Charging (220V) install in Minneapolis.

So, we're looking at adding a 60A or 100A line to our garage, and I had a few questions based on what we've been told from one contractor.

The quotes we were given were:

60A line and sub-panel, with a re-wire of the garage to the new sub panel ($2600)

100A line and sub-panel, with the same re-wire ($3,200)

I wasn't given a break-down of the costs, but it includes running the line from the panel in our basement and out about 60' (including digging the trench) to our detached garage. I plan on having them install two NEMA 14-50 outlets, of which I believe only 1 outlet installation is included in the price.

So, I must admit that I wasn't expecting to pay quite as much, and was wondering if I could get any information on the costs others have shelled out when having an install where a line had to be run some distance. Thought about calling some other contractors, but I have used this specific one in the past and was happy with the work. That said, I don't want to spend money I don't have to.

I'd appreciate any insight people have, as I'm a bit out of my element here. I will say that the we'll be going with a 100A circuit.

Evbwcaer said:

A 60A line does not really get you much beyond a 50, so I agree 100 is the way to go. I paid $1,200 for two 14-50's into my attached garage, the run was about 70 feet through my basement and utility room and up into the garage. How long is the wiring run and the trench? I am not an expert on this stuff, do you need a sub-panel, what is the benefit?

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The 60' is an approx., the line will have to be run about 25' through the basement, and then about 35-45' through a trench and into the garage. I was told by the contractor that a sub-panel was a requirement...but I do not recall the reason (possibly a code requirement). The garage has minimal wiring, so the re-wire shouldn't add much to the cost...I mean we're talking two 110 outlets and two light fixtures...that's it. I was also told they couldn't just run the wire through the conduit that already exists...but I'm actually not sure why this would be. If they're re-wiring the garage, then the wire that is currently running out to the garage would be removed...perhaps the 100A line is extremely thick?

It would have been nice to have a break-down of the costs, but I suspect this was omitted for a reason...

MSEV said:

I would recommend you get a number of different bids/ideas. In my case, I got four. The first was about $1200 for one 50 A circuit and the NEMA 14-50. Second one $1100 or so. Third one $2200 (I don't think he wanted to do it). The fourth was $760 and the way they ran the line worked better, easier for them to do (up the wall by the panel, through the attic, down to right where I wanted it in the garage). I had a lot of room in my panels (I had two put in, extra capacity, when we built 5 years ago, which came in handy for this and more). I am so glad I did it with the fourth estimate, and it was significantly less expensive. They all seemed to have different ideas, but the last one really was the best.

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Yeah, despite the previous work from the contractor, I think I will entertain other offers. Thanks!