EV Charger Installer

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Related roles: Electric Vehicle Charging Station Technician, EV Charging Infrastructure Installer, Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installer, EV Charging System Technician, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Specialist, Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions Installer, EV Infrastructure Technician, Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Technician, EV Charging Network Technician

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Similar Titles

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Technician, EV Charging Infrastructure Installer, Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installer, EV Charging System Technician, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Specialist, Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions Installer, EV Infrastructure Technician, Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Technician, EV Charging Network Technician

Job Description

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging around the country, with over 1.7 million EVs currently on the road. That’s up ~250% from 2018 and the trend isn’t slowing down. But along with those new battery-powered cars and trucks comes a need for more charging stations where drivers can juice up. 

Right now the EV infrastructure is lagging behind but state and federal government initiatives are aiming to ramp up charging station installations to keep up with the growing demand. That’s where EV Charger Installers enter the picture! 

EV Charger Installers are professional electricians with specialized training in EV charging technologies. They come in to assess station or residential sites, determine the necessary wiring and other needs, install the equipment (sometimes with the aid of an EV Charger Technician), set up network connections, and test everything to ensure proper functioning. Some contracted EV Charger Installers even demonstrate and sell equipment to potential customers! 

Rewarding Aspects of Career
  • Building the infrastructure for EV usage to expand
  • Being part of a growing field expected to lower carbon emissions  
  • Contributing to the EV economy at large
The Inside Scoop
Job Responsibilities

Working Schedule

  • EV Charger Installers may work full- or part-time, and they could be called in to fix problems at any time.  

Typical Duties

  • Respond to work request calls and emails
  • Travel to different locations to review work sites and determine any special needs
  • Install Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (DC fast charging) station equipment, as applicable 
  • Configure and troubleshoot charging station software
  • Connect smart chargers to a network. Configure devices using routers, modems, or cellular signal repeaters
  • Help wireless carriers establish Virtual Private Networks 
  • Perform testing of circuits and insulation
  • Work with EV Charger Technicians during installations or maintenance 
  • Find and isolate ground faults
  • Conduct electrical and mechanical preventative maintenance and repairs
  • Determine causes of network connection failures
  • Correct issues related to credit card payment systems
  • Fix or replace broken screens and damaged plugs
  • Investigate power disruptions
  • Follow maintenance schedules 
  • Discuss home installation needs with homeowners 
  • Ensure work orders are done in a timely fashion

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assess safety hazards at job sites and fill out the necessary documentation 
  • Document all work done and generate service reports for employers or customers
  • Respond to unplanned/emergency issues 
  • Stay familiar with the employer’s portfolio of equipment and accessories
  • Upgrade equipment when requested
  • Demonstrate and sell equipment to customers, as authorized
  • Stay up to date on changes in software and technology
Skills Needed on the Job

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Compliance-oriented 
  • Critical thinking
  • Independent
  • Initiative
  • Normal color vision
  • Organized
  • Problem-solving
  • Quality assurance
  • Reliable
  • Resourcefulness 
  • Results-driven
  • Safety conscious 
  • Self-sufficient 
  • Stamina
  • Strong communication skills 
  • Time management

Technical Skills

  • General knowledge of lithium-ion batteries
  • Knowledge of tools such as power analyzers, multimeters, cable crimpers, cutters, plyers, soldering irons, ohmmeters, voltmeters, and EV charging test sets
  • Knowledge of equipment like routers, modems, or cellular signal repeaters
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety (Lockout/Tagout, or LOTO, Arc Flash, JHA/JSA)
Different Types of Organizations
  • Private companies 
  • Government agencies 
Expectations and Sacrifices

EV Charger Installers must drive to different locations to perform work, either installing public charging station equipment or private chargers for home use. Many installers also do repair and maintenance work, which can require responding to after-hours problems. 

Stations are often outdoors, so installers must be ready to work in all sorts of weather conditions. Because they’re working with high voltages and currents, they need to be very cautious, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and follow OSHA and manufacturer safety guidelines to avoid mishaps, injuries, or worse! 

Current Trends

There isn’t much standardization when it comes to EV charging stations, which is a problem for the entire industry. As S&P Global highlights, “the lack of a standard governing how EVs from different manufacturers can use the same charging networks are draining energy from the goal of juicing up any car at stations across the U.S.” This problem makes it challenging to train for a career in EV Charger Installation, as installers need to learn the ins and outs of different equipment makes and models they deal with. 

The job outlook for EV Charger Installers looks bright, considering McKinsey research suggests the US needs 28 million private EV chargers by 2030. But just adding more stations isn’t enough. Auto consumers and industry experts are concerned about interoperability and the number of different charging systems that aren’t compatible with every vehicle. Customers are weary of buying EVs and driving great distances if there isn’t a reliable network of stations with plugs that will fit their vehicle. 

What kinds of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…

EV Charger Installers are electricians, so they may have enjoyed working with electrical gadgets or computers growing up. They might have been hands-on tinkerers whose hobbies kept their attention focused on detail-oriented work. Because of the physical requirements of this job, they could have developed stamina from exercising or playing sports in their youth.  

Education and Training Needed
  • EV Charger Installers must be licensed electricians. Electricians learn their trade through a ~2,000-hour apprenticeship. A high school diploma/GED is needed, but a college degree isn’t
  • Apprenticeships are sponsored by union and contractor associations and candidates must pass the Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test
    • Some students complete pre-apprenticeship training, or take electrician classes from a community college or vocational school. These may shorten the number of hours needed for an apprenticeship
  • Entry-level electrician apprentices learn under the supervision of a licensed electrician for up to 4 or 5 years. Areas of learning include reading circuitry, basic electrical information, blueprints, math, building codes, safety principles, first aid, soldering, fire alarm systems, and elevators
  • To advance to journeyman status, apprentice electricians must pass a National Electrical Code (and other state or local code) exam to qualify for a state license
  • Tests vary by state, but topics include: 
  • Branch circuit calculations and conductors
  • Electrical equipment and control devices
  • Electrical services and service equipment
  • Motors and generators
  • Wiring methods and electrical materials
  • EV Charger Installers must also learn OSHA safety requirements such as Lockout/Tagout, Arc Flash, and Job Hazard Analysis/Job Safety Analysis. Other topics include:
    • Computerized Maintenance Management Systems
    • Electrical, electronic, and mechanical troubleshooting
    • EV software, E3 wireworks, and Visio
    • Fundamentals of different makes and models of EV chargers
    • General knowledge of lithium-ion batteries
    • How to use equipment like routers, modems, or cellular signal repeaters
    • How to use tools such as power analyzers, multimeters, cable crimpers, cutters, plyers, soldering irons, ohmmeters, voltmeters, and EV charging test sets
  • Installers may need state-specific training and qualifications. For example, in California, “at least one electrician on each installation must hold an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification”
Things to look for in an University
  • EV Charger Installers don’t need a college degree. However, a college certificate in electricity fundamentals or an associate’s in electrical systems technology could be useful  
  • Some apprenticeship programs may cover the cost of certain classes, so look at those programs first! 
  • If going to college, decide if you’ll attend a traditional on-campus program, online, or hybrid (a mix of both)
  • Consider and compare costs of tuition and scholarship opportunities
  • Look into student financial aid from the government to see what you qualify for
Things to do in High School and College
  • In high school, future EV Charger Installers should stock up on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes, as well as shop and English 
  • Sign up for shop activities or community college classes where you can get practice working with hand tools, learn about mechanical or electrical systems, and get familiar with general safety practices
  • Consider taking electrician pre-apprenticeship training
  • Apply for part-time jobs where you can get experience working with electrical systems
  • Check your color vision to ensure you can meet electrician eligibility requirements 
  • Get your driver’s license so you can commute to job sites
  • Review criteria for taking the Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test
  • Study articles and watch videos about the different types of EV Charger equipment 
  • Ask a licensed electrician or EV Charger Installer if you can go with them on a job
  • Review educational content on the National Electrical Contractors Association website
  • Learn the basics about software programming and Internet Protocol 
  • Call or email EV charger service providers in your area to ask about work and training opportunities
  • Consider doing a college certificate, associate’s, or self-study online courses from Udemy or other sites to get a jump start on your career
Typical Roadmap
EV Charger Installer Roadmap
How to Land your 1st job
  • Electrician apprenticeships are the way to break into this line of work. Let potential employers know you plan to stick through the apprenticeship process and earn your license
  • Screen ads on job portals such as Indeed, Simply Hired, Glassdoor, and Zippia, as well as Craigslist for smaller, local opportunities
  • Read apprenticeship ads carefully to ensure you meet the criteria to apply
  • Reach out to working electricians or EV Charger Installers to ask how they got their jobs
  • Call or email local EV charging station service providers to ask about upcoming openings 
  • Get in touch with a local workforce development center that might be able to connect you to job opportunities
  • If attending a college or trade school, ask the career center for assistance 
  • Many trade/vocational programs serve as pipelines to recruiters, so let them know you’re ready for work!
  • If you served in the military, check out CareerOneStop for details on opportunities 
  • Move to a city that has a lot of EV charging stations. Currently, the states with the most are California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts 
  • Review electrician resumes and study electrician interview questions
  • Make sure your resume is error-free, compelling, and explains your qualifications for the job you’re applying to
  • Ask teachers and supervisors if they’ll serve as personal references for you
  • Be familiar with the companies you interview with. Study their websites, look at their end customers and the types of charging equipment they use
  • Get familiar with as many equipment manufacturers as possible, and be ready to use the terminology during interviews
How to Climb the Ladder
  • Arrive to work sites on time and be a proactive problem-solver who works with little direction 
  • Maintain good relationships with any engineers, project managers, Internet service providers, credit card payment processors, or any other professionals you work with
  • Offer exemplary customer service to businesses and residential consumers having chargers installed at their homes
  • Demonstrate your competence and loyalty to the employer’s business. Treat their reputation as if it were your own
  • Help your employer get repeat business and great reviews!
  • Ask your supervisor about promotion potential. Let them know you’re willing to continue your education so you can complete upgrades and install different makes and models of equipment
  • Be accountable and responsible. Train other installers and technicians. Set the bar high and act as the example for others to follow
  • Read manufacturer technical manuals, study industry trends, and become a subject matter expert
  • Always wear your protective gear and comply with safety protocols to avoid shocks and mishaps
Plan B

The EV Charger Installation career field is still relatively new but growing steadily. It may be hard to get training in your area since some towns don’t have a great demand for EV charging stations yet. If you’re interested in related occupations, consider one of the following!  

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairer
  • Electrical Engineering Technician
  • Electrical Power-Line Installer
  • Elevator Installer/Repairer
  • EV Charger Technician 
  • HVAC Technician
  • Lighting Technician

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