Installing An EV Charger At Home

Without question, a trend that continues to grow within Canada is the increased use of electric vehicles by owners. That said, buying an EV comes with the challenge of having to continuously charge it throughout the week. Luckily, homeowners are now able to install EV charging stations directly into their homes. If you’re thinking about purchasing an EV, join the team from Sun Electrical Ltd. as we go over the ins and outs of installing an EV charger at home, the benefits of doing so, and more.

To learn more about EV charging stations, keep reading.

Types of EV Charging Stations for Your Electric Vehicles

Prior to installing an EV charging station in your home, you should be aware of the numerous types and models available. Below is a summary of every EV plug-in level:

EV charging stations at Level 1 (120V plug)
A Level 1 charging cable, which plugs straight into a 120-volt conventional home wall outlet, is included with most electric vehicles. This type of power plug-in is used by other appliances, such as dishwashers, portable air conditioners, ovens, and more. Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to fully charge your EV swiftly using a level 1 EV charging station, making it the slowest alternative and possibly not the ideal choice if you’re in a hurry to get back onto the road.

Level 2 (240V) electric vehicle charging stations
Most EV drivers choose to install a Level 2 home charging station in order to considerably speed up the EV charging process. Level 2 chargers are a superior solution for regular EV charging needs in your busy household because they can charge quickly, giving you the option to pop in and out throughout the day without having to worry about a low battery.

DC fast EV charging stations at Level 3
The quickest alternatives are Level 3 DC fast chargers. However, they are less common for use at home and are typically seen near roadways and in commercial areas with a larger electrical capacity.

How to install an EV charging station

If you’re considering an EV charging station for your home, knowing how the installation takes place can prepare you for your upcoming installation appointment. Here is a general overview of how these plug-ins are installed:

1. Verify the electrical capacity of the home you live in.
Ascertain whether your home’s electrical system can handle the extra load that an EV charging station will add. Before continuing, you might need to upgrade the electrical panel. Your electrical panel can only be updated by an electrician, given the complex nature of the job.

2. Choose the appropriate charger type for your needs.
Based on the capacity of your EV and the type of charger you require, choose between the Level 1 and Level 2 chargers we’ve mentioned above.

3. Hire a qualified electrician.
Determine the best site for the charger’s installation by consulting with a qualified electrician. Typically, the best place for your charger is near where you park your car.

4. The installation of your new EV charging station.
Your certified electrician will install the charger unit and any necessary electrical components needed. To guarantee a safe and accurate installation, they will follow local and manufacturer recommendations. In order to meet the charger’s electrical needs, they will ensure that the power supply is connected appropriately, conduct general electrical work, and update any electrical panels that require replacing.

5. Final operational test.
The licensed electrician will then carry out a number of technical and safety tests to ensure you can charge your new car with ease and peace of mind when using your home charging port.

Is it worth installing an EV charger at home?

Installing an electric vehicle charging station into your home has a number of benefits. Below, let’s examine a few of these advantages in more detail:
The ease of use
The most convenient thing about having an electric vehicle charging station at home is that you can use it whenever you want. You can fully charge your EV without using public charging stations, such as those at petrol stations, by charging it in the evening or anytime it’s stored at home, saving you time and money.

Increase your property value.
Installing an EV charging station can add value to your house. If you ever make a choice to sell, prospective buyers may be drawn in by a dedicated charging station they can use at home.

Reliability and accessibility
Home charging ensures that your electric car will always have a reliable and accessible power source. This can be particularly useful in emergency scenarios or other unanticipated situations where it would be difficult to reach public charging outlets.

Positive environmental impact
Having an EV charging station plug in installed at home can aid your household’s efforts to be more sustainable and have less of an adverse impact on the environment. When you use an electric car and charge it at home to reduce your overall carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, you’re benefiting not only your family but future generations as well.

Looking for a certified electrician? Book with Sun Electrical Ltd.

Are you ready to make the switch from a gas to electric vehicle? If so, Sun Electrical Ltd. is ready and available to help you install your brand-new EV charging station at home.
Our licensed electrician team has years of industry expertise and are prepared to go above and beyond to ensure your electric vehicle installation runs smoothly from start to finish. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a consultation appointment with a licensed electrician to get your installation underway as soon as possible.

Sun Electrical Ltd. is pleased to work with EV owners throughout Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Willow Park, Strathmore, Langdon, Chestermere, Parkland, High River, Deer Ridge, Okotoks, DeWinton, Black Diamond, Bragg Creek, and Lake Bonavista.
When it comes to installing an electric vehicle plug in at home, leave it to us to get the job done right!
If you live in any of these communities, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly to schedule your consultation appointment or use our online scheduling form. Home charging solutions are right around the corner!