How Much Does An Electric Car Charging Station Cost To Install?
Did you know that here in Canada, new gas cars will be banned by 2035? That means more and more of your friends, family, co-workers, and heck, maybe even you, are getting an Electric Vehicle(EV). According to Pew Research, just 7% of US adults say they currently own an electric or hybrid car, and 62% say that the driving experience is about the same. With climate change creating a movement of people who want to do their part and reduce emissions, the choice is clear.
One major roadblock to most consumers is a concern about charging. If you live in an apartment and the parking lot does not have electricity, that poses a challenge. Yet, there are many ways you can get around not being able to charge at home and still at a fraction of the cost of your gas guzzler. Charging at work is an enticing offer that more and more companies are giving incentives and sometimes gets you into better parking to boot.
There are many questions about charging that hold a lot of Canadians back from taking the plunge into EV ownership. So we compiled the top questions about charging stations to help you decide about buying your first electric car.
How much does an Electric Vehicle home charging station installation cost?
First off, if you hire an Ontario Electrician to do electrical work, by law, they must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor with an ECRA/ESA electrical contracting license.
Level 1 Charging Station Cost
If your driving range is minimal, you may get away with the Level 1 charger that comes with your electric vehicle. A Level 1 charger is the standard 120V household outlet charger that gives about 6 – 8 KPH of range per hour. If you opt for Level 1 charging, installation costs are minimal, designating a breaker for the charger. Approximate cost $300 – $2000
Level 2 Charging Station Cost
Many with a longer commute may need more charging juice and a Level 2 charger installed. A Level 2 charger comes straight out of your distribution panel, sending out a voltage supply over 200V, and will charge on average 20 – 90 KPH of range per hour. As you can tell, a Level 2 charger is what most people choose to power their Electric Vehicle. Approximate cost $2000 – $6000
Level 3 Charging Station Cost
It has to be noted that if you are seeking the fastest charger and money is no object; then DC Fast Charging is for you. A Level 3 charger uses direct current (DC), which is different from alternating current (AC) found in most modern homes. DC charging is available in a higher voltage and will charge as high as 800 volts. For a good reason, this allows for much faster charging at rates of 80% charge in 20-30 minutes. To get this type of charging can cost over $50,000 installed, which is why it’s primarily advisable for commercial installations.
Can I install my own EV charging point?
When shopping for an electric car, this is an often asked question about the DIY installation of electric car chargers. With all of the long-term savings from reducing your fossil fuel usage, the question should be, why would you want to? Working with electricity can be very dangerous, and it is highly recommended to leave it to the pros. Most municipalities require an electrical building permit for the installation of new EV chargers. Think about the chance of fire or electric shock from a faulty high-amperage line installed with no permit; insurance will not cover that.
Should I charge my electric car every night?
Think of electric cars like gas cars in terms of fuel tank fullness, but in percentages. If you have a 50% charge, that is half of a tank. Most recommendations say to keep the charge between 20% and 80% charged unless you need a full charge to go on a more extended trip. Again with the gas analogy, would you stop to fill up your gas tank if it was at 1/2 tank? For most people, the answer is no; you would wait until maybe 1/4 tank and then stop to fill up.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?
Are there enough charging stations if I want to travel?
The explosion of electric vehicle chargers sprouting up all over North America helps. The lack of fast charging points in the areas I commonly drive is the #1 reason electric cars are not a
consideration for their next purchase. According to research carried out by Opinium amongst 2,003 UK Adults in July 2020.
There are 1300 Level 2 & 3 charging stations with over 4,000 charging outlets and growing in Ontario. So the answer to is there are enough charging stations is maybe, it mostly depends on where you are travelling. The more urban your travels, yes, on the other hand, heading into the backcountry of the Youkon then load up the diesel.
Are charging stations free in Canada?
There are many municipalities across Ontario that offer free charges. For example, Toronto, Ontario, has over 800 public charging station ports, and 60% of those offer free charges for your electric car.
It’s worth noting that it is now required to install a Level 2 charging plugs in all new commercial and residential buildings. This will add to the growing network of chargers and give everyone more choices when travelling in an electric car.
If you are in Toronto, Ontario and want to get an estimate on getting your Level 2, EV Charger installed, call ECH Electrical today!
