Sub-panel — dedicated breakers in the garage.

A sub-panel is a smaller breaker panel installed near the EV charger (typically the garage), connected to the main service panel via a feeder. It dedicates breaker space for the EV charger plus future expansion (second EV, garage A/C, workshop circuits) without disturbing the main panel. $1,800–$3,200 typical.

TYPICAL COST

$1,800 – $3,200

DURATION

4 – 8 hours

PERMITS

Yes — electrical

WARRANTY

10-year install

When sub-panel makes sense

Detached garage or workshop separated from the main house
Main panel is full (no breaker space) but capacity is fine
Planning multiple garage circuits — EV charger, lift, lighting, A/C
Pre-installing for a future second EV alongside the first
Main panel is in an inconvenient location relative to charger

What's in a sub-panel install

Feeder conductors from main panel to sub-panel location — sized to anticipated load (typically 100A feeder)
Sub-panel cabinet (60A, 100A, or 125A depending on need)
Sub-panel main breaker + branch breakers as needed
Bonding + grounding to NEC standard (separate ground bus in sub-panel)
Conduit run from main panel to sub-panel — interior wall, attic, or trenched underground
Permit + inspection

Pricing in 2026

Sub-panel inside same building, short feeder — $1,800–$2,400
Sub-panel in attached garage, attic feeder run — $2,200–$2,800
Detached garage, trenched feeder (50–80 ft) — $2,800–$3,200
Detached garage, long feeder run (100+ ft) — $3,200–$4,400