Can I plug my electric car into a standard outlet?
Your electric vehicle should come equipped with a 120-volt charging cable, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), as a standard feature. One end of the cable fits into the charging port of your vehicle, while the other end plugs into a standard grounded plug, much like other household electronics.
In case your vehicle did not come with a charging cable, or if you require a longer cable, you can purchase one. However, they are relatively expensive, and the longer the cable, the higher the cost. It is not safe to plug an EV charging cable into an extension cord unless you purchase an extension cord specifically designed for that purpose. Expect to allocate a budget of at least $200 if your EV does not come with a charging cable, and ensure that the cable is long enough to meet your needs.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Level 1 EV Charger – charging involves plugging your EV’s cord set into a regular 120-volt outlet, which is the slowest option and can take up to 50 hours to fully charge from empty. However, this may be sufficient for daily use as the average American only drives 31 miles per day.
Level 2 EV Charger – charging requires a 220-volt outlet or hardwired equipment, and charging from empty takes around four to ten hours. Public Level 2 charging stations are commonly found in locations where drivers park, such as workplaces or commercial parking lots, and many EV owners install this option in their garage for overnight charging. Some incentives may cover the cost of Level 2 equipment.
Level 3 EV Charger- charging, also called DCFC or direct current fast charging, is the fastest option and can fully charge an EV in as little as 20 minutes from empty. These charging stations are more expensive to use but are convenient for time-sensitive road trips or urban drivers who can’t charge at home. The latest Level 3 EV chargers are at least three times more powerful than earlier models, with some charging at 350kW.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Ontario?
By driving an average of 20,000 km per year, the typical Canadian driver can save up to $2,000 annually just on fuel costs. Battery-electric EVs, for instance, can be up to 75% less expensive to drive than gas cars, resulting in annual savings of $1,500 to $2,000 for the average EV driver.
In addition to fuel cost savings, EVs are significantly less expensive to operate and maintain compared to gas cars. This means that EV owners can save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of their vehicle.
I’m ready to install my EV charger, what are the next steps?
If you’re ready to install an electric car charger, you can contact us, and one of our trusted electricians will come by your house, do a walk through, and provide you with a quote. We will then open up a permit prior to the installation and have an ESA inspector come out and inspect the installation, after which, you will receive a certificate of completion.
