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Getting Started with Your EV
Before Purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV)
If you are thinking about purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle, it is important to know that there are a number of decisions you need to make and actions you may need to take before you drive one home, such as:
- Does your home have sufficient electrical capacity to charge the battery?
- How will an EV impact your electricity bill?
- Will you be using a Level I or Level II charger?
For additional information, visit the virtual showroom at GoElectricDrive.com to select a make and model and to explore available options.
Contact Us
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Electric Vehicle Concierge
Call: 714-765-3300 or Email
Contact Form
Office:
Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Anaheim West Tower
201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805 Map
Utilities Directory
Before Bringing the EV Home
Once you decide on a make and model, you’ll need to consider how you plan to charge the vehicle. Most homeowners will simply plug in their electric vehicles at home. Depending on the EV you choose, you may be able to plug into a standard grounded, 3-prong 120-volt household outlet. Or, to charge your EV in half the time it takes to charge with a 120V, you might consider installing a 240-volt circuit, similar to what an electric stove or central air conditioning system use. The 240V requires that you purchase the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) recommended for the vehicle.
Installing a Level II Home Charging Station
Consult a Licensed Electrician
Determine where to place the charging station and plan the electrical work. Older homes may not have sufficient electrical capacity for the charging station, so an electrical panel upgrade may be necessary. If the electrician’s load calculation findings call for the upgrade, a meter spot report is required.
Identify Meter Panel Location
First, request a meter spot report. This report will tell you where the meter for the charger can be placed to comply with Anaheim’s rates, rules and regulations. If you prefer, call our electric utility inspector at 714-765-6847 to request an appointment by phone, or visit the Electric Engineering counter at 201 South Anaheim Boulevard, 7th floor between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An electric utility inspector will contact you within 2 business days to schedule an inspection of your proposed meter location. There is no charge for a meter spot report; however, if the new panel requires upgrade of the electrical utility equipment, additional service connection fees may apply.
First, request a meter spot report. This report will tell you where the meter for the charger can be placed to comply with Anaheim’s rates, rules and regulations. If you prefer, call our electric utility inspector at 714-765-6847 to request an appointment by phone, or visit the Electric Engineering counter at 201 South Anaheim Boulevard, 7th floor between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An electric utility inspector will contact you within 2 business days to schedule an inspection of your proposed meter location. There is no charge for a meter spot report; however, if the new panel requires upgrade of the electrical utility equipment, additional service connection fees may apply.
Apply for an Electrical Permit
Upon obtaining a Meter Spot Report, you or your electrician should visit the Building Division to apply for an electrical permit. With our current Plug-In Vehicle Charger Rebate Program, the electrical permit fee is currently waived.
Upon obtaining a Meter Spot Report, you or your electrician should visit the Building Division to apply for an electrical permit. With our current Plug-In Vehicle Charger Rebate Program, the electrical permit fee is currently waived.
Apply for a New Meter
Contact Customer Service at 714-765-5006 to have the new meter installed. When you call, let the customer service representative help you decide if you want to be billed on the standard domestic rate (PDF), or if you would like to be billed on the domestic time-of-use (PDF) (TOU) rate. With TOU, the time of the day you use electricity to charge your EV battery and all electrical items, determines your cost.
After installing your electric service panel and the charging station, arrange for 2 separate inspections.
- Contact the building inspector at 714-765-4626 to request an electrical service inspection from the Building Division. Be prepared to present your meter spot report at the time of your scheduled inspection.
- Once the building inspector has approved the electrical work, contact the electrical utility inspector at 714-765-6847.
While these steps apply to the majority of residential customers, there may be additional steps involved, such as when your panel is over 200 amps or when city-owned facilities require relocation or undergrounding. If you or your electrician believe any of these situations apply to you, please call Electrical Engineering at 714-765-5156 for additional information on how to proceed with your service request.