Electric Car Charger Installation, St. Catharines, ON

EV car charger installation service refers to the professional installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in your home or workplace.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and with that comes the need for efficient and reliable charging solutions. There are a variety of EV car chargers available, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. Each type of charger has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand your charging needs to choose the right one for your EV.

When installing an EV car charger, it is essential to think about certain factors and evaluate your electrical supply for the assurance of successful and secure installation.

To install an EV car charger, a few steps must be taken. This includes inspecting the electrical supply, picking the right charger, putting it up, and lastly testing and activating it.

When getting an installation job done, it's paramount to pick a certified installer with appropriate knowledge and experience so that the task can be carried out securely and proficiently.

Installing an EV car charger comes with several benefits, including convenience, cost savings and improved sustainability. With the ability to charge your EV at home or at work, you'll never have to worry about finding a charging station while on the road. In addition, you'll help to reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources.

Types of EV Car Chargers

It is essential to know the disparity between the three main categories of electric vehicle chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. This will help you pick the ideal charger for your requirements.

Level 1 Charger: For many electric vehicle owners, an "overnight charger" is the most practical and budget-friendly choice. This uses a standard 120-volt electrical outlet and takes the longest to charge up compared to other chargers, but it's so convenient that you can just plug in your EV before going to bed and wake up with a full battery.

Level 2 Charger: Level 2 chargers are becoming a preferred choice for EV owners looking to charge up quicker. These chargers utilize 240-volt outlets and offer faster charging speeds than Level 1 chargers. However, they are more costly than other options on the market.

DC Fast Charger: DC Fast Chargers are also becoming the preferred choice for charging EVs due to their capacity to deliver high-voltage DC power which allows for rapid battery charging. You can spot these chargers at public charging stations and they're capable of reaching 80% charge in merely 30 minutes. While DC fast chargers are the fastest type of charger, they are also the most expensive and are not typically used for home or workplace installations.

Taking all of the factors into consideration, it is essential to get the right type of EV car charger for your needs. Your EV, the requirements for charging and electrical supply should all be taken into account before making a final purchase.

Factors to Consider Before Installing an EV Car Charger

Installing an EV car charger is a significant investment, so it's important to carefully consider several factors before making a decision.

Type of Electric Vehicle: It is vital to choose the right charger for your Electric Vehicle (EV) based on its charging requirements. Different EVs need different types of chargers, so make sure you select one that is compatible with your vehicle.

Charging Needs: How often and rapidly you need to charge your EV will determine the best type of charger for you. If recharging only has to be done overnight, then a Level 1 charger may suffice. If you need to charge your EV more quickly, a Level 2 charger may be a better option.

Available Electrical Supply: The amount of electricity in your home or workplace influences which level of charger is a better fit for you. If electrical capacity is low, then Level 1 chargers are the only choice. However, with higher electrical availability, then Level 2 or DC fast chargers may be more suitable for what you need.

Location: You must take into consideration the area you want to place the charger. If it's in your garage, make sure that there is enough power supply and sufficient room for the charger.

Budget: When making an electric vehicle charger purchase, cost and installation should be taken into account. Level 2 and DC fast chargers are pricier compared to Level 1 chargers, yet they provide much quicker charging speeds. It's important to choose a charger that is within your budget, but also meets your charging needs.

Steps Involved in Installing an EV Car Charger

Installing an EV car charger involves several steps to ensure that the installation is safe and effective.

Assessment of Electrical Supply: Before starting, you need to examine the electrical supply at your residence or workplace. This will let you decide what type of charger is most suitable to your needs and make sure that the power supply is adequate for the setup.

Selection of Charger: After you've identified your power source, the next step is choosing the correct charger. This will depend on the type of electric vehicle you own, your charging requirements and the power supply available.

Installation: Selecting the right charger is just the first step. Only a qualified and experienced professional should be trusted with the installation process in order to ensure it's done correctly and safely.

Testing and Commissioning: After installation, it's essential to test and commission the charger for safety. This comprises checking the electrical supply, charger and their connection to the EV.

All in all, setting up an EV car charger involves evaluating your electrical supply, choosing a suitable charger, physically putting it in place, and then running tests and completing the necessary paperwork. It's important to choose a qualified installer who has the expertise and experience to ensure that the installation is completed safely and efficiently.

Advantages of Installing an EV Car Charger

Installing an EV car charger offers several advantages, including:

Convenient Charging: With an EV car charger at home or your workplace you'll always have the convenience of charging up when and where it's needed. This eliminates the need to drive around looking for public chargers or having to rely on slow charging over long periods of time.

Cost Savings: With time, home charging of an electric vehicle with a Level 2 or DC fast charger can prove to be more affordable than public charging stations. This is because the per kilowatt hour rate charged by public charging points is often higher than that of home chargers.

Increased Resale Value: Installing an EV car charger in your house is a great way to increase the resale value of your home. As more and more people opt for electric cars, having an installed charger may be a significant factor enticing potential buyers.

Improved Environmental Impact: Charging your electric car at home with renewable resources, like solar panels, is a great way to lessen your carbon impact. EVs are already more environmentally-friendly than gas-powered cars and using renewable energy sources for charging them can further lower their environmental effect.

In conclusion, installing an EV car charger offers several advantages, including convenient charging, increased range, cost savings, increased resale value, and improved environmental impact.

Get your estimate today by calling (289) 302-2121 or by contacting us here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Car Charger Installation

Can anyone install an electric car charger?

Although you may be tempted to install car chargers by yourself, the safest and most reliable way to do so is by enlisting the help of an experienced electrician. This will ensure that all safety regulations are adhered to and that the charger is properly installed. Electrical work needs specialized skill to ensure the safety and accuracy of the job. It can be a risky task and even more so if local building codes, safety rules are not adhered to. That is why relying on experienced professionals for such projects is important. Having a professional electrician inspect your home electrical system before installing an electric car charger is highly recommended as it is the safest and most efficient way to proceed. Doing so will ensure that your system can support the installation. They will also make sure that the charging system is secured and connected properly for your safety. Installing an electric car charger needs the expertise of a licensed electrician to guarantee it is done safely and efficiently. Even though anyone could do it, it's better to have someone who knows what they are doing handle the installation.

Do I need a permit to install EV charger Ontario?

Yes, you generally need a permit to install an EV charger in Ontario, Canada. Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is the official governing body in Ontario responsible for ensuring all electrical work, including EV charger installation, is up to safety standards. To comply with these regulations, permits are needed beforehand.

To get approved for a permit, you must submit an application to the ESA accompanied by all required fees. An ESA inspector then has to carry out an inspection to make sure that your installation meets the conditions laid down in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC). The permit and inspection process helps ensure that the installation is done safely and meets all electrical code requirements.

It's significant to keep in mind that the authorizations and assessment requirements might be different based on what kind of EV charger is being set up and the precise conditions of the installation. It's recommended to seek the help of a qualified electrician when installing an EV charger. This is because they understand the local regulations and can guarantee that the installation is both safe and compliant with them.

How long does it take to install an EV charger at home?

The duration of installing an EV charger at home can fluctuate depending on a few factors such as the charger type, complexity of installation, and status of your house's electrical system. In general, a standard Level 2 charger installation can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.

To install a charger, electricians are required to run wiring from the electrical panel to the location of the charger. The charger needs to be secured either on a wall or on a pedestal and then connected to the electrical system. If you need to upgrade the electrical panel in your home to accommodate the charger, then it could take a while longer to complete the installation.

It's important to note that the installation time may also depend on the availability of the electrician and any required permits or inspections. Working with an experienced electrician is essential for a successful and safe electrical project. They can provide estimates on labor and installation time and make sure the work follows all relevant safety regulations and local codes.

Is it worth installing an EV charger?

Getting an EV charger in your home can be a very beneficial choice, however there are certain factors that you should consider first before making the decision. These include how frequently you drive, the distance between destinations, access to public charging stations nearby and your local electricity prices.

Investing in a home EV charger can prove to be very advantageous if you own an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. It provides immense convenience and eliminates the hassle of finding a charging station elsewhere. You'll no longer have to worry about running out of power on your trips or long commutes - just charge up overnight and you're good to go! Plus, the installation cost is quite reasonable these days. Installing an electric charging unit at your workplace can be much more beneficial than relying on public charging stations. It's often cheaper and offers more reliability and convenience. Plus, it eliminates the need for you to drive elsewhere just to charge your vehicle.

Yet, some initial expenses may be associated with the installation of an EV charger - like the price of the charging device and installation cost. The cost of installation depends on the complexity of the installation and the condition of your home’s electrical system.

If you own an electric or plug-in hybrid car, having a home EV charger is the most practical and cost-effective choice for charging it. This is especially useful if you take regular road trips. Furthermore, it can even add value to your residence when selling! Before you invest in electrical installation, it's important to take the cost-benefit ratio into consideration and ensure that all laws and regulations are met by consulting with a qualified electrician. Taking this step would ensure that the project is completed to its optimum capability without any issues with legal or safety protocols. This measure will help us to execute the project with utmost care and compliance.

All electrical work is subcontracted out to ECRA/ESA Licensed Electrical Contractors.