EV Charging Station Installation Services by SJ Electrical Contracting

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EV Charging Station

At SJ Electrical Contracting, we offer comprehensive EV charging station installation services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re installing a home EV charger or upgrading your workplace infrastructure, we provide expert guidance to ensure your system is safe, efficient, and future-proof.

Understanding EV Charger Types and Their Home Installation Requirements

When choosing an EV charger, it’s important to understand the different types and their suitability for residential use:

  • Level 1 Chargers: These chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and are typically used for overnight charging. They are slower but ideal for those with lower daily driving needs.
  • Level 2 Chargers: These chargers use a 240-volt outlet (like your dryer) and are significantly faster, providing a full charge in 3-8 hours. They are the most common choice for home installations.
  • DC Fast Chargers: Primarily used for commercial applications, these chargers can recharge an EV in under an hour but require significant electrical infrastructure upgrades, making them less practical for home use.

Interested in installing a Level 2 charger at home? Contact us today for expert advice on choosing the right EV charger for your needs.

Electrical Panel Capacity Assessment for EV Charger Installation

Before installing an EV charger, it’s essential to assess whether your home’s electrical panel can handle the increased load. A typical Level 2 charger requires a 240-volt circuit and draws between 30 and 50 amps. If your home is equipped with an older 100-amp panel, you may need to upgrade to a 200-amp service to accommodate the additional load safely. Our team will perform a detailed assessment of your electrical system to determine whether a panel upgrade is necessary.

Not sure if your panel is ready for an EV charger? Schedule an evaluation with us today.

Government Incentives and Rebates for Home and Commercial EV Charger Installation

British Columbia offers several generous rebate programs for installing EV charging stations at homes, apartments, and workplaces:

  • CleanBC Go Electric Program: For single-family homes, you can get up to 50% of the cost (up to $350) for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger. Additionally, BC Hydro is offering a top-up of $250 for installing a smart EV charger, potentially bringing the total savings to $700.
  • Apartment/Condo and Commercial Properties: Multi-unit residential buildings and workplaces can receive up to $2,000 per Level 2 charger. There is also support for developing EV Ready infrastructure, including rebates of up to $600 per parking space and a project maximum of $120,000 for wiring upgrades required to accommodate future EV chargers.

These incentives make it easier to transition to electric vehicles, helping reduce installation costs significantly.

Let us help you maximize these rebates—contact us today to start your EV charging installation.

Cost Analysis of Home EV Charger Installation

Installing an EV charger at home involves several cost factors, including:

  • Charger Equipment: Level 2 chargers varies depending on features such as smart capabilities.
  • Installation Costs: Labor costs, wiring, and permits and the complexity of the job and whether an electrical panel upgrade is required all play into the final installation costs.
  • Potential Electrical Upgrades: If your home’s electrical panel isn’t sufficient, upgrading to a 200-amp panel might be needed. 

While the initial costs can seem significant, rebates, long-term fuel savings, and the convenience of home charging make it a worthwhile investment.

Safety Certifications and Standards for Home EV Chargers

Safety is paramount when installing an EV charger. Our team ensures that every installation meets industry standards, including:

  • CSA Certification: Ensuring the charger has been tested for safety by an independent body.
  • CEC Compliance: All wiring and installation practices adhere to the CanadianElectrical Code (CEC) to guarantee safety and reliability.

Optimizing EV Charging Based on Time-of-Use Rates

Many homeowners in British Columbia have access to time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates, which offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours. This can result in significant savings when charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home.

How It Works:

  • Off-peak hours are typically late at night or early in the morning, when overall electricity demand is low (e.g., from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
  • Peak hours, on the other hand, usually occur in the late afternoon and early evening (e.g., from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.), when demand is highest, and electricity rates are more expensive.


By scheduling your EV charging during off-peak hours, you can:

  1. Lower your energy bills: Charging during cheaper off-peak hours can result in savings of up to 50% compared to peak-hour rates.
  2. Reduce strain on the electrical grid: Charging at night helps balance electricity demand, which is better for both the grid and the environment.
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Smart EV Chargers for Off-Peak Charging

If you install a smart EV charger, you can optimize your charging schedule to automatically begin charging during off-peak hours. Features of smart chargers include:

  • Wi-Fi connectivity: Monitor and control your charging remotely via a smartphone app.
  • Scheduling capabilities: Set your charger to start and stop charging at specific times to take advantage of lower rates.
  • Energy management: Some chargers offer insights into your energy usage, helping you further optimize your savings.

For example, BC Hydro is expected to offer an Optional Time-of-Use Rate after April 2024, giving homeowners even more flexibility to manage their electricity costs by charging during off-peak periods.

Maximizing Savings with a Smart Charging Strategy

  1. Monitor your utility’s TOU rate structure: Check with BC Hydro or your local utility provider to understand when off-peak rates are available.
  2. Set up your EV charger: Use your smart charger’s scheduling features to automatically charge your vehicle during these cheaper hours.
  3. Track your energy usage: Use the smart charger’s app to monitor how much energy you’re consuming and make adjustments to maximize your savings.

By optimizing your EV charging schedule based on TOU rates, you can make owning an electric vehicle even more cost-effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for EV Charging Station Installation

There are three main types of EV chargers:

  • Level 1 Chargers: Plug into a dedicated standard 120V outlet for charging. These are slower but do not require any special installation.
  • Level 2 Chargers: Use a 240V outlet, charging your vehicle much faster (typically in 3-8 hours). These are the most common for residential installations.
  • DC Fast Chargers: Primarily for commercial or industrial use, these chargers provide rapid charging but require significant electrical upgrades and infrastructure.

It depends on your current panel’s capacity. Many older homes with 100-amp service may need to upgrade to a 200-amp panel to safely support the added load of a Level 2 charger or installing an EV management system. Our electricians will assess your current system and recommend the best solution.

Yes! In British Columbia, the CleanBC Go Electric Program offers a rebate of up to $350 for Level 2 chargers in single-family homes. BC Hydro also provides an additional $250 top-up for smart chargers, bringing the total rebate to $600. Multi-unit residential buildings and workplaces may qualify for rebates of up to $2,000 per charger, with additional support for EV-ready infrastructure.

Your EV charger must meet key safety standards, including:

  • CSA Certification: Ensuring the charger has been safety tested and approved.


CSA Compliance
: All installations must comply with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) to ensure safety and proper installation practices.

To apply for the CleanBC Go Electric rebate, homeowners must install an approved Level 2 charger and submit their receipts and documentation through the rebate portal. Pre-approval is required for multi-unit residential and commercial installations.