Often the quote will include it, and in many jurisdictions it is not optional on a new or replaced dwelling service. The 2020 National Electrical Code introduced a widely discussed requirement (Article 230.67) for a Type 1 or Type 2 surge-protective device on dwelling-unit services. Towns that have adopted that edition or a later one will expect the device when the service is upgraded. Towns still on an older edition may not. An EV charger does not create a separate national surge-protection mandate; it is simply a reason you may already be opening the service.
Whole-home (service-rated) surge protection is different from a power strip or a small point-of-use device. It is meant to take the first hit from utility or lightning transients for the whole panel, including a new EVSE. It is not a substitute for good grounding, a sound panel, or listed EV equipment.
Ask the electrician whether your adopted code requires an SPD at the service, whether it is included in the heavy-up price, and what Type is being proposed. This page does not publish an installed cost, because we do not have a tight, dated national pair of sources for that line item comparable to the Angi and Fixr panel-upgrade ranges.
This is not a permit calculation, a utility approval, or a substitute for a licensed electrician, HVAC contractor, or the authority having jurisdiction. Panel Headroom is an independent educational site. It is not a utility, a certification body, or a contractor. Electrical and generator work that is done incorrectly can cause fire, shock, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Use the adopted electrical code and manufacturer instructions; pull permits where required.