Premier EV Charger Installation in Southern California

POWERING YOUR DRIVE – WITH SAFETY, SPEED, AND RELIABILITY SINCE 1989

From a dream of the future, electric vehicles are now a reality today. Reliable, fast, and safe home and commercial charging solutions are in great demand with the accelerating transition to clean energy throughout California. However, purchasing an electric vehicle is but the first step. To really unlock the convenience of electric ownership, you need a dedicated charging station that suits your lifestyle, your vehicle, and the electrical capacity of your property.

At Aztec Electric & Renewables, we don’t just install chargers; we engineer energy solutions. Serving Corona, the Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles for over three decades, we’re the region’s most trusted partner for electrical upgrades. Be it a homeowner tired of slow “trickle charging” or a business owner looking to attract high-value clientele, our licensed, bonded, and insured electricians make sure your installation is code-compliant and future-proof.

The Aztec Advantage: Why Experience Matters

This is not a luxury, but a necessity.

When you plug your car in, you’re drawing a huge, steady load through your electrical panel, three- to five-times larger than that air conditioner or oven. A poor installation by an unskilled handyman can lead to things like tripped breakers, melted wires, and even electrical fires.

Aztec Electric & Renewables brings over 30 years of electrical contracting experience to each and every project. Unlike solar-only companies that have recently pivoted into EV chargers, we are first and foremost master electricians. We understand the complicated load calculations needed to add a high-amperage circuit to your home. We know how to work through the ins and outs of permitting offices in Los Angeles and San Diego. We make certain your investment is safe, efficient, and built to last.

Our comprehensive service includes:

Site Assessment & Load Calculation: We establish if your existing panel, be it 100A or 200A, will support the additional load.
Permitting & Inspections: We handle the paperwork with local building departments from Corona to the coast.
Hardwire versus Plug-in Setup: Pro tips on NEMA 14-50 outlets versus hardwired units for the highest charging speeds.
Panel Upgrades: If your home is older, we are able to upgrade your main service panel to handle the new demand.
Utility coordination: We guide our customers through the rebate and incentive process through SCE, SDG&E, and LADWP.

Understanding Your Options: Levels of EV Charging

Before planning your EV charger installation, you should have an idea about the underlying technology. Not all chargers are created equal, and what’s “right” for you depends on your daily driving habits.

Level 1 Charging: The “Emergency” Option

Every EV will have a Level 1 cord, which plugs into the standard 120-volt household outlet.

Speed: Adds roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.
Best for: plug-in hybrids or drivers who have very short commutes daily.
The Reality: Level 1 is way too slow for most full electric cars. Charging a Tesla Model Y or Ford Lightning from 0% to 100% would take days.

Level 2 Charging: The Residential Standard

This is the most common service installed by Aztec Electric & Renewables. Like an electric dryer, it requires its own 240-volt circuit.

Speed: Adds 25-60 miles of range per hour.
Ideal For: Daily drivers who want to wake up to a full battery each morning.
Installation: Requires a dedicated breaker, usually 40A to 60A, and professional wiring.
Benefit: Most EVs can be fully charged in 4-8 hours—overnight.

Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): Commercial Power

Large stations: These are the big ones you come across at your nearest malls or stops along highways.

Speed: Charges an electric vehicle to 80% in 20-40 minutes.
Best For: Commercial fleets, retail centers, and public parking structures.
Installation: These require 480-volt 3-phase power and major infrastructure upgrades. Aztec Electric offers this specialized commercial installation for businesses wanting to monetize their parking lots.

EV Charger Installation Corona: Your Local Experts

As a Corona-based company, we are particularly deeply rooted in this community. EV charger installation in Corona is our backyard specialty. We understand the particular housing stock in neighborhoods like Dos Lagos, Eagle Glen, and Sierra del Oro. What’s more, there are many homes within this area that were built during the 1990s or early 2000s and may already have 100-amp panels that are near capacity.

Why Choose Aztec in Corona?

Local Knowledge: We know the inspectors at the City of Corona Building Department by name. We know exactly what they look for during the final inspection to ensure you pass on the first try.
Rapid Response: As we are local, we can offer Corona residents same or next-day assessments in most instances.
Utility Partners: We work closely with Southern California Edison to help you qualify for the Charge Ready Home rebate program, which can significantly offset the cost of panel upgrades required for your charger.

Don’t gamble with your home’s safety by using out-of-town contractors who don’t know Corona’s unique electrical codes; trust your neighbors at Aztec Electric.

EV Charger Installation Inland Empire: Powering the Region

The Inland Empire is a commuting hub, with many people commuting a long way into LA or the OC. That makes having a reliable home charging setup absolutely critical. Looking for EV charger installation in the Inland Empire? Aztec Electric & Renewables serves the entire region, from Riverside and Moreno Valley to Ontario and Fontana.

Challenges in the IE:

Heat Management: The IE gets hot. Electrical equipment, EV chargers and main panels need to be rated for high ambient temperatures. We install conduit and wiring to minimize heat derating so when it is the middle of a summer heat wave your charger is still operating at full speed.
Outdated Wiring: The older homes in Riverside and San Bernardino have outdated wiring, either knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Installing high-powered EV chargers in those homes requires surgical precision; it mostly needs heavy-up or service upgrade for safety considerations.

We pride ourselves on being the “commuter’s choice” for EV installations. We make sure that when you get home from that long drive on the 91 or the 15 freeway, you can plug in with confidence, knowing your car will be ready for the next day’s haul.

EV Charger Installation San Bernardino: Industrial & Residential Solution

San Bernardino is a city that uniquely combines historic residential neighborhoods with booming logistics hubs. For EV charger installation in San Bernardino, Aztec Electric has two approaches:

For Homeowners:

We assist residents in San Bernardino with the details of permitting in both the city and county while identifying rebates that could be available from local utility providers, which may apply to low-income homes or city-specific zones.

For Businesses & Logistics:

San Bernardino is the center of logistics. Fleets are beginning to transition to electric trucks and delivery vans, and the demand for commercial-grade Level 2 and DC Fast Charging infrastructure is exploding. Aztec Electric has the industrial experience to handle:

Depots for fleet chargers: Rows of charger points for delivery vans are being fitted.
Warehouse Integration: Integrating chargers into existing 3-phase industrial power systems.
Load Management: It is of great importance to implement smart systems that will share the charging load while avoiding the expensive utility demand charges.

Orange County EV Charger Installation: Quality Service for Your Modern Homes

While Orange County leads the state in EV adoption—from Irvine and Newport Beach to Anaheim and Huntington Beach, an EV charger is becoming a common home appliance. On matters of EV charger installation in Orange County, homeowners demand aesthetics just as much as functionality.

The Aztec Difference in OC:

Clean Installs: We know you do not want ugly conduit running across your garage walls in a custom home. Invisible installs are our specialty, as we fish wires behind drywall and through attics to provide the clean, sleek look that befits your high-end vehicle.
HOA Expertise: Most OC communities have very strict HOAs. We have worked with dozens of Homeowner Associations to provide the plans, noise spec, and aesthetic guarantees needed to get your charger approved quickly.
Smart Home Integration: We can integrate your EV charger into your existing solar system or home automation network. That way, you’ll be able to charge only when your solar panels are producing surplus power that enables driving on sunshine for free.

EV Charger Installation San Diego: Coastal Compliance & Solar Synergy

San Diego has some of the highest rates of electricity in the country, coupled with the best solar potential. In that regard, the approach to the installation of EV chargers in San Diego is all about energy management.

SDG&E Territory Specifics:

There are special Time-of-Use rates for customers of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).

TOU Optimization: We install smart chargers that can be programmed to charge only during “Super Off-Peak” hours, typically midnight to 6 AM, when rates are lowest.
Solar + EV: Because Aztec Electric & Renewables is also a solar expert, we can design a system whereby your EV charger acts like a battery dump for your solar array. Rather than selling cheap power back to SDG&E, you keep it in your car battery.

From Chula Vista and Oceanside to downtown San Diego, we make sure your installation meets strict standards set forth by both the coastal commission and municipal code pertaining to outdoor-rated equipment that must withstand salt air corrosion.

Understanding EV Charging Installation Complexity in Los Angeles

Los Angeles represents a huge, involved web of building codes and utility zones. EV charger installation in LA requires a contractor who knows the Department of Building and Safety, otherwise known as the LADBS, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, or LADWP.

Why LA Residents Trust Aztec:

LADWP Rebates: The LADWP has some of the best rebates for EV chargers, up to $1,000 in many instances, and provides special meters for EVs. We guide you through the required documentation to claim these funds.
Dedicated EV Meters: It can be a smart financial move in LA to install a second, dedicated utility meter for your car to tap into exclusive EV rates. One of the few contractors with the experience and know-how to install a “sub-meter”, or second utility service drop legally and safely is Aztec Electric.
Old Infrastructure: The homes in LA, from the Hollywood Hills to the San Fernando Valley, have 60-plus-year-old electrical panels. We specialize in upgrading these panels to a safe, modern 200-amp standard so that your new charger does not black out your house.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Transparency is key at Aztec Electric & Renewables. Here’s precisely what to expect when you contract us:

Step 1: The Consultation

You give us a call, or fill out the form online. We review your vehicle type, average daily miles driven, and electrical panel location in relation to where you will park the vehicle.

Step 2: Site Assessment & Quote

For standard installations, we’re often able to quote from photos. Complex jobs require us sending a technician to your home. We check your available “ampacity” to find out if you need a panel upgrade. You receive a clear, flat-rate price with no hidden fees.

Step 3: Permitting

We submit the permit application to your local city: Corona, Irvine, LA, etc. We handle the drawings and load calculations.

Step 4: The Installation

Our uniformed, licensed electricians arrive on time and run the conduit, pull heavy-gauge copper wire, mount the charger or NEMA outlet, and install the breaker.

Technical Note: We use industrial-grade torque screwdrivers to make certain every connection is tightened to the specifications of the manufacturer, preventing “thermal expansion” that causes fires in amateur installs.

Step 5: Setup & Inspection

We power up the unit, assist you in connecting it to your Wi-Fi/Smartphone app, and test the charging speed. After that, we schedule the city inspection in order to close out the permit.

Commercial EV Charging: Attract Customers & Talent

For business owners in Southern California, EV chargers are a powerful amenity.

Retail/Hospitality: EV drivers stay longer and spend more money while they charge.
Workplace: Charging is among the most popular workplace amenities for recruiting top talent.
Apartments/Condos: Tenants increasingly require EV charging capability.

Aztec Electric specializes in commercial EV charger installation throughout our service areas. We handle ADA compliance, making your charging spots accessible, and we have the ability to install networked chargers that allow you to bill users for the electricity they consume.

FAQs

General EV Charger FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to install an EV charger?

A: The cost is dependent on how far your charging location will be from your electrical panel and whether or not an upgrade to your panel is required. A simple “back-to-back” install—panel on one side of the wall, charger on the other—is the cheapest option. Long, complicated runs through attics or trenches are more expensive. Contact Aztec for a free accurate estimate.

Q: Can’t I just use a regular outlet (Level 1)?

A: You can, but it is painfully slow—at 3-5 miles of range per hour. If you drive more than 30 miles a day, Level 1 will not keep up, and you’ll start every day with a partially empty battery. Level 2 is recommended for 95% of owners.

Q: Do I really need a permit?

A: Yes. In California, adding a new high-voltage circuit legally requires a permit. Installing without one can void your home insurance policy in the event of a fire and can cause major headaches when you try to sell your home. Aztec handles all permitting for you.

Q: Hardwired vs. NEMA 14-50 Outlet: Which is better?

A: Generally speaking, hardwired is better. It’s safer, looks cleaner, and often makes faster charging speeds available (up to 48 or 60 amps). A NEMA 14-50 outlet offers flexibility—you can unplug the charger and take it with you when you move—but is capped at 40 amps and requires a more expensive GFCI breaker by code.

Q: My electrical panel is full. Can I still get a charger?

A: Yes! We have some options. One is to do a “service panel upgrade” to 200 amps, but there’s also an option to install a “Load Management Device” or “Smart Splitter” that will allow your charger to share a circuit with either the dryer or stove and automatically cut power to the car if the appliance is turned on.

FAQs – Location-Specific

Q: I live in Corona. Does SCE offer rebates for my installation?

A: Yes, Southern California Edison typically has the “Charge Ready Home” program, which provides rebates for specifically upgrading your electrical panel for an EV charger. Aztec Electric can assist you in verifying your eligibility.

Q: Do I need a dedicated meter for EV charger installation in Los Angeles?

A: No, it’s not necessary, but LADWP does have a special rebate if you install a dedicated TOU (Time-of-Use) meter just for your EV. That way, you can pay the cheaper rate when charging your car and leave the whole-house rate plan unchanged. We can run the numbers with you to see whether the savings justify the installation cost or not.

Q: I am in an HOA in Orange County. Can they restrict me from installing a charger?

A: Generally, no. California’s “Right to Charge” laws prevent HOAs from unreasonably banning EV charging stations. However, they may impose reasonable restrictions on things like aesthetics and installation by licensed contractors. Aztec Electric is experienced in meeting strict HOA requirements.

Q: What is the best charger for coastal San Diego homes?

A: If your charger is installed outdoors close to the ocean—like in La Jolla or Del Mar—we recommend units that have NEMA 4 or 4X weatherproofing ratings to resist salt corrosion. Hardwiring is also preferred over outlets in these areas to prevent contact corrosion.

Q: Do you install Tesla Wall Connectors?

A: Yes, we install Tesla Wall Connectors regularly. Again, ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Wallbox, and all leading J1772 and NACS compatible chargers—we do them all.

Ready to Charge? Contact Aztec Electric today!

Don’t leave your EV charging to chance; go with the company that has kept Southern California running for over 30 years. Whether you are in Corona, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, or San Diego, Aztec Electric & Renewables is your local licensed expert.

Call us today at (951) 279-0424 for your FREE estimate.

Powering Your Future, One Charge at a Time.

EV Charger Installation