Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Services
Serving the Chicago Area
The growing demand of electric cars must be matched with the availability of charging stations. We have the expertise to sell and install charging stations for your home, multi-family property or business.
All EV manufacturers recommend fully charging the vehicle overnight. By having a home charging station you will meet this recommendation as well as reducing the stress involved with finding somewhere to charge your vehicle during your commute.
As there are different Electrical Vehicles, there are different types of charging options in the market. Red Star Electric will work with you to personalize the right choice of charging station to meet your requirements and maximize your investment. Our goal is to make charging easy and cost-effective.
Get up to $3,750 off the cost of purchase and installation of an EV Charger. Find out more about ComEd's EV Charger Rebate
Red Star Electric Is:
- Certified Electric Vehicle Installer - State of Illinois Commerce Commission
- Certified Tesla Installer
- Certified ClipperCreek Installer
- Certified QMerit Installer
- Certified Charge Point Installer
- Electrical Vehicle Service Provider for ComEd
Residential EV Charging
While you don't necessarily need a home charging station to own an electric vehicle, it is highly recommended for several reasons.
- Convenience: There is no substitute for being able to charge your car overnight at home. No waiting for the car to charge at a gas station or other business. No having to keep track of if you have enough battery power to make it to work the next day without stopping. Just plug it in when you get home and in the morning you are good to go.
- Speed: While Level 1 charging without a charging station is an option, it isn't recommended if you plan to drive more than a couple of miles at a time because the charging is so slow. That is not the case with Level 2 home charging stations.
- Cost Savings: Not only can you avoid needing to pay to use a commercial Level 3 Charger, you can also take advantage of off-peak power rates if offered by your utility to charge your vehicle at times when the electricity is cheapest.
- Increase Your Home Value: As an increasing number of electric vehicles are sold, more and more buyers are going to be looking for homes that have EV chargers installed. Even if they require a different charger for their vehicle, they will at least have the peace of mind knowing that the electrical system can support a home charging station.
Multi-Family EV Charging
As electric vehicles become more popular, EV charging is no longer just a perk — it’s becoming an expectation. Installing EV chargers at your multi-family property offers several key advantages:
- Attract and Retain Residents: Environmentally conscious tenants are actively looking for places to live that support their lifestyle. Offering EV charging makes your property stand out and adds convenience for residents who drive electric.
- Boost Property Value: Just like any in-demand amenity, EV chargers can enhance the overall value and appeal of your property. Buyers and investors increasingly view EV infrastructure as a future-ready investment.
- Create a New Revenue Stream: With the right setup, EV charging can pay for itself over time. Property owners can charge tenants for usage, generating additional monthly income.
- Support Sustainability Goals: Adding EV chargers is a visible step toward meeting sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. It shows your commitment to greener living and responsible development.
- Reduce Energy Costs with Smart Charging: Today’s smart charging systems can optimize when and how energy is used — helping to manage loads more efficiently and potentially lowering electricity costs for your building.
EV Charging for Businesses
Installing EV charging stations at your business does more than just power cars—it powers opportunity. Here’s why more businesses are making the switch:
- Attract New Customers: EV drivers are always looking for places to charge. By offering this amenity, your business becomes a destination—not just a stop. Increased foot traffic can lead to more sales and a growing customer base.
- Generate Revenue or Encourage Longer Visits: Whether you charge a fee or offer free charging to incentivize longer stays, EV stations can support your bottom line. Customers are more likely to linger, browse, and buy while their car charges.
- Promote Sustainability and Social Responsibility: EV charging is a visible, practical step toward sustainability. It shows customers and employees that your business is forward-thinking and committed to a greener future.
- Enhance Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Offering workplace charging makes daily commuting easier for EV-driving employees. It’s a simple perk that speaks volumes about your values—and can help attract and retain top talent.
- Future-Proof Your Business: As EV adoption accelerates, charging infrastructure will become a must-have. Installing chargers now prepares your business to meet growing demand and changing consumer expectations.
- Take Advantage of Incentives: Many local and state governments offer rebates, tax credits, or grants to help offset the cost of installation — making this a smart, cost-effective upgrade.
Wondering What a Level 2 Charger Is?
Much of the talk about home charging stations for electric vehicles centers around Level 2 Chargers, and for good reason. But that might leave you wondering, what is a Level 1 Charger? Is there a Level 3 Charger? Here are the distinctions:
- Level 1 Chargers: These aren't really much of a charger at all. Basically a Level 1 charger is when you plug your car into a standard wall outlet. And the results are about what you would expect. If you charge the car for 8 hours overnight, it might add 40 miles to its range. And that total often shrinks in cold weather (like much of Chicago's winter). If you want to charge a battery from 0 to 80% charged, it would take roughly two days.
- Level 2 Chargers: There is a reason that these chargers hit the sweet spot for at-home charging. While they are more expensive than a Level 1 Charger, they aren't as pricey as Level 3 Chargers. They also charge vehicles much faster than Level 1 chargers. Level 2 Chargers can charge a car from 0% to 80% in 4-10 hours depending on the car, which is perfect for places that a car would be plugged in overnight. Read more about Level 2 Chargers.
- Level 3 Chargers: Level 3 Chargers are the type that you see at most gas stations that have chargers. They might not be practical for home use, but they can charge an EV car fast. They can usually take a battery from practically empty to 80% charged in about 20 minutes. It is great, but the electrical work that would be needed on the average home to install these 400-1,000 Volt DC chargers is usually prohibitive.
Reasons To Have Your Level 2 EV Charger Installed By a Professional
- If you don't have enough amperage on your current panel, you may need an upgrade or have a load management module installed. Depending on the location of your electric panel to the parking area there may have to be digging and/or drywall removal to properly install the conduits. A comprehensive Load Calculation should be done to determine how many amps are available in the current panel. A professional like our technicians at Red Star Electric will be able to determine what changes need to be made and the best way to make them.
- The City of Chicago and the majority of surrounding municipalities require that a permit is pulled for an electric vehicle outlet and/or charger installation. A permit will include an inspection to ensure all national and city codes are met.
- An incorrect installation could damage your home's electrical system and possibly your new electric vehicle.
- In some cases, the charger's warranty might require that the installation is done by a licensed electrician.
Let us send you a FREE quote
Single Unit Homes: To get a personalized quote emailed directly to you, please provide us with the following necessary information requested below.
Multi-Unit Homes/Condos: Please contact us directly at evcharging@redstarelectric.net
Sample Pictures to Guide You
PICTURE 1: Close-up of your panel ID showing the amperage on the main breaker.
PICTURE 2: Panel with the door open with a clear view of the number of open breakers.
PICTURE 3: Photo showing the conduit that leaves the panel and feeds into the garage.
PICTURE 6: For a detached garage - show the distance from your garage to the back of your home and from the back of your home to your garage.