Short answer: An 8-point visual checklist for noting a home's EV charging readiness, plus a one-page insert (print this page) that sends buyers to permit fees, rebates and install cost ranges for their city. It records what is visible; it is not an electrical evaluation, and load calculations belong to a licensed electrician.
Last updated:
Checklist
#
Item
What to note
Reference
1
Existing charger
Make/model, Level 1 (120 V) or Level 2 (240 V), hardwired or plug-in (e.g. NEMA 14-50). Note visible damage to cable, connector or housing.
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2
Dedicated circuit
Breaker size feeding the charger and whether it is labeled at the panel. Compare breaker and charger rating with the NEC 625.41 continuous-load rule explained on the charger size page.
Panel rating from the label, make, visible free breaker spaces, and any visible defects. Whether a panel upgrade may be needed is an electrician's load calculation.
16 A or 120 V: charging equipment rated above 16 A or 120 V must be on its own individual branch circuit (NEC 625.40), unless an energy management system manages shared loads under 625.42.
125%: the breaker must be rated at least 125% of the charger's current rating (NEC 625.41). Worked example from the source: a 40 A charger needs at least a 50 A breaker (40 A × 125%).
Continuous load: EV charging equipment is treated as a continuous load (NEC 625.42).
GFCI: receptacles for plug-in charging equipment must be GFCI protected (NEC 625.54).
Template: chargercostbycity.com/home-inspector-ev-kit/ (rev. Oct 25, 2026). Free to use; no cost figures pre-filled.
Should a home inspector evaluate an EV charger?
An inspector can note what is visible (charger type, breaker, panel label, permit paperwork). Sizing and load calculations are for a licensed electrician.
Where can buyers see install costs?
Each city page on chargercostbycity.com lists the sourced permit fee, verified utility rebates and the national Qmerit cost range.