Electric Vehicles and Home Charging
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly growing in popularity in North Texas. In fact, recent data show the Dallas–Fort Worth area saw over 145,000 EVs on the road by mid-2025—a 34% increase in just one year. As more Weatherford drivers switch to EVs, having a reliable charging station at home is becoming essential. Home EV charging means never hunting for a public charger and enjoying the convenience of "fueling up" overnight while you sleep.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Installing a dedicated EV charging station at your home brings many benefits. You can charge on your schedule—plug in after work and wake up to a full battery every morning. It's often cheaper too: many power companies offer off-peak electricity rates or EV-specific plans that make overnight charging very affordable. A home charger also ensures your EV is always ready, without the hassle of public stations. In fact, about 80% of EV charging is done at home. For these reasons, a Level 2 (240V) home charger is highly recommended: it can replenish most EV batteries in a single night (typically in 4–10 hours, while a standard outlet would take much longer.
- Faster Charging: A 240V Level 2 charger can add around 10–30 miles of range per hour, filling an EV's battery overnight.
- Convenience: Charge at home at night or anytime, avoiding public charger queues.
- Cost Savings: Many Texas plans (like Gexa's SavEV) offer free or discounted off-peak EV charging, plus you can take advantage of federal tax credits.
- Safety & Reliability: A professionally installed home charger and wiring give you a dependable, code-compliant charging setup.
Choosing the Right Charger and Installation
Most homeowners choose a Level 2 charger for its speed and efficiency. These units connect to a 240V circuit (similar to ovens or electric dryers) and typically deliver up to 25–50 amps of power. At that rate, an empty EV battery can often be recharged in 4–10 hours. Level 1 (120V) chargers use a standard outlet but only add a few miles of range per hour, so they're better as a backup option.
Installation should be done by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and code compliance. Your electrician will pull any needed permits and verify your system meets local requirements. They will also handle grounding, circuit breakers, and proper wiring for the charger. After installation, you'll simply plug in your EV each night. Matador Electric's experienced team will make sure your new charger is installed correctly and safely.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Your home's electrical panel (breaker box) must support the EV charger's load. Many modern homes have 200-amp service, which is usually sufficient for a single Level 2 charger. In these cases, installation often just involves adding a new circuit breaker and wiring. However, if your panel is older (e.g. 100-amp) or nearly maxed out, you might need an upgrade. Energy experts estimate that about 20% of homes require some electrical system upgrade before installing a charger.
Matador Electric offers panel upgrade services if needed. Upgrading your panel not only supports the new charger but also future-proofs your home's electricity. Our team will evaluate your system and, if necessary, upgrade the panel capacity or add a subpanel so your new charger operates safely under the electrical code.
Federal & Local Incentives
One big advantage of installing an EV charger is the available incentives. The federal government currently offers a tax credit equal to 30% of the charger cost (installation included), up to a maximum of $1,000 per residential charging station. This credit applies to chargers installed between 2023 and 2033, making home charging much more affordable. (Commercial installations also qualify for higher credits, up to $100,000 per station if wage rules are met.)
In Texas, some utility and retail energy plans add extra savings. For instance, Gexa Energy's SavEV plan offers a 100% bill credit for home EV charging during designated overnight hours. Other companies like Champion, TXU, and local co-ops have discounts or rebates for EV owners. (Check with your electricity provider or see Texas EV incentives for details.) With these incentives and off-peak rates, charging at home can be both convenient and cost-effective.
Commercial EV Charging Solutions
Matador Electric also helps businesses install EV chargers for employees, customers, or fleet vehicles. Commercial installations can include multiple Level 2 stations or even DC fast chargers. Companies can take advantage of enhanced credits under the Inflation Reduction Act: qualifying businesses can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (with higher limits, e.g. $100,000 per charger. A commercial EV station is a great employee perk and shows customers you're committed to clean energy. Contact us to learn about outfitting your office, warehouse, or parking lot with EV charging.
Matador Electric: Your Local EV Charging Expert
We're Weatherford's trusted electricians for residential and commercial projects. Our licensed team has the knowledge and equipment to install your home EV charger safely and efficiently. We handle everything from wiring and permits to final testing. Whether you need a simple outlet upgrade or a full panel replacement, we treat each job like it's for our own family. For EV charger installation, we also offer free estimates—just give us a call. Trust Matador Electric to power your home or business for the electric-car era.
Matador Electric serves Weatherford and nearby areas including Weatherford, Willow Park, Annetta, Aledo, Godley, Stephenville, Granbury, White Settlement, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Mineral Wells, and Santo. We proudly help homes and businesses across Parker County make the switch to electric vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to install a home EV charging station?
A: Costs vary by project. A typical home Level 2 charger installation ranges from about $800 to $3,000, depending on factors like panel upgrades or wiring complexity. Higher-end chargers and adding circuits can raise the cost. We provide free estimates to give you an exact quote for your situation.
Q: Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel or get a permit?
A: You may need an upgrade if your panel is undersized. Most modern 200A panels can handle one EV charger, but older 100A panels sometimes require upgrade. A permit is usually required for code compliance. Our electricians handle permitting and can upgrade your panel or wiring as needed.
Q: Are there any tax credits or incentives for installing an EV charger?
A: Yes. Homeowners can get a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the charger cost (including installation), up to $1,000. Texas power providers often offer rebates or special rates for EV owners too. For example, some utilities give bill credits for overnight charging. These incentives can significantly reduce your net installation cost.
Q: How long does the installation take?
A: A basic EV charger install usually takes only a few hours once we have panel capacity and permits. If a panel upgrade is needed, that adds extra time. We strive to complete most residential EV charger installations within a day, minimizing disruption to your home.
