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Choosing an EV charger

Understand charger levels and features

With lots of manufacturers and models to choose from, there are a number of options to consider. Whatever you decide, only select a charger that is safety certified, and consider having it installed by a licensed electrical contractor. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) require a connection to an electrical system to charge. There are three different methods.

        The 3 levels of chargers

          • Uses a connection to a standard 120-volt outlet
          • Charges 8 km per hour
          • Takes 12 to 20 hours to fully charge a battery EV (6 to 12 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
          • Used mostly in homes
          • Uses a connection to a 240-volt outlet, like those used by ovens and clothes dryers
          • Charges 30 km per hour
          • Takes 6 to 14 hours to fully charge a battery EV (4 to 8 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
          • Used in homes, businesses, and common areas

          Find EV chargers eligible for rebates

          • Uses a direct current connection to an electrical system
          • Charges 100 km per 30 minutes or 80% charge at 50 kW (varies by vehicle type)
          • Takes 1 to 4 hours to fully charge a battery EV (15 minutes to 3 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
          • Used mostly in businesses and common areas

        Watch: Home charging 101

        Curious about charging an EV home? Dave helps you navigate your options. 

        Home EV charger features

        Wondering which EV charger type is right for you? Consider the EV charger features below to make sure your selected model will accommodate your vehicle(s), the space and your preferences. 

        Features related to your vehicle(s) 

        Connector 

        Most EVs have the "J plug" (J1772) which is used for home and level 2 charging. For fast charging, there are two plugs: the “CCS” used by most manufacturers including BMW, General Motors and Volkswagen, and the "CHAdeMO" used by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Tesla has a proprietary plug, but can use the “J plug” or "CHAdeMO" with adapters.

        Single or dual port

        Select charging stations are available with two plugs, some of which allow two vehicles to charge at the same time if there’s sufficient electrical capacity. 

        Features related to your space

        Cord length

        Cords are available in a range of lengths, the most common being 5 metres (16 feet) and 7.6 metres (25 feet). Shorter cables are easier to store but longer cables provide flexibility in the event drivers need to park further from the charger.

        Indoor or outdoor

        Many chargers are designed to function inside or outside, but not all are. If your charging station needs to be outside, make sure the model you choose is rated to work in the rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

        Portable or permanent

        Some chargers only need to plug into an outlet while others are designed to be installed on a wall.

        Features related to your preferences

        Amperage

        Level 2 chargers are available in models that deliver between 15- and 80-Amps. The higher the amperage the faster the charging.

        Networked

        Some chargers will connect to the internet so drivers can start, stop, and monitor charging with a smartphone.

        Smart EV chargers

        Smart EV chargers ensure the most efficient charging by automatically adjusting the amount of electricity being sent to an EV based on timing and load factors. Some smart EV charging stations can also provide you with data on your usage.

        EV charger rebates

        Rebates are available to help homes and workplaces across B.C. get ready for electric vehicles (EVs). The program is funded by the Government of B.C. and administered by BC Hydro and FortisBC.

        Available rebates include:

        • Single-family homes 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. This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking.

        • Apartment and condo buildings can get a rebate of up to $1,400 to $2,000 per charger to purchase and install Level 2 networked EV chargers at the building’s residential parking spaces.

          Rebate amounts vary depending on whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.  

        • Workplaces can get a rebate of up to $2,000 per charger to purchase and install eligible Level 2 networked EV chargers for employee use, to a maximum of $14,000.

        Find out more about B.C.’s EV charger rebate program, eligibility and how to apply.

        Learn about it

        Wondering where to buy an EV charger? An electrician can help you choose a specific model that will meet your needs.

        Ready to start shopping?

        If you want to participate in the rebate program, make sure you choose an EV charger that meets eligibility criteria.

        View eligible chargers

        Electrical considerations

        Things you need to know about your electrical service 

        • How much current (amperage) will the EV need to charge?
        • What is the capacity of your existing electrical service panel (e.g., 100-Amp, 200-Amp, etc.)? Note that a 400-Amp service panel is considered an "uncommon upgrade". Learn more about electrical service extensions.
        • Is there a 240-volt circuit installed and available to be used?
        • Is there room in the electrical service panel for a new 240-volt circuit breaker (it must be double-pole)?
        • Where will the charging station be installed?

        Hiring a certified electrician to install your EV charger will make the whole process much easier. They'll explain what you'll need to get started and how to get everything approved. We can help you find a certified electrician.

        Related content

        How to install an EV charger at home

        Follow the checklist

        B.C.'s EV charger rebate program

        Learn about it

        Where to buy an EV charger

        Get the guide

        Quick Links

        • Home EV charger options
        • BC Hydro EV mobile app
        • Fast charger help centre

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        Rebates for single-family homes

        If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

        This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
        Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

        If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

        Rebates for apartments/condos

        Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

        Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

        Rebates for workplaces

        Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

        Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

        Rebates for single-family homes

        If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

        This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

        Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

        Features

        Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

        Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

        Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

        CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

        cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

        cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

        Breaker Current

        Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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