EV Charger Installation: What Vancouver Homeowners Need to Know
Electric vehicles are increasingly popular in BC. Learn everything you need to know about installing a home EV charger in Vancouver.
Complete Guide to Home EV Charger Installation in Vancouver
British Columbia leads Canada in electric vehicle adoption, and for good reason—provincial incentives, lower fuel costs, and environmental benefits make EVs an attractive choice. If you're making the switch to electric, installing a home charging station is one of the best decisions you can make.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Convenience
The main advantage of home charging is convenience. You arrive home, plug in, and wake up to a fully charged vehicle. No gas stations, no waiting at public chargers.
Cost Savings
BC's electricity rates make home charging extremely economical. At current rates, charging at home costs roughly equivalent to $0.30-$0.40 per litre of gasoline.
Speed
A Level 2 home charger charges 4-10 times faster than a standard wall outlet. Most EVs fully charge overnight.
Understanding Charger Types
Level 1 Charging (120V)
Using the portable charger that comes with your EV, plugged into a regular household outlet:
- Adds 5-8 km of range per hour
- Takes 30-50 hours for a full charge
- No installation required, but very slow
Level 2 Charging (240V)
A dedicated home charging station:
- Adds 30-50 km of range per hour
- Full charge in 4-8 hours (typical overnight)
- Requires professional installation
Level 3 / DC Fast Charging
Public charging stations:
- Not practical for home installation
- Requires commercial power infrastructure
Level 2 Charger Requirements
Electrical Requirements
Most Level 2 chargers need:
- 240V dedicated circuit
- 40-50 amp breaker (for most chargers)
- Appropriate wire gauge (6 or 8 AWG typically)
- GFCI protection (often built into charger)
Panel Capacity
Your electrical panel needs sufficient capacity for the charger. In many Vancouver-area homes with 100A service, adding an EV charger may require a panel upgrade to 200A.
Location Considerations
- Indoor or outdoor installation (most chargers are rated for outdoor use)
- Distance from electrical panel affects cost
- Charger should reach your EV's charge port location
Installation Costs in Vancouver
EV Charger Equipment: $500 - $1,500+
Popular brands include:
- ChargePoint
- Tesla Wall Connector
- Grizzl-E
- JuiceBox
- FLO
Installation Labor: $400 - $1,500+
Cost factors include:
- Distance from panel to charger location
- Whether panel upgrade is needed
- Indoor vs. outdoor installation
- Permit requirements
Panel Upgrade (if needed): $2,500 - $4,500
Many older homes need panel upgrades to accommodate EV charger loads.
Typical Total Investment: $1,500 - $6,000+
BC EV Charger Rebates
BC offers rebates to reduce installation costs:
CleanBC Go Electric Program
- Up to $350 rebate for Level 2 charger installation
- Additional rebates may be available through BC Hydro
- Check current programs at CleanBC.ca
The Installation Process
1. Assessment
We evaluate your electrical panel, determine if an upgrade is needed, and identify the best charger location.
2. Permit Application
Electrical permits are required for EV charger installation in all Lower Mainland municipalities.
3. Installation Day
- Install dedicated circuit from panel
- Mount and connect charging station
- Test all functions
- Demonstrate operation
4. Inspection
Technical Safety BC inspects the installation for code compliance.
5. Documentation
You receive permits, inspection certificates, and warranty information.
Condo and Townhouse Considerations
Installing an EV charger in a strata property requires additional steps:
Strata Approval
Most stratas require approval for EV charger installations. Recent BC legislation makes it easier to get approval for personal charging stations.
Parking Configuration
Your charging solution depends on whether you have:
- Private garage
- Assigned surface parking
- Common area parking
Power Supply
Options include:
- Connected to your unit's meter
- Connected to common area power (with sub-metering)
- New dedicated meter
ERG Electric Ltd. has extensive experience with strata EV charger installations and can help navigate the approval process.
Future-Proofing Your Installation
Consider these factors:
- If you might get a second EV, plan wiring capacity now
- Higher amperage installations charge faster
- Some chargers are "smart" and can manage power during peak periods
Popular EV Chargers We Install
Tesla Wall Connector
- Best for Tesla owners
- Sleek design
- Works with other EVs via adapter
ChargePoint Home Flex
- Adjustable amperage
- Excellent app and energy monitoring
- Works with all EVs
Grizzl-E
- Canadian-made
- Rugged outdoor rating
- Great value
FLO Home
- Canadian company
- Network connectivity
- Sleek design
EV Charger Installation in Vancouver
ERG Electric Ltd. provides professional EV charger installation throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland. We handle:
- All brands of Level 2 chargers
- Panel upgrades when needed
- Strata and townhouse installations
- Permit coordination
Ready to power your electric future? Call ERG Electric Ltd. at 778-237-2470 for a free EV charger installation quote.
Need Professional Help?
ERG Electric Ltd. is here to help with all your electrical needs. Licensed, insured, and ready to serve you.