LADWP has partnered with other City of Los Angeles departments to streamline the process of providing electric service for electric vehicle chargers. LADWP encourages customers who are buying an EV to schedule a preliminary check to identify potential issues regarding the EV charger installation. Please see the tabs below to learn more about your charger options, installation process, and obtaining permits and inspections.
For residences, owners of next generation EVs have the option to charge their cars from a 120 volt outlet (Level I) slow charge or a faster 240 volt (Level II) charging station. Level II chargers require a dedicated circuit much like an air conditioner or electric dryer does. A service panel upgrade may be needed before the charging station is installed. Contact a licensed electrician or the car dealership to inquire about service assessments. Many dealerships offer a free assessment with a car purchase.
Electric Service Representatives (ESRs) also provide service assessments from a utility standpoint. While the electrical contractor will examine the wiring past the meter, an ESR will assess the service capacity up to the meter and let customers know if the LADWP needs to change a transformer or the lines to the house. An ESR will also advise customers on the various meter options and rate incentives offered by the LADWP. To avoid delays in service, contact an LADWP Electric Service Representative at least two weeks before installing a home charging system.
Commercial, public, and multi-family charging stations will require plans. A Service Planning Engineer will handle all 480 volt (Level III) charging stations.
To apply for Electrical Service for your Commercial EV charger, submit a Commercial EV Charging Station Customer Submittal Package.
To apply for Electrical Service for your Residential EV charger, complete the Residential EV Charging Station Request Form.
To find the right contact for your EV project, go to Find the Right Person.
Learn more about the Electric Vehicle Programs:
Level 1 Chargers
- 120 volts, 8-15 amps
- Requires only a standard electrical outlet
- Slow, steady charging can take from 12-24 hours* to charge an EV
- More suited to plug-in hybrid vehicles
- Ideal for overnight EV charging
Customers who opt to use Level 1 chargers can simply plug in to a dedicated standard outlet and begin charging. Level 1 chargers do not qualify for the LADWP EV Charger Rebate.
Level 2 Chargers
- 240 volts, 20-40 amps
- Faster service, can take from 3-8 hours* to charge an EV
Customers opting for a Level 2 charger should follow the installation steps on the "Installation" tab.
*depending on battery size
LADWP and the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) have teamed up to streamline the process of providing instant online EV home charger permitting approval, expedited charger inspection, and meter installation.
Installation Steps
- The EV dealership advises the customer to contact an Electrical Contractor and the LADWP to determine if the home or business is ready for a Level 2 charger. Some automakers offer a free service assessment.
- Customer contacts the LADWP at 1-866-484-0433 for consultation on rate and meter options. The customer considers the costs verses the benefits of each option after researching EV information on the LADWP website.
- The Electrical Contractor inspects the service wiring for adequate capacity to supply the Level 2 charging station. The Electrical Contractor advises the customer on the feasibility of the preferred meter option.
- The customer completes either the Residential EV Charging Station Request Form or submits a Commercial EV Charging Station Customer Submittal Package online. An LADWP Electric Service Representative (ESR) contacts the customer to schedule an appointment.
- The LADWP ESR assesses the service for possible system upgrades. The ESR will also advise the customer about LADWP meter options and provides a written report.
- The Electrical Contractor confirms meter and rate options with the customer and then obtains an electrical permit from LADBS at https://www.permitla.org. The Electrical Contractor completes the installation and calls for an inspection.*
- The LADBS inspects the completed installation. After the installation passes the LADBS inspection, approval of the work is transmitted to the LADWP.
- LADWP receives approval from the LADBS. A LADWP crew is dispatched to install the meter and perform system work as needed.**
For quick reference, please reference the:
Multi-Family Considerations
For those subject to homeowner association (HOA) rules, in multi-family dwelling units (i.e. condominiums), or renting apartments, installing a charger may have some extra challenges. Be sure that you discuss your interest in installing a charger with the property owner and the HOA before making any final decisions. Many multi-family dwelling units have limited parking or assigned spots. Depending on where your electric meter and parking spot is located and how you’re billed at the unit, there are a number of issues that might need to be resolved before you can get ready to charge your vehicle. Schedule a preliminary check early with us to find out what your installation options are.
Schedule a Preliminary Check
To have the LADWP perform a preliminary check for potential installation issues for your charger installation, please call 1-866-484-0433 to reach your designated Electric Service Representative. It helps to have the following information:
- Whether or not you have a reservation for a vehicle and which make/model
- The capacity of your electric service panel in amps
- Panel location in relation to your garage or parking area
*For jobs that involve a service panel upgrade or a separate Time-of-Use (TOU) meter, the ESR must also be called for an inspection.
**A meter change to a TOU meter takes approximately 5 to 10 business days after LADBS approval if no panel upgrade is needed. Jobs with new panel work or LADWP system work may take longer.
LADBS Express Permit
A simple way to obtain non-plan check Express Permits is the e-Permit System. Express Permits are permits that do not require plan review. The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has updated their list of construction types for which an express permit can be issued to include electric vehicle chargers.
LADBS Inspection
Once the charger is installed, request an inspection with LADBS using one of the options below:
- Through their website at LADBS Request for Inspection
- Dial 3-1-1 for inside L.A. County or (213) 473-3231 for outside Los Angeles County
Requests follow an expedited process and can typically be scheduled for the next business day.
LADWP Inspection
The charger installation only needs to be inspected by the LADWP if a new service or panel upgrade was done to serve the charger. In this case, the same Electric Service Representative that did your preliminary assessment and meter/panel spot will do the inspection and can be contacted at their direct line.
To schedule an inspection, please call 1-866-484-0433.
Meter Installation or Exchange
If you opted to take advantage of our EV Discount Rate, you must install a separate time-of-use meter and service. Once your charger installation passes inspection, an approval is sent to the LADWP to set the new meter.
System Maps - Disclaimer:
While LADWP makes efforts to ensure the accuracy of the Capacity Maps, the data provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an up-to-date detailed depiction of the current state of LADWP's electrical distribution network. LADWP does not guarantee the accuracy of the maps, the availability of the maps or that the maps will be error-free, and makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation, warranties of title, or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the maps. The Capacity Map values do not imply or guarantee that no distribution upgrades will be required or contemplated. LADWP shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including but not limited to special, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damages, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with the use of the Capacity Maps or the information contained on, in or upon the Capacity Maps. The Capacity Maps are provided “AS IS” without any warranty as to performance, availability, accuracy or freedom from error or as to any consequences generated by or through their use. Users of the Capacity Maps are solely responsible for verifying any information contained therein and should not rely solely on the information provided therein. Users are solely responsible for all costs associated with such verification. LADWP makes no guarantee, expressed or implied, for the outcome of a request for electric service from LADWP or interconnection with LADWP’s electric system. Information contained on Capacity Maps is subject to change without notice and LADWP makes no commitment to update Capacity Maps or the information contained therein. LADWP reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the provisioning of Capacity Maps any time without notice. By clicking on the link, or by using the map, you are acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms for accessing the map.