EV charger installation cost in Sacramento, 2026
Sacramento installers who publish prices put a Level 2 install with the panel in or beside the garage at about $500–$1,500, and $1,500–$2,500 for a longer run. SMUD’s Charge@Home program pays up to $100 toward the charger and up to $750 toward the circuit when a SMUD Contractor Network electrician does the work, and income-eligible homeowners can get the charger and install free. The City estimates permit fees at $153–$358.
Cost breakdown
| Line item | Figure | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel in or next to the garage, short run, permit included (charger not included) | $800–$1,500 | Sagan Electric (installer) | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Straightforward install, panel in or next to the garage | $500–$1,500 | Peach Electric (installer) | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Longer run (panel across the house, attic or crawlspace) | $1,500–$2,500 | Sagan Electric (installer) | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Detached garage or driveway pedestal (trenching) | $2,500–$5,000 | Sagan Electric (installer) | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Load management device instead of a panel upgrade | $500–$1,000 added | Peach Electric (installer) | Oct 27, 2026 |
| City of Sacramento building permit fees, Level 2 install (City estimate for $1,000–$4,000 job value) | $153–$358 | City of Sacramento EVSE permit guide | Oct 27, 2026 |
Rebates
| Rebate | Amount | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMUD Charge@Home, qualifying Level 2 charger | Up to $100 | SMUD Charge@Home terms | Oct 27, 2026 |
| SMUD Charge@Home, EV circuit installed by a SMUD Contractor Network electrician | Up to $750 | SMUD Charge@Home terms | Oct 27, 2026 |
| SMUD Charge@Home, circuit sharing or energy management device | Up to $200 | SMUD Charge@Home terms | Oct 27, 2026 |
| SMUD free Level 2 charger and circuit install, income-eligible (EAPR) single-family homeowners | Free (panel upgrades not covered) | SMUD | Oct 27, 2026 |
- Your EV must be registered with the DMV at the same address and in the same name as the SMUD residential account.
- The charger must be new, ENERGY STAR and UL/NRTL certified, have at least a 3-year warranty, and run at up to 32A on a 40A circuit. SMUD notes the Tesla Wall Connector does not currently meet its specs.
- The installation incentive needs a contractor invoice (license number, amperage, wire size no larger than #8 copper, price) plus a copy of the permit.
- One combined rebate per account and address per lifetime; funds are first come, first served, and rebates never exceed what you paid.
Permits
In the City of Sacramento, a Level 2 charger needs a building permit with an electrical plan review and load calculation; fees are based on the job’s value plus a technology surcharge (City EVSE permit guide). Sacramento County handles unincorporated areas, and nearby cities such as Elk Grove and Roseville issue their own permits. Keep a copy of the permit: SMUD asks for it with the installation rebate.
- Installer response testing (who replies to quote requests) has not been done yet.
- Some installer pages still quote older SMUD amounts; the figures here come from SMUD’s own terms page.
- The City permit range is the City’s own estimate, not a fee table; your actual fee depends on the stated job value.
- PG&E and Roseville Electric customers in the region are not covered on this page.
- The federal 30C tax credit status for 2026 installs was not verified.