As you electrify your home you get to retire your furnace for a heat pump, but you also get to say goodbye to visits to the gas station!

Home charging of EVs is a modern convenience (and cost savings) you need to experience to believe. Motivated by climate concerns, the cost of gas or other factors, a growing number of Torontonians have already bought an EV or are considering doing so. A 2022 survey by The Atmospheric Fund reported that 81% of respondents wanted to go electric for their next car purchase. If you’re one of them, you’re likely wondering what you will need to do to charge your vehicle. While the municipal government has been working hard to expand the network of public roadside charging stations across the city and many more are available at parking lots, garages and service stations, by far the easiest and most convenient charging option is a home charging station. 

For homeowners who have their own private parking space (and there are many who don’t), this article is a basic primer on what you need to know to install a home charging station. 

But first, a word about two-wheeled electric vehicles 

While this article focuses on car chargers, it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning electric vehicles of the two-wheeled kind. Toronto residents are increasingly using e-bikes and electric motorcycles for their everyday transportation needs. E-bikes need only a standard household electrical outlet, but electric motorcycles can be plugged into a standard household outlet or one of the car chargers described next. Even if you’re not quite ready to ditch your car, an e-bike or cargo bike is a very convenient way to get around town and do most of your errands.

What kind of charger do I need for my car? 

First, let’s look at the three types of chargers: 

Level 1 

All chargeable EVs come with a portable cord-set that lets you charge your car using any grounded household electrical outlet. These chargers are very slow, adding about 8 km of driving range per hour, but are fine for people who typically drive relatively short distances and have lots of time to recharge between trips…usually all night, when electricity rates are at their lowest. A person with a plug-in hybrid with a limited range may find a Level 1 charger adequate for their needs. If you fit this description, lucky you because it’s the easiest and lowest cost option available. Another advantage to this kind of charger is that you can charge anywhere you can find a grounded outlet. 

Level 2 

For the sake of charging speed and convenience, most EV owners invest in a level 2 home charger. These devices come with different power outputs (measured in amps). In general, the higher the power output, the faster the charge, but the basic Level 2 charger adds about 30 km of driving range per hour. They can be either hard-wired to your electrical panel or plugged into a 240V outlet similar to what you’d use for large appliances like a clothes dryer. In most Ontario jurisdictions, a licenced electrical contractor (not necessarily an electrician) is required to do the installation. 

Level 2 chargers can be pricey depending on such variables as the distance between your parking space and your electrical panel (the further your panel is from the charging point, the higher the cost), how quickly you need/want your car to charge (faster chargers are usually more expensive), your existing electrical capacity, and the complexity of the installation. The total cost ranges from under $1000 for a basic L2 charger with a very simple installation to $4000 or more for faster chargers and more complicated installation requirements. For example, if your parking space isn’t adjacent to your house so that the charging cable has to be buried in a trench through your property, you may be in for a higher installation cost. 

Level 3 

Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, can add up to 250 km of range per hour of charging. They are largely found at commercial operations like service stations, where drivers need to charge quickly and be on their way. They are not common in private homes because they need a very high level of electrical service, and for that reason, they are not dealt with here in any detail. 

Does my Level 2 charging station require an electrical service upgrade? 

Most Toronto houses have 100-amp electrical service, but many charging station installers insist that you need 200 amps to avoid overloading your system. Do you really need to upgrade? The answer to this question, like so many other modern problems, is that it depends. 

Neither the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority nor Toronto Hydro insist on 200-amp service before installing a Level 2 charger. Many homeowners with 100-amp service have installed Level 2 chargers without any problem at all, but if your home is heavily electrified (heat pumps, hot water heater, hot tub, etc.), you may have to upgrade. 

If you’re still unsure and don’t want to worry, you can install a switch that gives priority to essential services over less important ones. If your demand for power exceeds your capacity, the switch simply turns off the device(s) with lower priority, like your car charger. The switch is much less expensive than a panel upgrade. 

For additional information on how to avoid an expensive panel upgrade, you can look at our article on the subject. 

Do you have any other advice? 

Of course we do! Here are some tips and things to consider: 

Do I need a permit? 

In most cases, you (or your contractor) will need to obtain a permit and get a safety inspection when installing an L2 charger. Installing without a permit may affect insurance coverage or warranty claims. 

Where can I find a qualified electrical contractor? 

The provincial Electrical Safety Authority’s website has a list of licenced electrical contractors in your area. We strongly advise having two or three licensed electrical contractors visit and assess your property to provide an installation quote. 

What if the charging cord is too short?

Make sure that the charging cord length is suitable for your charging situation. Using an extension cord with a Level 1 charger is usually discouraged by car manufacturers. Where it is allowed, make sure the extension cord is rated for the charging current the car needs. 

What if I don’t have a garage? 

While it’s fine to charge your vehicle outside, it’s better to store the charger in a sheltered location. 

What’s the best time to charge? 

Toronto Hydro offers three billing rates for households: 

• Time of use (TOU) rates are much lower at off-peak hours and much higher at on-peak hours. 

• Tiered rates are somewhat lower for the first 600 kWh/month. 

• Ultra-low overnight (ULO) rates are extremely low between 11pm and 7 am. 

If you have a charger that permits you to schedule your charging, you’ll save money by choosing TOU or ULO rates and charging at night. 

Does Toronto Hydro have to get involved? 

If your contractor determines that you need to upgrade your electrical service, you’ll have to submit a service connection request. If necessary, Toronto Hydro will schedule a site visit at your home and will provide a list of requirements necessary to complete the installation.