Charging at home is one of the best parts of owning an electric vehicle. Plug in when you get home, and you wake up to a car that's ready for the day. The portable Level 1 cord that comes with most EVs works, but it's slow. A Level 2 charger is the upgrade most Fresno-area EV owners make, and this guide walks you through installing one from start to finish.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging
| Level 1 | Level 2 | DC Fast Charging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | Standard 120-volt household outlet | 240-volt circuit (like a dryer outlet) | Public high-power stations |
| Typical range added | About 3 to 5 miles per hour | Often 20 to 30+ miles per hour | Large top-ups in roughly 20 to 40 minutes |
| Best for | Low daily mileage or plug-in hybrids | Everyday home charging | Road trips and quick stops |
Actual charging speed depends on the charger, your home's circuit and the maximum rate your vehicle's onboard charger can accept.
Installing a Level 2 Charger, Step by Step
Know your driving needs
Start with how far you drive on a typical day. A commute from Clovis to downtown Fresno and back needs far less overnight charging than regular trips up Highway 99 to Merced or over to the coast. Then check your vehicle's onboard charger rating in the owner's manual or the Mercedes-Benz app. A charger more powerful than your car can accept won't charge it any faster.
Choose your charger
Look for a charger that is UL or ETL safety-listed and sized for your needs (many home units run at 32 to 48 amps). Decide between a plug-in unit that uses a 240-volt outlet such as a NEMA 14-50, or a hardwired unit, which is often recommended for outdoor installs and higher-power chargers. Also check the connector: Mercedes-Benz is moving its North American EVs to the NACS (Tesla-style) port, so make sure the plug matches your vehicle or that you have the right adapter. Our beginner's guide to choosing a Level 2 charger covers this in more detail.
Check your electrical panel
A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Because EV charging is a continuous load, the circuit is sized at 125% of the charger's rating; for example, a 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp circuit. An electrician can tell you whether your panel has room or needs an upgrade, which is the biggest variable in installation cost.
Hire a licensed electrician
In California, look for a contractor with a C-10 electrical license. A professional install protects your home, your vehicle and any warranty or utility rebate that requires licensed installation.
Pull the permit
Most cities, including Fresno and Clovis, and Fresno County require an electrical permit for a new EV charger circuit. Your electrician usually handles the application.
Install and pass inspection
After installation, the local building department inspects the work. Once it passes, you're cleared to charge.
Set up smart charging
Connect the charger's app (if it has one) and schedule charging for off-peak hours. Many Mercedes-Benz EVs can also schedule charging from the vehicle or the Mercedes-Benz app.
Charge for less with PG&E time-of-use rates
Fresno and Clovis homes are served by PG&E, which offers rate plans designed for EV owners. On the EV2-A home charging plan, electricity is cheapest from midnight to 3 p.m. and most expensive from 4 to 9 p.m. Scheduling your charging to start after midnight can noticeably lower your cost per mile.
| PG&E EV2-A period | Hours (every day) |
|---|---|
| Off-peak (lowest cost) | Midnight to 3 p.m. |
| Partial-peak | 3 to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight |
| Peak (highest cost) | 4 to 9 p.m. |
Rate plans and hours can change; confirm current details at PG&E's EV rates page.
Rebates and Tax Credits
The federal 30C tax credit for home chargers ended for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026. If your charger was installed and working on or before that date, you may still be able to claim it on your 2026 return; ask your tax professional. For new installs, check PG&E's rebates page and local programs, which change throughout the year.
Charging away from home
Mercedes-Benz EV drivers also have access to Tesla's Supercharger network in North America. Supercharger stations are integrated into the Mercedes-Benz app, and vehicles with the older CCS1 port use an NACS adapter, available through our Parts Department.
Keep Reading
Ready to Go Electric?
Our team can help you choose an electric Mercedes-Benz and answer your home charging questions. Visit us at 7055 N Palm Ave or call Sales at (559) 254-4585.
This guide is for general information only. Electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local codes. Charging times vary by vehicle, charger, battery temperature and state of charge. Utility rates, rebates and tax rules change; confirm current details with PG&E and a tax professional.