standard customers (2026 funding closed) | Up to $1,000 | ComEd program Terms and Conditions | Oct 29, 2026 |
| ComEd rebate, low-income or equity-eligible community customers (2026 funding closed) | Up to $2,500 | ComEd program Terms and Conditions | Oct 29, 2026 |
- Status: ComEd’s terms say the program reached its 2026 funding cap; base applications closed, and income-qualified applications had to be in by March 31, 2026, with no waitlist.
- The program runs January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 under ComEd’s second Beneficial Electrification Plan, so funding may reopen in a later program year.
- The rebate covers the charger and installation (labor, wiring, panel work) for up to two smart, ENERGY STAR and NRTL-certified Level 2 chargers, once per account.
- You must use a ComEd-approved Electric Vehicle Service Provider (installer), finish the install before applying, and stay on a qualifying time-variant rate for three years.
Permits
Chicago requires an electrical permit for a new EV charger circuit. Adding a new circuit to an existing panel for an EV charging station is eligible for the city’s online Express Permit Program, and the application must include the installer’s Illinois Commerce Commission EV Charging Station Installer Certification number. Details: City of Chicago, Express Permit electrical work. Installers report the permit and inspection together at about $100–$400. Suburbs outside the city run their own permits.
- The exact City of Chicago express permit fee for one new circuit was not confirmed; the city’s fee table could not be loaded when we checked, so the range above is installer-reported.
- Some installers say ComEd’s rebate reopens January 1, 2027 at up to $750 for standard customers; ComEd had not confirmed 2027 amounts on pages we could check.
- Rebates for Ameren Illinois customers outside ComEd’s territory were not verified.
- Installer response testing (who replies to quote requests) has not been done yet.
- Installers report the federal 30C charger tax credit ended for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026; we have not verified this with the IRS.