How to install an EV charger at home

8 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 or condo, the steps are slightly different.

Find an electrician

Need help finding an electrician? Request an EV electrician referral to get in touch with qualified electricians from our Alliance of Energy Professionals.

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To protect your home and your EV, we strongly recommend hiring a certified electrician who has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training program to get the job done properly and safely – and to enable you to claim a rebate.

Once you've hired a certified electrician, follow the steps below to complete your installation and apply for your rebate.

Installation steps

Step 1: Determine your home's eligibility

Confirm with your municipality or Technical Safety BC to make sure that your home is eligible for a charger installation.

Step 2: Confirm you have sufficient electrical service

Check to see if you've got sufficient electricity flowing into your home to support an EV charger. If you need to upgrade your service, learn about electrical service extensions and then contact BC Hydro's Express Connect team at 1 877 520 1355.

Step 3: Confirm your electrical panel has space

Check to see if there's enough space on your electrical panel to accommodate a circuit breaker for the EV charger. If not, you'll need an electrician to help.

Step 4: 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.

View EV chargers eligible for rebates

Step 5: Obtain an electrical permit

Apply to your municipality (or Technical Safety BC) for an electrical permit. If you hire an electrician, they will do this for you.

Step 6: Charger installation

Install the EV charging station. Remember that you must get a safety officer to inspect your electrical work before any wiring is concealed or connected to a supply source. Your electrician needs to complete the contractor consultation form after the installation is complete. You'll need this when you apply for a rebate.

Download form: EV charging station contractor installation form for single-family homes [PDF, 109 KB]

Step 7: Inspection

Have the installation inspected by your municipality (or Technical Safety BC). If an electrician did the installation, they will do this for you.   

Step 8: Apply for a rebate

Submit your application for a rebate.

Apply now: B.C. EV charger rebate program