In 2021, Canadians registered 86,032 electric vehicles. This number is far more than the 56,165 registered electric vehicles in 2019. That is more than the 19,696 vehicles Canadians registered in 2027.
Slowly and surely, more and more people are deciding to own these vehicles. Are you one of these future electric vehicle owners? If so, you should install an electric car charger before getting one.
Read on to learn more about installing a residential EV charging station in Ontario.
Can I Install an Electric Car Charger at Home?
Yes, you can install an EV charging station for your home. However, you must ensure that your electrical vehicle charger is compatible with your home's electrical panel first. It has to supply enough power to it on top of supplying power to other areas of the home.
Levels of EV Chargers
There are three levels of EV chargers. Level 3 chargers should only be used for a public EV charging station. You can disregard these for residential stations.
You should consider EV chargers in the Level 1 and Level 2 categories for a home charging station. These chargers differ in charging speed and energy amounts they need. A Level 2 charger charges faster than Level 1 and requires a 30-amp charge. A Level 1 charger needs around half the amps that a Level 2 needs.
Determining Home Eligibility
Before deciding what EV charging equipment to get, look at your home's electrical panel. Consider if it can handle the demand for the electric vehicle charger you want. If not, you may need to replace your electrical panel.
Do I Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in Ontario?
Yes, you do. You need to submit a permit application to the Ontario Building Department. This should include the following:
Permit application form
Manufacturer installation instructions
EVSE name and model number
Site plan including electrical services
Electrical wiring layout
Load calculation requirements
General installation requirements.
You should only start the process of installing your EV charger after the Building Department approves your application.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger?
Electrical systems are very dangerous, so you must never install an EV charger yourself. Hiring a professional electrician is the safest method of EV charger installation. The installation cost will depend on your home’s current wiring and the charger you choose to install. Contact us today to get a free quote.
Install Your Electric Car Vehicle Charger
Installing an electric car vehicle charger can require a lot of work. Luckily you can leave the more complex work to a professional electrician.
If you need a licensed electrician in Ontario to install an electric vehicle charger, Black Forest Plumbing is the company you can trust. Our experts will ensure that your installation goes safely and smoothly. Schedule an appointment today for service in Toronto, Newmarket, Barrie and across the GTA.