When deciding to take the plunge and swap your gas-powered vehicle for an electric car, there are several ways that you must prepare your home for an electric car. One of these ways is by installing an electric charger in your home. But how do electric charging stations work and how much do they cost to install? These are questions we answer below.
The cost of installing an electric car charger at home
Let’s face it, there are many hidden costs of owning an electric car, and one of them is the cost of installing an electric car charger in your home. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 to install a functional electric car charger in your home in Canada.
Please note that charger installation usually includes the cost of the charger unit, electrical upgrades, labour, and permit fees.
When asking yourself, Is an electric car worth it?, you will need to consider this additional cost. The exact price of installing an at-home charger, however, depends on a number of factors.
Factors impacting the cost of an at-home electric car charger
We outline a few of the main factors that impact the cost of installing an electric car charger in your home:
The type of charger you wish to install
First, the type of electric car charger you wish to install in your home is sure to impact the cost. There are many types of chargers out there and they will charge your electric car battery in different ways and time spans.
The three main types of electric car chargers are level 1, level 2, and level 3 chargers; the latter is also known as direct current fast chargers.
Level 1 chargers deliver 120 volts, level 2 chargers deliver 240 volts, and level 3 chargers deliver 480 volts. As you might suspect, level 1 chargers are the cheapest to install in a home. They can cost as little as $1,000 or even less, whereas level 2 chargers typically cost over $1,000.
Level 3 chargers are the most expensive but are not typically seen in homes. Rather, these types of chargers are at public charging stations. Level 2 charging stations are the most common type of charger units in homes in Canada, as they charge vehicles in a much faster time than level 1 chargers. Check out our blog for more information on how far an electric car can go so you are properly prepared for your next trip.
The existing electrical Infrastructure in your home
Beyond the type of charger you wish to install, your home’s electrical infrastructure can also impact the cost of installation.
For instance, if your existing electrical panel is not strong enough to handle the increased load of charging an electric vehicle, you may need to update your system. An electrician may need to create a dedicated circuit for your new EV charger.
Further, if the existing electrical wiring in your home needs to be modified or rerouted, this can also increase the cost of installation.
Another variable is where your electric panel is located in your home. If the panel is far from where you want to install the charger, additional wiring, trenching, or conduits may be required. Regardless, paying for a professional electrician to install the charger in your home will be part of the cost.
However, extra costs may be incurred depending on the electric infrastructure in your home. For more information on whether home insurance covers electric car charging stations from damage, contact BrokerLink.
Required permits and inspection fees (if applicable)
Some parts of Canada require permits and inspections when an EV charger is installed in a home. Acquiring a permit and having your charger inspected by a professional costs money. Permit and inspection fees can range from $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on where you live.
To learn more about the importance of hybrid and electric car maintenance, such as charging your car, and to help choose between hybrid vs electric cars, get in touch with BrokerLink.
The cost of hiring an electrician
The cost of hiring an electrician is one other factor that influences how much you will pay for the installation of an at-home electric charger. This is because, unless you have a background in electrical work, you will likely have to hire a licensed professional to install your charger for you.
Remember that electrical work can be extremely dangerous, so it’s best to leave this to those who are trained. Labour costs for electricians vary in price. That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for an electrician’s services, and the installation process usually takes an average of two to five hours. For Tesla car insurance quotes, contact BrokerLink.
Contact BrokerLink to learn more about electric car insurance
Buying an electric car is a big deal. First, you need to choose a reliable electric car and then you need to find a quality electric car insurance policy. Thankfully, a BrokerLink insurance advisor can help you with both. We can provide valuable insight into the insurance buying process, explaining how various types of auto insurance can protect you.
As a full-service insurance brokerage, one of our licensed brokers can also explain how accidents affect car insurance rates and what mandatory coverage looks like in your province, such as uninsured automobile insurance.
To begin your electric car insurance journey, reach out to BrokerLink today. We will give you step-by-step instructions on how to request free car insurance quotes, as well as how you can save money on Toronto car insurance, such as by purchasing multiple auto insurance policies.
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