EV charger costs can vary largely due to parts and
installation requirements. Locations must have sufficient current flowing to
the house as well as space on their electrical panel, both of which can quickly
raise the cost. For businesses and dealerships the price can significantly rise
depending on where the charger is placed and if wires need to be put below
ground.Â
This is a snapshot of market costs at the time of writing
and will vary by product, location, and installation provider. Prices do not
include potential government rebates:
Â
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​​Type of Charger
|
​Level 1
|
​Level 2Â
(for the non-MURB home)
|
​Level 3
Not for home installation
|
External charger ​
|
Free with all EVs
|
$​750-2000​
|
$15,000+​
|
Parts and labour​ (wall installation)
|
$0
|
$500+
|
$15,000+​
|
Total​
|
$0​
|
$1250+​​
|
$30,000+
|
What should I know about
installing an EV charger?Â
These are powerful pieces of electronic equipment, and therefore
must be treated with caution and in concurrence with building codes. It is
highly recommended that you utilize a certified electrician to install the charging station.
Here are 8 steps, based off of the BC Hydro Power Smart website, to give you an idea of the
process you'll need to go through:
Step 1: Home eligibility
Confirm with your municipality to make sure that your home is eligible for a
charger installation.
Step 2: Electrical service
Check to see if you've got sufficient electricity flowing into your home to
support an EV charger. If you need to upgrade your service, contact your local
hydro service provider.
Step 3: Electrical panel
Check to see if there's enough space on your electrical panel to accommodate a
circuit breaker for the EV charger. If not, you'll need an electrician to help.
Step 4: Charger
Choose and purchase an EV charger. You
may be eligible for a rebate, make sure you're selecting a model that
qualifies.
Step 5: Electrical permit
Apply to your municipality for an electrical permit. If you hire an
electrician, they will do this for you.
Step 6: Installation
Install the EV charging station. Remember that you must get a safety officer to
inspect your electrical work before any wiring is concealed or connected to a
supply source. Your electrician needs to complete the contractor consultation
form after the installation is complete. You will also need this if you are
applying for a rebate.
Step 7: Inspection
Have the installation inspected by your municipality. If an electrician did the
installation, they will do this for you.
Step 8 (Optional): Rebate
Submit your application for a rebate.
EV Charging Considerations​
There are 3 main factors which help to understand how long
charging will take:
- Battery
size - This is in Kilowatt hours (kWh). For example, the 2020
Chevrolet Bolt has a 66kWh battery.
- Starting
charge level - This percentage is the level of the battery before
charging, and is very important considering that a battery charging rate
is most accurate when charging within the 20%-80% range. ​Outside
of this range and the battery can charge slower (when approaching
100%) or faster (when close to empty).Â
- Charging
power in kWÂ - Some cars may have a higher capability for charging
than the EVSE, or vice-versa. Vehicle charging will be limited by
the lower of the two values. See example in the table below:
​​Which
charge rate will my EV use?​Â
|
​​Maximum charge power
|
Example 1:Â
2019 Chevrolet Bolt and
Level 1 EVSE
|
Example 2:
2019 Chevrolet Volt​​​ andÂ
Level 2 EVSE
|
Of the vehicle
|
7.2 kW​​
|
3.4 kW
|
Of the
EVSE
|
2.4 kW
|
20 kW​
|
Charging
power in kW
|
2.4
kW
|
3.4
kW
|
​
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