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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.

Request an electrician referral

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.

installing an EV charger at home

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

Charging considerations

Before you start the installation process, consider these things:

  • Consult with an electrician to perform an electrical service size calculation for your home based on the Canadian Electrical Code. This will help you determine whether you have sufficiently sized electrical service coming in to your home to support EV charging, or whether you need to budget for upgrading your electrical service to 200- or 400-Amp. 

    Charges and fees for electrical service connections

  • 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.

  • Of course, you don't need a Level 2 charging station to power your EV. You can use a Level 1 charger plugged into a standard outlet, it'll just take more time. If you use your EV mainly for commuting, then it can just sit and charge all evening after you get home.

    It's even possible to own an EV without charging at home and just take advantage of charging stations at work or at one of the more than 2,500 publicly available chargers in B.C., including a growing network of fast charging stations.

Related content

Questions to ask your EV electrician

Get the guide

B.C.'s EV charger rebate program

Learn about it

EV charger rebates for single-family homes

Apply now

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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