EV Vehicle Chargers

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 that 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
• Check with your municipality, utility, or retailer to see if rebates are available

Source: Natural Resources Canada