How to Install EV Charging at Workplace| BC Hydro

Businesses looking to install EV charging stations can get up to five hours of free advice and planning assistance from an expert in EV charging and equipment.

Contact an EV Advisor

Follow these steps to install an EV charger for use by employees and customers at your business.

Step 1: Permission

Obtain written permission from the building owner, if necessary. If you want to be eligible for rebates, you’ll need to complete the proof of approval form to validate that you have obtained permission from the individual or group with authority over the property.

Download form: Proof of approval to install electric vehicle (EV) charging [PDF, 95 KB]

Step 2: Hire electrician

Hire a certified electrician, preferably one who has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training program. You can find a qualified electrician through our Alliance of Energy Professionals.

Step 3: Location

Determine where the chargers will be installed.

Step 4: Electrical system

Determine whether the electrical infrastructure in your building can accommodate the EV charging stations and make upgrades as needed.

Check to see if you've got sufficient electricity flowing into your property to support EV chargers. If you need to upgrade your service, learn about electrical connections and extensions here.

Step 5: Consultation form

If you want to be eligible for charger rebates, your electrician will need to complete a contractor consultation form. Be aware that this may not be completed during their preliminary visit. You’ll need to include the completed form when you submit your pre-approval application.

Download form: EV contractor consultation form for apartments and workplaces [PDF, 110 KB]

Step 6: Rebate pre-approval

Submit a pre-approval application to get a rebate on the purchase and installation of the charging stations.

Apply now: B.C. EV charger rebate program

Step 7: Chargers

Choose and purchase EV chargers that qualify for the rebate.

Know your options: Choosing an EV charger

Step 8: Installation

Install the EV charging station. Your electrician will ensure that the necessary permits are obtained and that upon completion the work is inspected by your municipality (or Technical Safety BC). Your electrician needs to complete the contractor installation form after the installation is complete. You'll need this when you apply for a rebate.

Download form: EV contractor installation form for workplaces [PDF, 111 KB]

Step 9: Rebate

Submit your application for a rebate.

B.C. EV charger rebate program

Other things to consider before you start:

There are many factors to be considered when planning for EV charging stations at a workplace. Here's what you'll need to be aware of:
- Where to install chargers, taking into account the location of employee and customer parking and your electrical connections
- The amount of electricity being used by your business currently, which is determined by calculating the load in the past year:
  You can log in to your online account and check your electricity consumption for the last 12 months to determine how much electricity you've been using
  
  There is a cost to have us create new electrical connections or modify your existing electrical service
Charges and fees for electrical service connections
Making it appealing for EV drivers to work for you or do business with you comes with big benefits. By offering EV charging for employees and customers, you will:
- Attract and retain engaged, high-value employees
- Boost the green credibility of your company
- Help to meet any business sustainability goals
- Encourage customers to stay longer or come back more often
Workplaces, including B.C.-registered companies, building owners, managers or other building representatives who are responsible for an eligible workplace or building in B.C., may be eligible for rebates of up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of eligible, new, Level 2 charging equipment, to a maximum of $14,000 (no more than $2,000 per station). This incentive does not apply to new construction; pre-approval is required.

B.C.'s EV charger rebate program

How to install EV charging at a workplace