Many drivers can get by with the Level 1 cord that came with the car on a dedicated outlet. A Level 2 charger needs a new 240-volt circuit, so have a licensed electrician check your panel. In Indianapolis that work generally needs a city electrical permit and inspection.
For a lot of Indy drivers, the charger that came with the car is enough. It plugs into a regular outlet overnight. If you drive a lot or want faster charging, a Level 2 charger needs a 240-volt circuit installed by an electrician. In Indianapolis, that new circuit generally needs an electrical permit and inspections through the city.
What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging?
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The cordset that comes with the car | A charger installed on a 240-volt circuit |
| Plugs into | A standard outlet, ideally on a dedicated circuit | A new 240-volt circuit run from your panel |
| Charging speed | Slower; often fine overnight | Faster |
| Installation | Usually none | Licensed electrician, plus a city permit |
| Best for | Regular schedules and shorter daily driving | Long commutes, irregular schedules, big batteries |
The U.S. Department of Energy says many drivers can cover their daily driving by charging overnight on Level 1, with no extra installation, as long as there’s an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit near where they park. DOE suggests Level 2 for drivers with less regular schedules, longer commutes or large batteries.
Does my electrical panel have room for an EV charger?
That’s the first question to ask an electrician. DOE says electricians can tell homeowners whether their home has enough electrical capacity for charging, and that some homes don’t have room for Level 2 as they are. In that case, DOE says a qualified electrician can add circuits to provide the capacity Level 2 needs.
If your panel can’t handle it, the electrician may suggest a service upgrade. The city’s electrical permit application has a line for upgrading service “from ___ to ___ amps,” so that is permitted work too. If you’re in an older Indy house with its original panel, ask about this first.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Indianapolis?
For a Level 2 install, plan on it. The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services’ Homeowner’s Building Permit Guide says electrical permits are required unless specifically exempted by Sec. 536-201 of the city’s Building Standards and Procedures. The exemptions it lists include installing household appliances when no new electrical circuit is involved. A Level 2 charger usually needs a new circuit.
- Who pulls it: the guide says a licensed electrician pulls electrical permits. It also says homeowners may take an exam that, once passed, lets them apply. Questions about the homeowner exam go to Contractor@indy.gov.
- Where: BNS, 1200 Madison Ave., Suite 100, (317) 327-8700, or PermitQuestions@indy.gov.
- Inspections: the guide lists under-slab, rough-in and final electrical inspections. Ask your electrician which ones your job needs.
DOE gives the same general advice for everywhere: permits may be required by local building authorities, and some areas need an installation plan approved first.
Does AES Indiana have EV programs or rates?
Yes, though they change, so check AES Indiana’s site before you buy anything. Right now its EV rates page lists:
- Managed EV Charging Rewards: rewards for helping AES Indiana reduce demand at peak times, with an enrollment bonus and annual rewards.
- Off-Peak EV Charging Rewards: rewards for charging during off-peak hours.
- Rate EVX: closed to new customers. AES Indiana says the application period ended February 29, 2024.
AES Indiana also says customers who want a home charger can have a certified electrical contractor install a new smart charger. If you want to join a rewards program, ask AES Indiana which chargers qualify before you pick one. Its EV team is at ev@aesindianarebates.com or 866-908-4915.
What should I look for in the charger itself?
DOE recommends buying safety-certified equipment, such as ENERGY STAR products, which are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. It also recommends using a certified electrical contractor for the install.
What should I ask an electrician before they install it?
- Can my panel handle a Level 2 charger, or do I need an upgrade?
- Will you pull the city electrical permit and schedule the inspections?
- How far is the run from my panel to where I park?
- Does the charger I picked qualify for AES Indiana’s programs?
- What warranty do you give on your work?
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Sources: U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center: Charging at home; City of Indianapolis BNS: Homeowner’s Building Permit Guide; City of Indianapolis BNS: Electrical Permit Application; AES Indiana: EV rates and incentives. Checked November 2026.