Charging an electric vehicle at home is a convenience that most, if not all, EV drivers want. However, installing an EV charger is not as simple as plugging it into an outlet. There are several factors to take into consideration. In this article, we’ll look at what EV drivers should know about installing an EV charger at home, including cost, charger types, electric capacity, and more.
Before you begin
Before adding an EV charger to your home, choose the EV charger type you’ll need. There are three EV charger levels. Level 1 chargers are small and portable and plug into any standard household outlet.
Level 2 chargers are the most common type and are found at most EV charging stations. They offer networked and non-networked charging options:
- Networked: These stations are part of a charging network and are connected to other charging stations via a hardwired connection or a wireless signal. Networked stations come with several features such as billing or payment collection, display screens, remote monitoring and updating, and user access controls. Most networked chargers require a subscription to an EVSE provider. As a result, these solutions can be more expensive to operate than non-networked stations. There are two types of networked stations:
- Non-controllable: Often referred to as smart chargers. These stations manage electrical load by calculating the maximum power available on a circuit and then distributing it evenly between all charging stations connected to it.
- Controllable: Often referred to as intelligent chargers. They can manage circuit load and monitor the building’s electricity demand. This helps you avoid incremental demand charges.
- Non-networked: These chargers do not have an internet connection. Therefore, their main function is to charge the vehicle’s battery. They do not come with the extra features found with smart chargers. Non-networked chargers cannot distinguish between users, which means it is not possible to track the energy consumed by each individual. Therefore, these stations charge users a fixed fee. Because of their limited features, non-networked chargers are not recommended for apartments/condos.
Level 3 chargers (also known as DC-Fast chargers) require a special DC outlet and are only found at public charging stations. Therefore, your only options are Level 1 and Level 2 charger types. Choosing between the two largely depends on your driving needs. If you drive frequently (e.g., about 55 kilometres per day), a Level 2 charger is the better option. You’ll get faster charging times (approximately 4-10 hours) and a greater driving range (16 km to 50 km per hour of charging). Level 1 chargers are good as a backup option; you can charge wherever you are. They are also suitable if you drive a plug-in hybrid.
After selecting a charger type, check if your home has the appropriate electrical capacity. Charging an electric vehicle draws a significant amount of power. For example, Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt/30-amp power source. In most cases, a home will need an electrical panel upgrade. If you need to upgrade your home’s panel, you must contact your local electricity distributor to inform them. A licensed electrician can help you with this process.
If you park your electric vehicle outdoors, your charger should have an outdoor safety rating. This rating ensures the charger can withstand adverse weather conditions (e.g., deep freezes). Ideally, you’ll want a charger that operates safely in -40°C to 40°C weather. All EV charging stations sold in Canada must be approved by a certification agency. Look for the official accreditation agency mark on the charging station. A list of certification marks can be found here.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger?
Several factors determine the cost of installing an EV charger. For a detached home, the total cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000. This includes the cost of the charger and the cost of labour from the electrician.
The installation costs go up for apartments, condos, and multi-family buildings. For example, the estimated total cost to install an EV charger on a condo property is $35,000.
Rebates to help offset the installation costs are available in some provinces. The following are some of the programs available in Canada:
- British Columbia: The B.C. Home EV Charger Rebate program offers drivers a rebate of up to 50% of installation costs, to a maximum of $350.
- Quebec: Under the Home Charging Rebate, drivers receive up to $600 toward the purchase and installation of an EV charger. The Multi-Residential Charging Rebate covers 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $5,000, for apartments and condos to purchase and install EV charging stations.
- New Brunswick: The Home Charging Station Rebate covers 50% of the cost (up to $750) of purchasing and installing a home EV charging station.
- Prince Edward Island: With the Universal EV Incentive, drivers can receive a free Level 2 charging station in addition to $5,000 toward the purchase of a fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. However, the program does not cover installation costs.
Incentives are also available at the municipal level. To see a comprehensive list of home charging rebates in Canada, click here.
At the federal level, the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) offers funding for the development of EV chargers in multi-resident buildings and workplaces. There are three funding opportunities:
- For owners/operators of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure
- For delivery organizations
- For Indigenous organizations
The latter two opportunities are currently closed for applications. The first opportunity will resume receiving applications in spring 2024.
EV Charger Brands
There are multiple EV charger brands available in Canada. FLO is one of the leading charger manufacturers in North America. The FLO Home™ G5 and the FLO Home™ X5 – Smart Charger are their most popular charging stations. Grizzl-E, located in Markham, Ontario, manufactures both wall-mounted and free-standing home charging stations. Their leading stations are the Grizzl-E Classic, Duo, and Smart. Lastly, Sun Country Highway offers high-end home charging stations.
To see the best EV charging station brands, check out our in-depth guide.
Installation process
The process is fairly simple if you’re installing a Level 1 charger. In most instances, all you have to do is mount the charger to a wall and plug it into a regular wall socket. Most Level 1 EV chargers are compatible with a NEMA 5-15 outlet type, the most common type found in homes.
When installing a Level 2 charger, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician. Level 2 chargers are high-voltage appliances and can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. Additionally, most jurisdictions mandate that a licensed electrician install a Level 2 charger. In Ontario, any electrician hired for electrical work on a home must have an ECRA/ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) certification.
Depending on where you reside, you will need to apply for an electrical permit. For example, Edmonton residents must apply for an electrical permit to install a Level 2 charger in their homes.
The installation process will differ depending on whether you choose a plug-in or hardwired charger. Plug-in chargers are plugged into a wall outlet, such as a NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 14-30 outlet. Hardwired EV chargers are connected directly to a home’s electrical panel. As you can see, plug-in chargers are easier to install; all that is needed is a compatible outlet. Installing a hardwired EV charger requires an electrician due to the electrical work required.
Source: EnergyRates.ca
How much does home EV charging cost, and how will it affect my energy bill?
The answer to this question depends on the province in which you reside. Each province charges different rates, with some having regulated or deregulated electricity markets. The following chart breaks down the annual charging costs by province and territory.
*The average energy cost reflects 2023 prices. The average electricity rates do not reflect the range or rate plans available in some provinces. For the table, the assumed EV battery efficiency is 20 kWh per 100 kilometres, which is commonly used.
Data was collected from energyhub.org and YahooFinance Canada
Frequently asked questions
Where can I install an EV charger?
EV chargers can be installed either indoors or outdoors. Chargers can be installed on driveways, in garages, and in other approved spots on your property. Some cities have bylaws which prohibit where an EV charger can be installed on a property. For example, Calgary bylaw restrictions prohibit charger installation at property lines for street parking. Before installing a home EV charger, consult with a licensed electrician or professional installer to determine the best place to put your EV charger.
How long does it take to install an EV charger?
This will depend on factors like the type of charger, the number of chargers being installed, and the location of where the charger is to be installed. As a general estimate, it should take one day to install an EV charger.
Will I need to upgrade my home’s electrical panel?
In some instances, a home’s electrical panel must be upgraded to support the added electrical load from an EV charger. However, some homes will be able to support an EV charger without upgrades. Consult a licensed electrician or EV installer to determine your home’s electrical capabilities and the needs for installing an EV charger.
