With the growing popularity of electric vehicles not only in Canada, but Calgary specifically, many homeowners are considering the installation of a home EV charger.
This step isn’t just convenient, but it enhances your EV ownership experience. It’s more affordable than paying for gas each week, and it’s more eco-friendly. Especially if your home uses power from renewable sources.
But before we jump into all the great things associated with installing an EV charger in your home, we want to make sure you’re ready for some of the unforeseen costs that you may not have thought of. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the various costs associated with installing an EV charger at home in Canada.
Types of EV Chargers
Did you know that there are a number of different types of EV chargers available on the market today? Here are some of the most popular options:
Level 1 – Standard 120V Outlet
A level 1 EV charger is basically plugging in your vehicle to a standard outlet. It can charge it, but it won’t be very efficient. It’s usually best to use it as an overnight charger for smaller vehicles. But the plus side is, you won’t need any additional, special equipment when you buy your vehicle. You can just bring it home and plug it in.
Level 2 – 240V Charging Station
Level 2 EV chargers are the most common choice for Canadian households. This type of charger is a more powerful home charging solution, which is beneficial if you use your EV as your primary vehicle. It has significantly faster charging, getting your vehicle ready in as little as a few hours.
Level 2 chargers can cost anywhere between $1000-$4500 depending on the brand, accessories and features, and charging capacity.
DC Fast Charging
The least common charger for at home use. A DC fast charger is the type most typically found at most charging stations while you’re out on the road.
It technically can be installed at home, but due to its power draw would require a number of permits, immense structural changes and cost upwards of $10,000 – 20,000 to install.
Additional Costs to Consider When Purchasing an EV Charger
In addition to the installation of the charger itself, there are some other things that you need to consider when upgrading your home with an EV charger.
Professional installation costs from the EV experts at 4-Star Electric can vary based on the complexity of the job and any necessary electrical upgrades.
If your home’s wiring or electrical panel requires an upgrade, this will add to the initial cost. However, we believe it’s a valuable investment since it supports not only your EV but also any future electrical demands.
It’s also important to note, that depending on the location of your home, sometimes permits may be required to install an EV charger. But our experienced team can help with that as well. We’ll let you know during your initial consultation if permits will be necessary before work can begin.
Long-term energy efficiency and savings
No matter the type of EV charger you choose, routine, annual maintenance is key to ensuring the health, longevity and efficiency of not just of the charger itself, but of your home’s entire electrical system.
When you schedule routine maintenance checks with 4-Star Electric for your charging equipment, we can also perform electrical inspections to assess any potential hazards in your home.
The Importance of Professional EV Charger Installation & Service To Keep Costs Low
What To Expect
Evaluation
Every EV charger installation service begins with an evaluation. Your personal, licensed electrician will conduct a thorough onsite assessment and inspect your home’s electrical system, as well as potential locations for your charger install.
Your electrician will perform a load analysis to determine if your current electrical panel can support the additional load of an EV charger. This includes evaluating the total household electrical demand and the specifications of your potential equipment.
Finally, your electrician will review local electrical codes and permit requirements to ensure installation will meet all necessary safety and regulatory standards.
Recommendation
Your electrician will then present suitable charger recommendations, such as a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, based on your unique needs.
If your existing electrical panel cannot support the new charger, your electrician may recommend an upgrade, the installation of a sub-panel or a load management device to accommodate the additional load.
Finally a detailed cost and timeline estimate will be provided so you can prepare accordingly for installation.
EV Charger Installation
The installation area is prepared by identifying the specific locations for your charger, ensuring access for electrical connections, and setting up tools and materials. Your electrician will efficiently install the charger in the recommended location, following manufacturer guidelines.
After installation, your electrician will thoroughly test your EV charger to ensure it’s functioning properly. Your electrician will also suggest scheduling regular electrical inspections to ensure performance and safety, long term.
Finally, the work area will be cleaned and any old equipment or packaging will be removed. You can have total confidence in our team, we only install the most trusted equipment, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading repair and replacement guarantees, as well as 100% satisfaction guarantees.
All our on-site team members are licensed electricians. Above and beyond the technical knowledge, we train our staff in customer service. Our people will communicate effectively with you, listen to your concerns, and always answer your questions.
Regular electrical inspections, post-installation are also a great idea to ensure your EV charger not only works properly, but charges efficiently. Contact our friendly team today to learn more!
We work within your schedule and offer services for both residential homes and commercial businesses. When you choose us, you’re treated like family.
While installing an EV charger at home involves considering upfront equipment, potential electrical upgrades, and permitting costs, the long-term savings and convenience make it a highly worthwhile investment.
Partnering with the experienced team at 4-Star Electric ensures your installation is done safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with local standards, giving you reliable performance and complete peace of mind for years to come. Contact us today!
Why Choose 4-Star Electric
At 4-Star Electric, we’re Calgary’s electrical service leader. We ensure every customer finds trustworthy, timely, and reliable service, no matter what issue they’re experiencing. This includes installing and maintaining your new EV charger!