With lots of manufacturers and models to choose from, there are a number of options to consider. Whatever you decide, only select a charger that is safety certified, and consider having it installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Electric vehicles (EVs) require a connection to an electrical system to charge. There are three different methods.
The 3 levels of chargers
Level 1 chargers
Uses a connection to a standard 120-volt outlet
Charges 8 km per hour
Takes 12 to 20 hours to fully charge a battery EV (6 to 12 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
Used mostly in homes
Level 2 chargers
Uses a connection to a 240-volt outlet, like those used by ovens and clothes dryers
Charges 30 km per hour
Takes 6 to 14 hours to fully charge a battery EV (4 to 8 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
Used in homes, businesses, and common areas
Fast Chargers (also known as Level 3)
Uses a direct current connection to an electrical system
Charges 100 km per 30 minutes or 80% charge at 50 kW (varies by vehicle type)
Takes 1 to 4 hours to fully charge a battery EV (15 minutes to 3 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
Used mostly in businesses and common areas
Home EV charger features
Wondering which EV charger type is right for you? Consider the EV charger features below to make sure your selected model will accommodate your vehicle(s), the space and your preferences.
Features related to your vehicle(s)
Connector
Most EVs have the "J plug" (J1772) which is used for home and level 2 charging.
Single or dual port
Select charging stations are available with two plugs, some of which allow two vehicles to charge at the same time if there’s sufficient electrical capacity.
Features related to your space
Cord length
Cords are available in a range of lengths, the most common being 5 metres (16 feet) and 7.6 metres (25 feet). Shorter cables are easier to store but longer cables provide flexibility in the event drivers need to park further from the charger.
Indoor or outdoor
Many chargers are designed to function inside or outside, but not all are. If your charging station needs to be outside, make sure the model you choose is rated to work in the rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
Portable or permanent
Some chargers only need to plug into an outlet while others are designed to be installed on a wall.
Features related to your preferences
Amperage
Level 2 chargers are available in models that deliver between 15- and 80-Amps. The higher the amperage the faster the charging.
Networked
Some chargers will connect to the internet so drivers can start, stop, and monitor charging with a smartphone.
Smart EV chargers
Smart EV chargers ensure the most efficient charging by automatically adjusting the amount of electricity being sent to an EV based on timing and load factors. Some smart EV charging stations can also provide you with data on your usage.
