Steps to a successful installation at a single-family home
If you're a single-family homeowner with an EV, installing a Level 2 charger in your garage or carport, or near your driveway makes charging a breeze. So it's worth doing it right.
If you live in an apartment, condo or townhome complex, the steps are slightly different.
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Follow the steps below to complete your installation and apply for your rebate.
Installation steps
Step 1: Confirm you have sufficient electrical service
Start by assessing the electrical capacity available for EV charging at your home. We recommend hiring an electrician for this and your installation.
It's best if the professional reviews your past 12 months of actual meter data to assess your spare electrical capacity.
This provides a more accurate assessment compared to the traditional load calculation method, which uses anticipated electrical load. Load calculation methods can result in a more conservative estimate, as well as unnecessary service upgrade recommendations.
You can download your most recent 12 months of meter data by logging into your MyHydro account.
Following their assessment, your electrician may suggest you get an EV power management device to optimize the capacity you have, or that you need to upgrade your service to accommodate the charger. For service upgrades, learn about electrical service extensions and then contact BC Hydro's Express Connect team at 1 877 520 1355.
Step 2: Purchase a charger
Choose and purchase an EV charger. If you plan on applying for a rebate, make sure you're selecting a model that qualifies.
Step 3: Select a location
Choose a location for the EV charger, ideally close to your parking spot and protected from the elements.
Step 4: Get an electrical permit
An electrical permit must be in place before the installation can begin. If an electrician is completing the work, they should apply for the permit. If you're doing the work yourself, you'll need to apply for the permit. Apply to your municipality (or Technical Safety BC) for an electrical permit.
Step 5: Install the charger and complete your permit
Install the EV charging station. If you've hired an electrician, they'll complete the electrical permitting process for you.
If you're a homeowner doing the installation yourself, you must submit a declaration form after each phase of work is completed, or every 180 days, whichever comes first.
Complete the electrical homeowners inspection request form within 180 days of the date the permit was issued.
Step 6: Apply for a rebate
Single-family homes, row homes, and duplexes can get a rebate of up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of an eligible Level 2 EV charger, to a maximum of $350.
We're also offering top-up funding of up to $250 for single-family home customers who install an eligible smart EV charger.
Apply now: B.C. EV charger rebate program
Step 7: Ongoing maintenance
It's important to regularly check and maintain your charger and its connections to ensure they remain in good working condition. This could include inspecting for wear and tear and cleaning connectors. Your electrician can advise you on how frequently this needs to be done.