Need A Level 2 EV Charging Station for Home or Business?
As EV charging at home (and for business) gains popularity, choosing a level 2 EV charging station is key to maximizing your electric vehicle’s potential.
In this Premium Electric article, our expert electricians provide a comprehensive overview of the Level 2 EV charging station, from an electrician’s perspective. We’ll cover what a Level 2 EV charger is, its benefits, the costs, and compare it to other types of home EV charging stations.
Level 2 EV chargers are ideal for home and for businesses. They strike a balance between speed and convenience making them a popular choice among electric vehicle owners.
Level 2 EV Charging Station Facts
First things first. Below, we’ve listed the main details you should know about a L2 electric charging station:
Volts Used: 208-240 volts (the same power used for heavy appliances like dryers)
Power Output: Ranges from 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW
Typical Level 2 Use: Private homes, public parking areas, and businesses where quicker charging is necessary
How Long EV Charging Takes: Approximately 4-8 hours
Type of Connector: SAE J1772 or Type 2
Benefits of Installing a Level 2 EV Charger
Let’s look at the benefits of installing a Level 2 EV charging station at your home or business. These benefits make Level 2 EV chargers an excellent choice for electric vehicle owners, balancing speed, convenience, and cost.
Level 2 EV Chargers Provide a Fast Charging Time
A Level 2 charging station can charge your electric vehicle battery in 4-8 hours. That’s less than a normal workday and a fraction of the time required by Level 1 EV chargers.
Adds Value to Your Home
A Level 2 EV charger not only adds value to your home but also helps to improve your home’s curb appeal for future home buyers.
Cost-Effective
While there is an upfront cost for installation, over time, using a Level 2 EV charger can be more economical compared to relying on public charging stations.
Energy Efficient
Level 2 EV chargers are more energy-efficient than Level 1 chargers, providing more energy to the car’s battery in less time, which can lead to savings on your energy bill.
Eligible for Canadian Rebates & Grants
In Canada, there are several rebates and grants available for installing a Level 2 EV charging station. These incentives vary by province and can change over time. In BC, the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program offers up to 50% of purchase and installation costs of eligible EV charging equipment.
Helpful Apps & Features
Many Level 2 EV chargers are equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor and control the charging process remotely via a smartphone app. This means you can start or stop charging based on your schedule or when electricity rates are lower.
What’s The Cost of Installing an EV Car Charger Level 2?
Let’s delve into the costs associated with installing a Level 2 EV Charger. We’ll look at both the initial purchase and the ongoing expenses.
Level 2 EV Charger Cost
The cost of a Level 2 EV charging station varies, typically ranging between $500 to $2,500.See this Buyer’s Guide to compare prices.
Updates to the Electrical System
Installation might require upgrading your home’s electrical panel or adding new circuits. Depending on the electrical project, upgrades typically cost between $1,000 to $3,000.
Cost of Wiring
New home wiring installation ranges from $500 to $1,500. This is typically based on the distance from the electrical panel to the charger. On older homes it may be necessary to do electrical wiring upgrades.
Electrician Costs
Labour expenses for hiring an electrician may vary depending on the installation’s complexity. Our Premium Electric electrician can perform an onsite assessment and provide a precise quote.
Local Permit Fees
Depending on your location in the Vancouver Lower Mainland area, and the overall project cost, permit fees for installation could range be $50 to $500.
Overall, you could be looking at a total of anywhere from $1,500 to over $7,000 for a complete Level 2 EV charging station installation. However, it’s important to note that these figures are ballpark estimates.
Please call us at 604-308-6195 to request a quote or send us an email.
EV Charging Station Comparisons
Below is a detailed comparison of Level 2 EV Charging Station verses Level 1 and Level 3 EV chargers.
Level 2 vs. Level 1 Charging Stations
Level 2 chargers offer a faster and more practical solution for daily charging, compared to the slower, overnight charging suitable for Level 1 chargers.
Installation & Cost
- Level 1: Minimal or no installation required; uses existing outlets.
- Level 2: Requires a dedicated charging station and possibly electrical upgrades.
Best For
- Level 1: Ideal for overnight home charging for short commutes.
- Level 2: Home and public settings; ideal for daily use and faster charging.
Level 2 vs. Level 3 Charging Stations
A Level 2 EV charging station is more affordable and commonly compatible with residential systems than Level 3 chargers.
Installation & Cost
- Level 2: Moderate costs with required professional installation.
- Level 3: High installation costs, used in commercial settings due to heavy power requirements.
Best For
- Level 2: Versatile for both residential and commercial settings, suitable for daily use.
- Level 3: Best for rapid charging in commercial spots and along highways for quick top-ups.
Contact Our Premium Electric Electricians
All EV charging station installations are completed by bonded and certified Premium Electric electricians.
If your home or business is located anywhere within the Greater Vancouver area or the Fraser Valley, our electricians would be happy to provide an assessment for an EV charging station installation.
Please call our electricians at 604-308-6195 or send us an email if you still have questions about installing a Level 2 EV charging station.
Visit our contact page to Request a Quote.
