200 Amp Panel Upgrade for EV Charging
Find out whether you actually need one, and if you do, get it done right with your charger.
Start with a load calculation
Before anyone sells you a panel, ask for a load calculation. It adds up what your home already uses (furnace, AC, range, dryer, water heater, hot tub) and shows how much capacity is left for an EV. Many homes have room for a 32- to 48-amp charger without an upgrade.
If the numbers are tight, there are three common answers:
- Set the charger lower. A 24- or 32-amp setting still adds plenty of overnight range for most commuters.
- Add load management. A device or smart charger slows charging when the house is busy.
- Upgrade the service, typically to 200 amps, when the home really needs it, or when you're also adding a heat pump, hot tub or second EV.
Which homes usually need upgrades?
Older homes are more likely to have 100- to 150-amp service, a full panel or an obsolete panel. In our area, cities with a lot of pre-1980 housing, such as Sunset, Washington Terrace, Ogden, Bountiful and South Ogden, see more upgrades than newer cities like West Haven, Syracuse and Farr West. Each city page shows its housing age from Census data.
Typical cost
A Utah electrician publishes $1,800 to $3,500 for a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade, with meter-base replacement adding $500 to $1,500 when needed, and $800 to $2,000 for a subpanel.[1] Another published Utah range for 200-amp panel work is $1,300 to $4,450, with most jobs near $2,000.[2] The same electrician lists load-management devices at $200 to $500 as an add-on to the EV install.[3]
Utility coordination
A service upgrade means your utility disconnects and reconnects the meter. Most of our area is Rocky Mountain Power, but Bountiful and Kaysville have their own municipal utilities, so the electrician coordinates with the city instead. Build a little calendar time into the plan.
FAQ
Do I need 200 amps for an EV?
Not necessarily. Many homes charge on 100- to 150-amp service with a properly sized circuit or load management. A load calculation decides.
Can the panel upgrade and charger be done at once?
Yes, and that's often cheaper: one permit, one mobilization and one inspection.
Is there a rebate for a panel upgrade in Utah?
We aren't aware of a current utility rebate for residential panel upgrades in our area. Check the 2026 rebate guide.
Available across Davis & Weber County
Davis County
Related services: Tesla & Universal Wall Connector · Level 2 chargers (any brand) · NEMA 14-50 outlet · Garage vs. outdoor & trenching