Electric Vehicle Chargers, more commonly known as EV Chargers or Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations, deliver energy to both all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. There are two types of chargers are available for home use:
- Level 1 chargers, which use a standard 120 V wall outlet and provide 3 to 8 km of range per hour of charging time. Level 1 chargers can take 8 to 16 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 chargers, which require a 240 V wall outlet (like those used for clothes dryers and electric stoves) and provide 16 to 80 km of range per hour of charging time. They require 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery size.
What to Look For
- Install an ENERGY STAR® certified model which use 40% less energy when not actively charging a vehicle – which is typically 85% of the time.
- Consider a unit with Wi-Fi technology to allow for remote power monitoring.
- If you do not park your EV in a garage, you’ll need a charger rated for outdoor use.
Things to Consider
- Charging at home, and at night, is the least expensive way to charge your electric vehicle.
- Level 2 chargers require a permit from an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and should be installed by a licensed electrician.
- If your main breaker is under 150 amps, installing a Level 2 charger will require your home’s electrical services to be upgraded.
- Level 1 chargers are better suited for owners who drive, on average, less than 50 km a day.
- Before plugging in a Level 1 charge, make sure the outlet is in good condition and does not supply any other outlets.
- When ordering your charger, make sure the charging cable is long enough.
- You can apply to the City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) to finance your new Level 2 EV charger.
- Check with your municipality, utility or retailer to see if rebates are available.
Cost
$1,700 to $4,000+, including installation.
Source: Natural Resources Canada
