Does an EV charger require a panel upgrade?
Not automatically. A Level 2 EV charger adds a meaningful electrical load, but the right installation depends on the home’s existing service capacity, panel condition, available circuit space, charger requirements, other major loads and the charging setup you want.
A panel can look “full” because there are few open breaker positions, but that does not by itself prove the home lacks electrical capacity. Likewise, an open breaker position does not prove the service can support any new load. Space, equipment compatibility and available electrical capacity are separate questions.
That still does not mean an upgrade is automatic. The recommendation should follow the electrical evaluation and the actual project requirements.