InstaBidsFor homeowners
Types of EV charger: which one fits how you drive?
Choose Level 1 for what EPA lists as “short commutes and PHEVs” (plug-in hybrids); Level 2 for what EPA lists as “longer commutes, charging multiple vehicles, or faster charging needs”; DC fast charging for long-distance trips and quick refueling when it’s needed.
The right choice depends on how far you drive each day, how quickly you need range back, and whether you can add equipment at home.
| Type | Best for | Main advantages | Main drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | what EPA lists as “short commutes and PHEVs” (plug-in hybrids) | EPA: may not need any installation; some automakers provide charger cords with the vehicle; EPA: you can plug your car directly into the 120-volt outlet | EPA: slower speed, adding around 3 to 5 miles of range to your vehicle per hour |
| Level 2 | what EPA lists as “longer commutes, charging multiple vehicles, or faster charging needs” | EPA: can replenish hundreds of miles of range to your vehicle overnight; EPA: adds around 25 to 40 miles of range to your vehicle per hour | EPA: at home you will need additional equipment; EPA: usually requires professional installation |
| DC fast charging | long-distance trips and quick refueling when it’s needed | EPA: depending on your vehicle and the speed of the charger, many plug-in EVs can regain hundreds of miles of range in as little as 20-30 minutes | EPA: its connectors are vehicle-specific and not yet available for all plug-in EVs; EPA: it slows down as the battery gets closer to full |
InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.
Post your job on InstaBids, and contractors can bid in writing on one written scope.
- Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
- Post it and send itContractors bid in writing on that scope.
- Compare line by lineEvery quote is written against the same scope.
- You chooseContact details stay hidden until you pick and they confirm.
For your AI assistant
MCP connector · REST API · plain HTMLHand any of these to your assistant and it can help you write this job's request; you send the request yourself. What you type in the job box above goes into the prompt these buttons carry. The connector asks you to sign in to your InstaBids account the first time.
- MCP connector URL
https://instabids.ai/api/agent/mcp - Agent API (OpenAPI)
https://instabids.ai/openapi.json - Start-request link
https://instabids.ai/intake?from=options-ev-charger&utm_source=us&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=options&page_type=options#job=ev%20charger%20installation - Prompt for any AI, with your job
- ChatGPTOpens with the prompt
- ClaudeOpens with the prompt
- GrokOpens with the prompt
- GeminiCopies the prompt, then opens
Every page is plain HTML. Steps for every assistant: add to your assistant.
| Priority | Choose |
|---|---|
| using the same outlet you use for a cell phone or toaster | Level 1 |
| using a 240-volt outlet like one you might use for an electric oven or clothes dryer | Level 2 |
| long-distance trips and quick refueling on the road | DC fast charging |
Get written bids
Contractors who take part bid on one written scope card, so nobody visits before you see any prices.
The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.
Contractors in your trade see the scope card and your 5-digit ZIP code.
Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.
Homeowners pay InstaBids nothing.
Sources for the facts on this page
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging: The Basics, government, read 17 October 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Getting Started with Home EV Charging (Green Vehicle Guide), government, read 17 October 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging: The Details, government, read 17 October 2026.