Electric Vehicle Charger, Scarborough

Save money on gas with an electric vehicle by having an electric vehicle charger installed.

Electric Vehicle Charger, Scarborough

With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular among Canadians, the use of electric vehicle charger has become more widespread. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, you can save hundreds of dollars by going electric. Compared to the yearly cost of $2,500 spent on gasoline, hybrids and electric vehicles typically cost under $1,000 to charge per year. Public level 2 charging stations cost an average of $2.50 per charge or $1 per hour, and this cost can be further reduced by having a charging station installed at home.

However, not all electric vehicle chargers are designed the same. The charging speed and strength of a station is determined by an amperage amount, which is usually detailed in the product description, and can range from 20-40 amps of electricity. Charging for 1 hour on 30 amps, for example, can provide 48 km of driving range, while charging for 1 hour on 40 amps can provide 64 km of driving range. Some electric vehicle charger models also have additional features, with some that can connect to your smartphone (provided there is Wi-Fi coverage). This can allow you to schedule and track charging accordingly.

During the process of installation, it’s important to consider your parking situation and plan where your electric vehicle charger will be placed accordingly. Cable length varies from 16 to 25 feet, and while longer cables tend to be pricier, the added mobility can prove to be benficial, especially if you plan to be charging your vehicle on a daily basis. For outdoor installations, this is especially crucial.

Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information, to learn more about electric vehicle charging, and to inquire about having an electric vehicle charger installed in your home! We operate within the GTA to ensure that your vehicle and your home are functioning at the highest possible capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor electric vehicle charger installation?

Indoor installations are for garages or for when the homeowner has room inside to store their car. Charging stations are usually plugged into a 240-volt wall outlet and often have the added benefit of being portable. Although these stations are initially more expensive, they are also easier to repair or replace. Meanwhile, outdoor installations are necessary for homes with only driveways. Since they utilize an interior electric connection (not unlike a ceiling fan), they may be slightly pricier to replace or repair.

Are electric vehicle chargers only meant for houses?

Although charging stations can be installed for condos/apartments, the process of having one installed for a single family home is much easier. For condo/apartment installations, the proper permissions and permits may be required before beginning the process. You may also need to review the building rules and draft the proper user agreements.

Are outdoor electric vehicle chargers safe in the rain and snow?

Electric vehicle chargers are designed to be weatherproof, protecting your vehicle, your home, and yourself from electrical shock. The vehicles themselves can withstand rain, water, and dust, so it’s suitable that the charging stations would follow this.

The only consideration regarding the weather to have is scheduling the date of your installation. Since the electrician will likely be working with wiring, cold winter days with freezing temperatures may make the process more difficult and result in the electrician needing to come back another time.