EV Charging
Electric vehicles have revolutionized the way we think about transportation, offering a greener and more sustainable future. As more people in Alberta purchase electric cars, the demand for home EV chargers has skyrocketed. However, one question that often comes up is the cost of installing an EV charger at home. All things considered, the average cost to professionally install an electric vehicle charger will range from $500-$2,500 for most common cases.
The cost of installing an EV charger can vary depending on several factors including;
It can be difficult for home owners to estimate the cost of installing an electric vehicle charger because many of the factors impacting the cost are difficult to assess for those not familiar with performing electrical upgrades. If you're wondering how much your installation could cost - reach out to Evalence for a free EV Charger Installation Quote. In 2023, Evalence installed 100+ level 2 chargers - we can get you charging too!
Your home is the most convenient location to charge your electric vehicle. Installing a charging station in your garage, means that you can start every day with a full battery! Typically your EV will come with a portable charger which can be plugged into a household outlet. This is considered a level 1 charger, and will usually only trickle charge the battery by adding 4-8km/hr of range. While this may be a good solution for hybrid electric vehicles, this usually does not provide enough charge speed for full electric vehicles (especially in the winter).
Level 2 chargers operate on a 240 Volt, 10-80A circuit! This is significantly more power than a typical household outlet, and is comparable to what a hot tub, wall oven, or dryer would be powered with. The most common charger size we install is a 40A charger, installed on a 50A, Nema 14-50 dedicated circuit. Additionally, 48A wall chargers are also commonly installed on a 60A circuit.
Electric vehicle chargers can be sorted into three categories; level 1 (120V), level 2 (240V), and level 3 (DC Fast Chargers). This article will focus on level 2 charging, because this is the most applicable type of charger for residential use. Although their are many brands of EV chargers (Tesla, Wallbox, Siemens, ABB, Autel, Flo, Chargepoint, Grizzl-E), they are generally installed to similar specifications and will work in the same way. All of these brands should be installed by a licensed electricians - like Evalence Renewables!
The charger location relative to your home electrical panel will have a major impact on the cost of installation. Longer runs of electrical wire and conduit will increase the cost of materials and labor. 6 or 8 gauge copper wire is utilized to install level 2 chargers, and this is typically billed to customers by the meter. Reducing the length of wiring required for the charger is a great opportunity to reduce your installation cost. For example, installing your charger on the wall of the garage closest to the electrical panel will reduce installation costs.
Another consideration are the obstacles between your electrical panel and your charger location. Finished basements, concrete walls, and detached garages can present more challenges and increase the cost of your installation.
Homeowners may need to consider performing electrical upgrades prior to installing a home ev charger. In Alberta, the majority of homes have a 100A electrical service size. This is the amount of amperage the home is capable of using at any given time. This service may be acceptable for regular home use of ovens, heaters, ac units, and lighting - but can be considerably strained when electric vehicle charging is introduced. Cities of Edmonton, Calgary, and other Alberta municipalities have mandated electrical load calculation prior to installing home chargers. If the charger will not "fit" into the home load calculation the following options are available:
EVEMS is a device that monitors the electric vehicle charging load, and will turn off the circuit if the overall home load limit is reached. Their are several EVEMs options which can be utilized including the DCC-12, SimpleSwitch, and Wallbox Power Meter to name a few. These devices will typically add between $750-$1,250 of cost to an EV charger installation, but may be required to permit the installation.
Upgrading your home service size has a high upfront cost, but can be beneficial for modernizing your home to allow for ev charging. It's a more expensive option, but generally allows the home owner the most flexibility to add additional electrical loads in the future. The total cost to complete a service size upgrade can range from $2,000 - $10,000 depending on the extent of the work required. Sometimes it can be as simple as swapping in a new electrical panel, and other times it can require trenching and installation of a larger diameter wire to the house. Service size upgrades are always coordinated with the wire provider (Enmax, Fortis, or Epcor) in Alberta.
Installation costs will typically include the following items:
The itemized costs result in a typical price range of $500-$2,500 to install an electric vehicle charger. Other installation costs which can increase the price of the installation are:
Professional installation will typically result in a higher upfront cost, but a higher quality installation. A licensed electrician will ensure that your charger is installed correctly to manufacturer's specifications and in compliance with the Canadian Electric Code. The increased costs for a professional installation typically result from the higher costs of running a licensed business including insurance, permitting, labor, and administrative costs.
Although obvious to some - charging your electric vehicle will use a significant amount of electricity and impact the size of your energy bill. Charging your electric vehicle at home will typically consume between 100-500 kwh of electricity every month. At a rate of $0.10/kwh, this would add between $10-$50 in monthly electricity costs before considering administration and distribution fees.
The dreaded detached garage! Unfortunately, electrifying a detached garage is more complicated than a typical attached garage installation. Most garages are powered by a 15A circuit, which does not allow enough amperage to also run an electric vehicle charger. Often, a new electrical line must be ran to the garage which can require trenching. If trenching is required, this can be labor intensive and require additional conduit, wire, and other electrical materials. Trenching will typically raise the installation price by $700-$2,500.
Finished basements can present a challenge when the electrical panel room is not located near the charging location. A wire has to be fished from the electrical panel, through the basement, and into the garage. When the garage ceiling is finished it can be more difficult to complete the task of fishing. Sometimes it can be done using existing access hatches, but often small holes must be utilized to move the wire through the basement. This can add significant labor cost, and increased finishing costs to patch access holes.
The cost of an EV charger installation can vary significantly based on your unique home layout and installation requirements. If you're curious about the potential cost of your installation, don't hesitate to contact Evalence for a complimentary EV Charger Installation Quote. With over 100 Level 2 chargers installed in 2023, Evalence can assist you in getting your charging setup as well!
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