Waking up each day to a full charge is important for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Manitoba. Charging an EV at home is considerably less expensive than public charging stations (especially for solar power owners).
Types of Electric Car Chargers
There are two types of at home electric vehicle chargers:
- Level 1 EV Charger – This charger requires the typical 120-volt outlet you find in a home. An EV plugged into this way charges 8 km per hour (10 to 16 hours to fully charge your vehicle).
- Level 2 EV Charger – This charger uses a 240-volt outlet or is hard wired to the homes electrical panel. Charging 20-40 km per hour, it only takes 6-8 to charge an EV this way.
Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Home
- Consider your daily driving needs – How far you drive each day plays a role in how often you’ll need to charge your car and how fast that charging needs to be. If you drive long distances, a level 2 charger will go a long way to prevent “range anxiety”.
- Check your car’s specifications – Check your car’s specifications to ensure compatibility. Some EV chargers may require a specific voltage level or charging connector.
- Consider where the charger will be placed – if your charger is outdoors, you will need a charger with an outdoor rating. If indoors, consider where it would be most convenient.
The Cost of Installing an EV Charger at Home
The cost of an at home EV charger varies based on charging output and the location of the charger in relation to the homes electrical panel. The typical EV charger cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
Charging Output – Level 1 chargers are least expensive. Level 2 chargers vary by output amperage. Higher amperage chargers provide faster charging and cost more to install.
Location of Charger – The cost of installing an EV charger is influenced by the length of the wire run from it to the homes electrical panel. The type of material used for the walls and complexity of the route for the wire run also play a factor.
About Astra Solar
Astra Solar exists because we believe our greatest resource, the sun, is under-utilized. Driven by our vision to lead Manitoba in its pursuit of renewable energy for a stronger, healthier and more sustainable community, Astra Solar delivers solutions that make solar energy and vehicle charging infrastructure affordable and accessible to all Manitobans.