What Size EV Charger Does Your Missouri Home Really Need?
If you’ve recently purchased an electric vehicle (EV) or are planning to, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
“What size EV charger should I install at home?”
It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The right EV charger size for your Missouri home depends on your vehicle, driving habits, electrical panel capacity, and how quickly you want to charge. Whether you’re in Wildwood, Pacific, Union, or anywhere in between, choosing the correct amperage is essential for safety, convenience, and long-term flexibility.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common EV charger sizes, how to calculate your needs, and what Cain Electric recommends based on hundreds of Missouri installations.
First, What Does “Charger Size” Actually Mean?
When we talk about charger size, we’re referring to the amperage rating — or how much current (in amps) the charger delivers to your vehicle.
More amps means faster charging.
Here are the most common sizes for Level 2 home chargers:
- 32 amps: around 25 miles of range per hour
- 40 amps: around 30 miles of range per hour
- 48 amps: around 35 to 38 miles of range per hour
- 60 amps: around 44 miles of range per hour
- 80 amps: over 50 miles of range per hour (rare in residential settings)
Higher amperage chargers require larger breakers and thicker wire, which must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Learn more about our EV charger installation services in Missouri.
Step 1: Check What Your EV Can Actually Handle
Before upgrading your panel or buying a high-powered charger, find out your vehicle’s maximum onboard charging capacity.
Some examples:
- Tesla Model Y supports up to 48 amps
- Ford Mustang Mach-E supports up to 48 amps
- Nissan Leaf supports up to 32 amps
- Chevy Bolt supports up to 32 amps
- Rivian R1T supports up to 80 amps (with an upgrade)
- Lucid Air supports up to 80 amps
If your car can only accept 32 amps, there’s no benefit to installing a 60-amp charger — it will only draw what it needs. That said, planning ahead for future EVs or a second charger may justify going bigger now.
Step 2: Consider Your Daily Driving Habits
Ask yourself:
- Do you drive more than 50 miles per day?
- Do you take frequent trips across Missouri?
- Do you own or plan to own more than one EV?
- Do you work from home and drive infrequently?
For most Missouri drivers, a 32- to 40-amp charger will fully recharge their EV overnight without any issues. If you commute long distances or use your vehicle for business or deliveries, you may benefit from a 48- or 60-amp charger to reduce downtime between charges.
Step 3: Know What Your Electrical Panel Can Handle
This is the step most homeowners overlook. Higher amp chargers require larger breakers and wiring, and your panel needs enough space and capacity to handle the load.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what each charger size generally requires:
- A 32-amp charger typically uses a 40-amp breaker and 8-gauge wire. It works on most 100-amp panels.
- A 40-amp charger uses a 50-amp breaker and 6-gauge wire. It’s best on a 150-amp panel or larger.
- A 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp breaker and 6-gauge wire, often requiring a 200-amp panel.
- A 60-amp charger uses a 75-amp breaker and 4-gauge wire, recommended for panels with high capacity.
- An 80-amp charger needs a 100-amp breaker and heavy-duty wiring, typically reserved for commercial or custom residential setups.
If your panel is older or already maxed out, we may recommend a panel upgrade, adding a subpanel, or using a smart charger that dynamically manages load based on usage.
Cain Electric provides full panel upgrades and load evaluations.
Step 4: Decide Between Hardwired or Plug-In
Some EV chargers are plug-in models that connect to a NEMA 14-50 outlet. These are typically limited to 40 amps. Others are hardwired and allow higher amperage options up to 60 or even 80 amps.
Plug-in chargers are easier to replace in the future but limited in power. Hardwired chargers are more permanent and durable, especially for outdoor use, and offer more flexibility in power output.
We’ll help you choose the right installation method based on your charger, vehicle, and location.
Step 5: Consider Future Upgrades Like Solar or Generators
If you’re planning to add solar panels, a home battery, or a backup generator, your total energy load will increase. Combining solar with EV charging requires careful planning to avoid panel overload and ensure optimal power distribution.
Adding a backup generator also means coordinating load priorities and potentially using an automatic transfer switch to protect your EV charger and other critical circuits.
Ask Cain Electric how we future-proof your installation.
Our Most Common Missouri Recommendations
Based on years of experience, here’s what we usually recommend for Missouri homeowners:
- If you drive under 50 miles per day and own a single EV, a 32- to 40-amp charger is typically enough.
- If you own a Tesla or long-range EV and want faster overnight charging, 48 amps is ideal.
- If you have multiple EVs or plan to upgrade, 60 amps gives you room to grow.
- For high-end EVs or future-proofed smart homes, 80 amps may be considered, but only with proper infrastructure.
We tailor every recommendation to your specific situation. No guesswork. No upselling. Just honest advice and safe installation.
What About Rebates and Incentives?
Missouri homeowners may be eligible for:
- A federal tax credit of 30% on EV charger equipment and installation, up to $1,000
- Utility rebates from providers like Ameren Missouri (when available)
- Local incentives for EV infrastructure depending on your municipality
Cain Electric can help you gather the correct paperwork and ensure your installation meets all code requirements for rebate eligibility.
Let Cain Electric Handle the Entire Process
We’ve installed hundreds of EV chargers across Wildwood, Eureka, Pacific, Union, and surrounding areas. Our licensed electricians handle everything:
- Site evaluation and panel inspection
- Load calculations and permitting
- Installation of breakers, GFCI protection, and wiring
- Setup and test of your EV charger
- Future-ready advice if you plan to add solar, batteries, or more EVs
Learn more about our EV charger installation services here.
Ready to Charge Smarter?
Installing the right-size EV charger makes your life easier, protects your vehicle, and prepares your home for the future. Cain Electric will help you choose the perfect fit, install it safely, and make sure it works flawlessly from day one.
