Toyota and Lexus Introduce Treehouse for Home EV Charger Installation

Toyota Motor North America announced a partnership with Treehouse to simplify home EV charger installation for 2026 BEV and PHEV owners. Learn how the process works.

The first question after signing the paperwork for a new electric vehicle is often not about range, but about charging. Toyota Motor North America and Lexus are addressing that moment directly through a new collaboration with Treehouse, a company that will coordinate home EV charger installation for owners of 2026 and newer BEV and PHEV models.

The partnership centers on a streamlined, end-to-end process. Treehouse conducts a virtual assessment using a guided photo upload tool and short questionnaire, promising an installation quote within 48 hours or less. From there, the company manages permitting and scheduling, with licensed electricians carrying out the work. The model is designed around a single on-site visit for hardware installation, while much of the scoping and administrative work happens remotely.

In the United States, home EV charging equipment falls under National Electrical Code Article 625, which governs electric vehicle supply equipment and related installations. Most municipalities require permits and inspections before a 240-volt circuit can be approved for use. Treehouse incorporates these steps into its process, aiming to reduce the logistical burden for customers entering the EV market.

All 2026 model year Toyota and Lexus BEVs and PHEVs come standard with a dual-voltage 120V/240V AC charging cable. The cable supports both Level 1 charging and faster Level 2 charging at up to 7.7 kW. Under ideal conditions, this allows a vehicle to charge from roughly 10 percent state of charge to full capacity overnight. While California and other states following Zero Emission Vehicle frameworks impose specific sales and compliance requirements for BEVs, publicly available regulatory documents do not explicitly confirm a mandate tied to the inclusion of a dual-voltage cable.

For customers seeking shorter charging times, a hardwired ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 unit is available through Treehouse. According to published specifications, the device can deliver up to 12 kW depending on configuration and allows adjustable output settings via a mobile application. It supports multiple installation formats, including NEMA 6-50, NEMA 14-50, or direct hardwired connection. Depending on vehicle model year, customers may choose between an SAE J3400 (NACS) connector or the established SAE J1772 plug.

The adoption of SAE J3400 reflects a broader shift in North American charging standards. SAE International formalized the North American Charging Standard under the J3400 designation and later issued additional documentation defining its physical architecture. The move signals continued efforts toward interoperability and standardization across manufacturers and charging networks.

Treehouse positions itself as a software-enabled platform for scaling electrification programs nationwide. The company has secured more than $16 million in Series A funding and works with automakers, dealers, and energy providers to coordinate installations from scoping through completion. Toyota notes that it is not involved in the physical installation process and does not guarantee Treehouse’s stated turnaround times.

As battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles move further into the mainstream, the charging experience is becoming inseparable from the ownership journey. By integrating home infrastructure planning into the purchasing ecosystem, Toyota and Lexus are responding to a practical reality: for many drivers, the true convenience of electrification begins at home.