FAQs for Online Quote
FAQ for Online Quote Sheet and General Concerns ( FOR INFORMATION ONLY )
Complete our “Get A Quote” form, hit submit and that’s it, it’s that EASY! The form will provide us at EVC EXPERTS your contact information and what is needed for me to provide you an accurate estimate.
We have a 5 MINUTE Estimate Form and a 20 MINUTE Quote form. 20 Minute form is Very Accurate Pricing.
5 Minute is quick estimate only and may incur extra charges on Site.
Auto manufacturers recommend that you plug in your vehicle any time you are parked. This allows you to maximize your range as well as the life of the EV battery. Some utilities do offer time-of-use rates meaning it may be more cost effective to charge during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs. Check with your local utility to determine if this is available. Black Box Technology helps with this as well.
That largely depends on the type of charging system. Winter and Cold Temperatures can also greatly affect Charge Rates. Always try to maximize your Available Charge rate in Canada When Possible
There are 3 levels of Charging speeds.
Level 1 can take over 24 hours to charge. It is very slow and really only for Hybrid EV.
Level 2 is the most popular system for residential and takes about 6-12 hours for a full charge depending upon the vehicle and charging Amperage.
Level 3 can charge your batteries to 80% in as little as 11 minutes, but this is only for commercial use due to the power required.
Tips for driving electric in the Canadian winter
- Charging longer
Your EV’s charging rate is controlled by the vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries are designed to operate optimally and deliver maximum charging power between 15° and 25° Celsius. Temperatures below 4° Celsius can reduce charging power – one study found that at 0° Celsius, an EV battery took in 36% less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 25° Celsius. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trip or your daily commute, it’s important to account for the possibility of longer charge times.
- Pay attention to overnight changes in range
Overnight cold temperatures can lower an EV’s range by an average of 20%. Be mindful of the potential reduction and pay attention to your vehicle’s console display, as some EVs can predict the reduction during cold weather conditions
Charging an Electric Vehicle in the Canadian Winter .Winter storms and frigid temps can stymie plans, but they don’t have to hinder electric vehicle charging and range
To get a 40 amp charge rate you’re going to require a 50 amp breaker. The reason for this is that breakers are only rated for 80% of their capacity as a safety mechanism. Below are the amp rates for their respective Breaker size.
- 15A Breaker = 12A Charge Rate
- 20A = 16A Charge Rate
- 30A = 24A Charge Rate
- 40A = 32A Charge Rate
- 50A = 40A Charge Rate
- 60A = 48A Charge Rate
Yes and No. The actual Receptacle Is the same, they both use a NEMA 14-50R receptacle but the electrical system for an EV and a Stove (Range) are extremely different. Using a range electrical system for an EV receptacle has a very high chance of causing a fire and will not pass inspection.
Most plugs (or nozzles) which are the end inserted into the vehicle, are the same for North America. Most EVs sold in North America use the same standard Level 2 charging plug called an SAE J1772 (IEC Type 1), also known as a J charging plug. This means you can charge any electric vehicle at any standard Level 2 charging station in North America. As for level 3 chargers, North American EVs use an SAE CCS1 combo plug, not every EV can charge at level 3 chargers. You’ll need to check your vehicle specifications. The last connector is the one used by Tesla. That connector is used for level 2 and 3 Tesla Supercharging stations and is only compatible with Tesla cars.
When it comes to electric appliances and power consumption, EV car chargers are unique. When you plug in your car the charger will be drawing the maximum power available for many hours. This type of continuous load requires a specialized design in order to provide optimal performance & long-term reliability. Additionally, specialized knowledge of the car as well as the charger is essential to ensure long term compatibility. Make sure you consider an Energy Management system like Black Box. Blackbox-in.com or bkbx.ca
If you have chosen to go with a larger amp charger, then it is very likely that you will exceed your house’s load calculation. The first solution is to upgrade your panel to accommodate the EV Charger, this can be expensive though. Fortunately, there is a better solution to this problem, an Energy Management system like a product called Black Box. Black Box is a power management system that monitors your service and turns off the charger if the main service is becoming overloaded. Black Box will automatically turn the charger back on when the service is able to handle the ampacity again meaning you never have to worry. Blackbox-in.com or bkbx.ca
There are 3 different Levels of Electric Vehicle chargers. The first is level 1 and uses 120 volts and is what your standard 120 volt Home receptacle would use. Level 2 uses 208-240 volts which is the most common level for both residential and commercial applications. Level 3 uses voltages above 240 and 3 Phase Electrical and is only applicable to commercial applications. Refer to our posts section for more details.
Getting the required information about your home is very important so we can determine what will be involved in your installation. This will include the charging location, service of your panel, is there space in your panel for the cnew EV breaker, and what size breaker would you want, as this will affect the charge rate. Information like this is necessary to provide you with the right electrical system for your charger.
Choosing whether you would like a receptacle or a Specific EV Wall charger installed. Most major brands sell wall chargers or there are many choices of EV chargers in the EV market. A plug can also just be installed but a charger adds a level of safety and control.
Once you have chosen which electrical system you would like installed, we schedule a date that works for you and get your Charging system installed hassle-free. We provide the permit and pay for the inspection fee but it will be up to you to contact the local inspection agency and allow them to complete their inspection of the new charger electrical system. This inspection is mandatory and is required by law and your Home Insurance Company coverage.
A load calculation is a formula that electricians use to make sure that the service provided is sized correctly to handle the loads your house demands. This calculation has to take into account all electrical loads that are available in your house. Electric Vehicle chargers are a very high demanding load and affect the load calculation dramatically. By adding an EV charger you may exceed the load calculation causing the electrical inspection to fail, so it is always important to do the load calculation before starting any work. If someone were to ignore the calculation and install the EV charger anyways, the main electrical panel disconnect could trip leaving the entire house without power. This Load Calculation is also REQUIRED BY LAW AND YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY COVERAGE.
Each installation is unique and varies among customers. The Canadian national average ranges from $700- $5,000 and is influenced by factors such as the age of your home, the location of your charging station, utility involvement, permitting costs, etc. Fill out our quote or estimate request form to get your free customized quote today.
That entirely depends on how much you drive. For example, a Tesla Model S that drives 60 kilometers per day will average 13.2kWh of electricity used. With the Canadian national average cost per kWh of $0.16 (not including distribution charges) that would come to a total of $ 2.15 per day. Your advisor can give specific numbers based on your car, driving habits and local electric costs. So, if you are to drive 200 km it would cost you about $7 (not including utility company distribution cost add ons we all hate)
Also EV range cost vary quite a bit based on Temperature outside. The colder it is the more EV range you will require for heating the interior of your car and battery.
Tips for driving electric in the Canadian winter
- Charging longer
Your EV’s charging rate is controlled by the vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries are designed to operate optimally and deliver maximum charging power between 15° and 25° Celsius. Temperatures below 4° Celsius can reduce charging power – one study found that at 0° Celsius, an EV battery took in 36% less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 25° Celsius. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trip or your daily commute, it’s important to account for the possibility of longer charge times.
- Pay attention to overnight changes in range
Overnight cold temperatures can lower an EV’s range by an average of 20%. Be mindful of the potential reduction and pay attention to your vehicle’s console display, as some EVs can predict the reduction during cold weather conditions
Charging an Electric Vehicle in the Canadian Winter
Winter storms and frigid temps can stymie plans, but they don’t have to hinder electric vehicle charging and range
Most EV auto batteries can be fully recharged using a Level 2 home charging station in as little as 6-12 hours. With a Level 1 home charger it can take between 15-84 hours using a dedicated household outlet. Thus is completely based on the KW size of your EV battery. Your advisor at evcexperts.ca will give you estimated charge time based on your specific car and selected charger.
Winter and Cold Weather Significantly Slow Charge Rates.
Tips for driving electric in the Canadian winter
- Charging longer
Your EV’s charging rate is controlled by the vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries are designed to operate optimally and deliver maximum charging power between 15° and 25° Celsius. Temperatures below 4° Celsius can reduce charging power – one study found that at 0° Celsius, an EV battery took in 36% less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 25° Celsius. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance trip or your daily commute, it’s important to account for the possibility of longer charge times.
- Pay attention to overnight changes in range
Overnight cold temperatures can lower an EV’s range by an average of 20%. Be mindful of the potential reduction and pay attention to your vehicle’s console display, as some EVs can predict the reduction during cold weather conditions
Charging an Electric Vehicle in the Canadian Winter
Winter storms and frigid temps can stymie plans, but they don’t have to hinder electric vehicle charging and range
When it comes to electric appliances, EV chargers are unique. When you plug in your car the charger will be drawing the maximum power available for many hours. This type of continuous load requires a specialized design in order to provide optimal performance & long-term reliability. Additionally, specialized knowledge of the car as well as the charger is essential to ensure long term compatibility.
Your advisor at evcexperts.ca will give you estimated charge time based on your specific car and selected charger.
90% of Electric Vehicle charging happens at your home. Home EV chargers offer extremely fast charging times, up to 10 times faster, as opposed to a regular 120V outlet. Freedom to drive anywhere at any time without being concerned with finding a commercial charging station ks a very nice option. Imagine the safety, reliability, and convenience of having your own personal fueling station in your garage. It for sure makes EV charging much much easier.
The difference between the levels of charging stations is the rate of charge or the power delivery rate of the station. That translates into the amount of time it will take for people to charge their car. To determine which level is most appropriate for your situation your EVC Experts will consult with you on which is best based on your property and customer needs.
The first is level 1 and uses 120 volts and is what your standard 120 volt Home receptacle would use. Level 2 uses 208-240 volts which is the most common level for both residential and commercial applications. Level 3 uses voltages above 240 and 3 Phase Electrical and is only applicable to commercial applications. Refer to our posts section for more details.
Yes and No. Some Vehicle Manufacturers have proprietary outlets and plugs. We have solutions that can charge every ELECTRIC VEHICLE plug-in vehicle on the road.
Electric car drivers will live where they can charge. As more apartment and condominium residents switch to driving on electricity, they need a convenient, reliable way to charge their EV cars at their residence.
- Attract and retain high value, green-minded residents
- Increase average lease and property value
- Meet emerging provincial and city regulations
- Improve your green standing and meet sustainability goals, e.g. LEED certification
Electric Vehicle drivers have higher spending capacity and thus make very attractive customers for your local businesses. Installing chargers will propel EV drivers to those businesses. EV charging stations are a visible testament to your sustainability commitment that will inspire your employees and customers every single day.
EVC Experts offers “smart” or networked EV charging solutions that allow you to: Implement pricing policies that can make it a self-paying investment or even an additional revenue source + Restrict access and set pricing by driver groups, time of use and other criteria + Track costs, revenues and energy savings + Measure environmental metrics with reports and analytics + Enjoy a complete turnkey and hassle-free solutions with services and 24/7 driver support + Offer a superior charging experience for your drivers, with real-time availability via mobile app and premium features like Reservations and Wait List.
It is a good time to invest in a Greener more Sustainable Future of Driving Convenience.
EVC Experts provides flexible car charging solutions to meet all kinds of business needs. Whether your plan is to offer charging to employees, customers, tenants, or to all of the above, EVC Experts can help.
Electric vehicle numbers have increased ten times in the last four years. Electric Vehicle drivers choose their destinations based on the availability of electric car charging and they tend to base their routines on those destinations, so they can charge the car while they shop and dine.
Electric Vehicle charging helps your tenants attract new customers and build a steady revenue stream from repeat buyers with higher spending capacity. EV drivers also prefer companies that offer workplace charging as a benefit.
First Question. Do You need an Electrician
You may not need an electrician if:
You are using a Level 1 charger plugged into an existing outlet. ( JUST USING A REGULAR 120 VOLT HOME OUTLET)
You already have an existing 240-volt outlet and are using a portable Level 2 charger that does not require installation.
If you do not have the above, work with an electrician, He will need to do load management calculations, apply for any necessary permits and coordinate inspections on your home EV wiring. (The electrical inspectors will only inspect the EV Install wiring as required by Law and Insurance Companies. Nothing More as per Permit)
When in doubt, consult a professional EVC EXPERTS
Questions you Need to Think About
This is Something you need to Consider.
First Fact.
The Faster You Want to Charge your EV the more Power (Amperage, Amps) you will require.
The More Power or Amps You want the Larger the Electrical Wires need to be.
The More Power or Amps you Want will also mean the more likely you will need either an Electrical Panel and Electrical Service Upgrade to your Home. (So here is what you are deciding on. Your Electrical Service and Panel were never designed to add a 30,40,50 or even a 60 Amp breaker to Power an EV).
So, you will need to Have a Electrical Load Calculation done by A Certified Electrician to make sure you do not Overload your Electrical Panel and Service Lines which can perhaps create a fire hazard and at very least, You will trip or break your main Service Breaker and have no power in House at all (this is the most likely outcome usually coldest darkest day of year !!!
Next: An electrician needs to know the amount of Power you want to charge your EV (via the Quote System) This will be added to your Electrical Load Calculation.
The electrician can see via your pictures your electrical panel(s) and determine what your existing electrical load is. Based on what kind of charger you want to use and how many electrical appliances are in your home, you may or may not need to upgrade your electrical service to 200- or 400-Amp. (Again, keep in Mind most homes electrical systems were not designed to add an EV Charging system requiring this huge amount of extra power to just one plug)
You may also choose to Use a Black Box Energy Management System. This will eliminate the need for panel Upgrade and save you a lot of Money. Check Out Blackbox Info on Home Screen.
You also will understand what kind of charger will meet your needs based on your specific EV model
(Many vehicles now come with the Level 2 CHARGING SYSTEM INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE) If so, you do not need to buy one from us.
If your vehicle does not include this, we strongly recommend purchasing one. This is a safety and charging issue. The Charger eliminates Power being in the charging cord when not attached to EV. This is a lot of power in a loose cord in a Garage or Outside a Garage. Secondly the Charger can maximize your charge rate and ensure the proper amount of power is delivered as needed. Thirdly many are WI fi enabled to allow you adjust charger to times when electricity is cheapest (depending on where you live but later is usually cheaper). Fourth they look pretty cool.
Ok so we suggest you Buy a Grizzl E charging unit Minimum 40-amp 10 KW. Store This will work with any vehicle but Tesla. If your EV comes with a 240 V Charger with it then just click not required or Tesla when this question comes up on Quote) If not we suggest the Grizzle-E Charger in store.
Here are you Choices for Charge Speeds and Suggestions. VERY VERY IMPORTANT.
30 AMP BREAKER (this is least expensive option charge rate will be appx. 23 km per hour)
40 AMP BREAKER (this size breaker will overload panel, you very likely (80%) will need a load management system or a panel upgrade to pass electrical code and suffice insurance fire requirements) (charge rate appx 35 km per hour) NOTE COST OF 40 AND 50 AMP ARE SAME FOR BREAKER AND SAME WIRE SIZE SO GO FOR 50 AMP SIZE EVEN IF YOU DO NOT NEED NOW YOU MAY IN THE FUTURE FOR NEXT VEHICLE . AGAIN, IT WILL COST $0 MORE FOR A LARGER BREAKER AND WIRE SO GO FOR 50 AMP!!!!
50 AMP BREAKER (this size breaker will overload panel; you are very likely (95%) will need a load management system or a panel upgrade to pass electrical code and suffice insurance fire requirements) (charge rate appx 45 km per hour) THIS IS YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR VALUE AND FUTURE VEHICLES.
60 AMP BREAKER (this size breaker will overload panel you very likely (99%) will need a load management system or a panel upgrade to pass electrical code and suffice insurance fire requirements) (charge rate appx 11-12 KW or 60 km per hour)
100 AMP BREAKER (this size breaker will overload your panel (100%) you will need a panel upgrade to pass electrical code and suffice insurance fire requirements) (charge rate Approximate 120 km per hour)
This is incredibly fast, expensive, but possible in many residential neighborhoods. Approximate Cost will be between $10000-$20000. Maybe even more depending on how far away the service is and if it is underground.
This is Commercial Rated Speeds. This is Awesome choice if you can afford JJ
NOW YOU HAVE MADE THESE CHOICES A CHARGER AND WIRE SIZE. HERE COMES NEXT BIG QUESTION FOR YOU TO KNOW!!!!
If you are not sure how many amps your device will be drawing (at 120 volts AC), here is a nice chart for you.
To calculate your load, click here.
Panel upgrade includes Bringing in Larger Wires from your City Street Electrical Service Box (if underground can be excessively expensive) then Putting in either a new 200 Amp Panel or adding a smaller 100 Amp panel (called a sub panel) beside your present panel. This is the most expensive option.
As low as $2000 but can easily be $10,000 or more depending on the location of City Electrical Service Box.
We strongly suggest to our EV Charger Clients to use Black Box Energy management to allow you to legally put in a 30-50 Amp Breaker without upgrading your Electrical Service and Electrical Panel.
This will be included in your quote should you surpass legal Electrical Load Calculations on your Electrical Panel. (We have included the Electrical Code Below to allow for An Energy Management System to negate load calculation issues legally) Cost is Usually between $900 to $1200 on top of Wiring, Plug or Charger install Cost
Again, Your Service Load and Electrical panel Load were never calculated to add an EV charging system that can require up to 50-60 % of your available Power.
So please include any other 240 V Electrical Devices in your home (Electric Oven, Electric Stove Top, Hot Tub, Electric Sauna, Welding Plug, Air Conditioners, Swimming Pool Pumps, Space Heaters, or other devices.
The Picture of your Open Electrical Panel is the most important picture you can take.
It will let us know 2 important factors.
All the Breakers in the Panel and how many are 240v to properly calculate your Load.
- If you have space for additional 240 Breaker for you new EV Charger.
- If no spaces are available, we will need to price in a Sub Panel if you are using an Energy Management System instead of a complete Service and Panel Upgrade.
- We highly recommend Black Box Energy Management Systems. It will save you literally thousands of $$$ Dollars and works seamlessly with all Electrical Systems and EV Chargers.
For Consumer Information here is The Canadian Electrical Code Requirements (by legal extension your Insurance Company) for EV wiring and Charging Requirements.
Here are some Canadian Electrical Code details in case you are wondering where information is coming from and why it is So Important to your Insurance Company. It is quite specific requirements no matter What your Neighbor Electrician tells you JJ
This is Why we are EVC EXPERTS.
If you are not into Legal stuff just skip to the lower part of the page.
Rule 86-300 specifies that electric vehicle supply equipment be supplied by
- a separate branch circuit that supplies no other loads except associated ventilation equipment, or
- from a branch circuit supplying another load or loads, provided that an electric vehicle energy management system is installed in accordance with Subrules 8-106 (10) or (11), and the calculated demand is determined in accordance with Section 8.
Rule 86-302 notes that the connected load of a circuit supplying electrical vehicle supply equipment and associated ventilation equipment be considered as continuous for purposes of Rule 8-104.
Rule 86-304 requires that each installation of electric vehicle supply equipment rated at 60 A or more, or more than 150 volts-to-ground be provided with a separate disconnecting means
- on the supply side of the point of connection of the electric vehicle supply equipment
- located within sight of and accessible to the electric vehicle supply equipment
- capable of being locked in the open position
Rule 86-306 requires that each receptacle for electric vehicle charging be
- labelled in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner, identifying it as an electric vehicle supply equipment receptacle
Rule 86-308 requires that where an electric vehicle supply equipment and other parts of a system, either on board or off board the vehicle are identified for and intended to be
- interconnected to a vehicle and serve as an optional standby system, or
- an electric power production source, or
- provide for bi-directional power feed, and
- be marked accordingly and meet the requirements of Section 84
Electric vehicle supply equipment locations
Rule 86-400 addresses Indoor charging sites and
- permits them to include:
◦ integral, attached, and detached residential garages
◦ enclosed or underground parking structures
Ok Enough Legal Jargon.
If you can please take as many pictures as you like. Important pictures are Your Electrical Panel (most likely in Lower Level or Basement), any Rooms (rooms like a Family Room or Bedroom we may need to run wiring thru) between your panel and Charging Location (most likely Garage is where Charger is Going)
Next. Where you would like your Charger Unit (most likely on wall in Garage)
That is, it. Now we can really give you an accurate Quote and the Best Experience possible when it comes to EV wiring.
Sit Back, relax. You are working with EVC EXPERTS, and we know what we are doing. Even if a surprise comes up, do not worry, we will figure it out quickly and efficiently.
And if you have more Questions feel free to call 1 877 353-0367 or email info@evcexperts.ca
We also will arrange On Site quotes or Zoom Quotes .(Go to Contact Us Page) Just let us know what works best for you!!!!!!
It is a lot to take in but worth every question for the environmental benefits of going to an EV and doing your Quote online.
Thank You for thinking of Us.
The EVC EXPERTS Team.