EV charger installation cost in Chicago, IL
Estimate your total with the cost calculator · Permit fee index · Condo, HOA or renter?
Cost breakdown
| Permit fee | Installation of up to 10 new circuits on a single service disconnecting means: $160 (service disconnecting means only, under 400A: $80). No EV-specific line. Effective Jan 1, 2027. [2] General electrical permit fee from the official city/county fee schedule (accessed 2026-10-25); the schedule has no EV-charger line. Your actual permit may cost more or less. |
|---|---|
| Utility rebate | ComEd: up to $750 ($2,500 for low-income customers). Applications open 2027-01-01. [3] |
| Electrician wage (context) | $49.21/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025 median) [4][5] This is what electricians are paid (the BLS median wage). It is not what customers are billed. Contractor rates include overhead and margin and are usually higher. |
| Charger hardware | We don't have sourced charger prices yet, so we don't list any. Level 2 home chargers range from basic plug-in units to hardwired smart models. Check current prices from the retailer. Popular Level 2 chargers on Amazon:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. |
| Total installed cost | $749–$2,500 (national range; typical standard install about $1,700). No city-specific figure found. [1] National figure from Qmerit's 2026 installation data, not specific to this city. Qmerit's component breakdown includes charger hardware ($300–$900); panel upgrades can add $1,500–$3,000. |
Utility rebate checker
| Utility | Rebate amount | Eligibility | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ComEd | Up to $750 ($2,500 for low-income customers) | Applications open 2027-01-01; higher amount for low-income customers | ComEd – EV charger and installation rebate |
FAQ
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Chicago?
Installing a hardwired Level 2 charger or a new 240V circuit usually requires an electrical permit. Confirm with the City of Chicago or the city links in the sources below. We have not found an EV-specific fee for this city.
Is there a utility rebate in Chicago?
ComEd: up to $750 ($2,500 for low-income customers). Applications open 2027-01-01.
Is the electrician wage what I'll pay?
This is what electricians are paid (the BLS median wage). It is not what customers are billed. Contractor rates include overhead and margin and are usually higher.
What is the total installation cost?
We did not find a Chicago-specific figure. Nationally, Qmerit's 2026 installation data puts a Level 2 home charger install at $749 to $2,500, with a standard install averaging about $1,700. Panel upgrades or long wire runs cost more. Get written quotes from licensed electricians.
Sources
- Qmerit – How much does Level 2 EV charger installation cost? (national, accessed 2026-10-25)
- Chicago Building Permit Fee Tables 2027 (official PDF)
- ComEd – EV charger and installation rebate
- Electrician wage CSV citing O*NET/BLS (secondary)
- O*NET local wages – IL
"Secondary" means a third-party site, not the official agency or utility. Confirm these figures with the official source before relying on them.
Last updated: Oct 25, 2026. See our methodology or compare all cities.