Hiring an electrician to help install your EV charger
Most homeowners will need a professional certified electrical contractor to guide and support them in installing and connecting their EV charger infrastructure.
You may not need an electrician if:
- You're simply plugging in a Level 1 charger into an existing outlet.
- You already have an existing 240 volt outlet and are using a portable Level 2 charger that doesn't require installation.
If you don't work with an electrician, you'll need to apply for any necessary permits and coordinate inspections on your own.
When in doubt, consult a professional.
Need an electrician? Submit a request online and we'll refer you to qualified electricians in your area who are part of the Alliance of Energy Professionals.
Questions to ask
6 questions to ask your electrician about installing an EV charger
A certified electrician has the knowledge and expertise to install your EV charger properly. They can also help you understand what needs to be done. Here are some questions you can ask.
How much electricity do I need?
An electrician will help you to understand what kind of charger will meet your needs based on your specific EV model, how frequently you use it, and how quickly you want to be able to charge at home.
Do I need to upgrade my BC Hydro electrical service?
Most homes will have sufficient electrical capacity to power a Level 2 EV charger. However, to confirm this, an electrician will look at your electrical panel(s) to determine whether or not you can accommodate the additional electrical load.
If electrical capacity is an issue, there are ways to avoid a service upgrade, such as by installing an EV power management device.
If an upgrade to your electrical service is in fact necessary, your electrician will manage that process for you.
How will you determine my home's spare electrical load?
We recommend that your electrician reviews your last 12 months of actual meter usage data to calculate your home's spare electrical capacity.
This method results in more accurate figures than the traditional calculation approach, which estimates future electrical load. Using future estimates can overestimate the amount of electricity needed, and even lead to unnecessary upgrades.
To view your historical meter data, log in to MyHydro and follow these steps:
- Select View detailed consumption
- Select Export data
- Select the relevant calendar period. In this case, it's the last 12 months
- Select Hourly interval
The Excel file with your data will then be created. Be sure to remove your BC Hydro account number for privacy, save the file, and email it to your electrician.
Will my electrical panel accommodate a new circuit for the EV charger?
A dedicated circuit in the panel is usually required for an EV charger. If you don't have sufficient space in your existing panel you may need to have a sub-panel installed.
Your electrician can advise if installing an EV power management device is a better option for you to share a circuit or avoid a sub-panel upgrade.
How will you get electricity to my EV charger?
Your home's existing electrical infrastructure will likely be a factor when deciding where to place your EV charger. Most often you'll be charging at or near your home's existing circuits and plugs, so there may not be a need for extensive additional wiring work.
Will this work require an electrical permit?
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home requires an electrical permit. Your licensed contractor will apply on your behalf.
Tracking your electricity use
You'll no doubt want to keep track of how much electricity your EV charger is using. Just log in to your BC Hydro account to view your detailed consumption with our easy-to-use tracking tools.