Electrical – Can the panel support a 60A circuit for EV charging

electric vehicleelectrical

I’m awaiting an EV I ordered, and in order to prepare for it, need to install a 240V outlet in my garage.

The circuit would be for a 'Ford Connected Charge Station':

  • 60A breaker (240V, 2 pole, 60 Hz) with a 4-wire configuration

I currently have 100A service—however we have a gas stove, gas water heater, gas dryer, and gas range. Considering the EV would charge overnight, other than refrigerator, lights, alarm clocks, phone charging, etc., the total potential loads during that time would be:

  • EV charger 60A (nominal current 48A)
  • Central A/C 240V/30A
  • 5,000 BTU Room A/C 120V (7A on 15A circuit)
  • Dishwasher 120V/20A

Currently my panel includes a 240V/20A circuit (outlet pictured) that I'm removing, as it's no longer used. Based on these factors, should I add a sub panel in order to add this circuit, or can the 60A safely replace the 20A?

Thanks in advance!

My panel, with inset of unused 240V/20A circuit

Best Answer

You're putting a 60A breaker in a 100A panel. That's fine.

The total of the breakers is more than the panel, because we assume every circuit will not be drawing full power at the same time. That's fine. But if you use everything at once it may trip your 100A service. Unlikely, but possible. When do you plan to upgrade to 200A?

Obviously you need to run 60A wire to your charger, and keeping that run as short as possible will save $$ in wire and voltage drop. Comment above about thicker wire is absolutely correct. UNLESS code in your area requires a sub panel (I would have to look up the code) you don't need it for the electrons.

Free access to NEC at NFPA

You will NOT, of course, replace the 20/20 breaker with a 60/60 and connect to the old 12ga wire. But you knew that. That answer missed the point.

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