Installing an EV charger at home: the essentials

Thinking about installing an EV charging station at home? Great choice! Not only is it a convenient and cost-effective way to power your electric vehicle, but it can also increase your property’s value.

Before you move forward, it’s important to understand how professional installation works, what’s involved on the electrical side, and what kind of costs you can expect. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a safe, compliant, and personalized installation.

Why install a charging station at home?

Charging at home means peace of mind. Sure, some people get by using public charging stations—but let’s be honest: nothing beats the simplicity of having your own dedicated charger at home. Plug in your vehicle at night, and it’s ready to go in the morning.

Is a home charger really worth the investment?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

Lower energy costs: Charging at home is often much cheaper than using public stations—especially over time.
Off-peak charging options: By scheduling charging overnight or outside of winter peak hours, you can take advantage of lower electricity rates and save even more.
Simplified management: You’re in full control of your charging routine—no need to hunt down an available charger or wait in line.
Increased property value: A professionally installed charging station is a real asset that can make your property more attractive to buyers. Learn more about how charging stations affect property value.

Can I install my EV charger myself?

It’s a common question—and a valid one. But the answer is no: a Level 2 charger must be installed by a certified electrician. Not only is this required by law, but it’s also a matter of safety.

Why is this so important?

Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts. A faulty installation could lead to short circuits, damage your vehicle, or in the worst-case scenario, cause a fire.
An improper setup could also void your vehicle or charger warranty.
And finally, your insurer might refuse to cover any incident linked to an unlicensed installation.

Bottom line: hiring a pro is the best way to protect your investment—and your home.

What does a professional EV charger installation involve?

Here’s what a typical residential charger installation looks like when done by a qualified electrician:

Electrical panel assessment: Is your current setup sufficient, or will it be overloaded by a new charger?
Equipment recommendations: Wall-mounted or pedestal, power suited to your vehicle and needs, smart features—our experts help you choose the right setup.
Upgrades if needed: We’ll handle everything—dedicated breaker, proper cabling, panel upgrades—with transparency and efficiency.
Charger installation: We’ll help you choose a location that’s practical, safe, and compliant with all regulations. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors—we’ve got it covered.
Final testing and verification: We ensure everything works safely and perfectly before we’re done.

If you live in a condo or multi-unit building, the process may involve a few extra steps, like:

Getting approval from your condo board or property manager.
Assessing the building’s electrical capacity—older buildings may require significant upgrades.
Planning for a fair and scalable setup, especially if other residents might want to charge their vehicles at the same time.
In some cases, you might need a feasibility study from an electrical engineer or a shared smart charging system.

Whatever the situation, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether your project is straightforward or complex, we’re here to guide you. Our priorities? Efficiency and long-term reliability. Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team.

What’s the best spot to install my charger?

The ideal location depends on your building type, parking layout, and the distance from your electrical panel.

For single-family homes, common options include:

In the garage: Simple and sheltered. It’s also the most comfortable solution in winter—no snow or ice buildup on the connector or charging port.
On an exterior wall: This is a common and fairly easy setup—as long as the wall is close enough to the parking area for the cable to reach the car.
On a pedestal in the driveway: This option works well when the walls are too far away or the cable is short. It also helps avoid any potential damage to your home’s exterior.

In multi-unit or commercial buildings, several factors come into play: number of chargers, available space, panel location, user habits, municipal bylaws, and more.

If you’re building a new property, it’s best to plan for EV charging from the start—this helps optimize both space and infrastructure. Whether your project involves new construction or an existing building, our experts can help you make the right call.

What to keep in mind before launching your project

To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to gather a bit of information beforehand:

Where do you want the charger installed? Our experts can help you decide if you’re unsure.
When do you need the charger ready?
Is your home pre-wired for a charger? (Since 2018, pre-wiring is required for new constructions under the building code.)
Are you interested in smart features? (App control, charging schedules, power management, etc.)
Don’t forget to take photos of: your electrical panel, your Hydro meter, the location where you’d like to install the charger.

These details help us provide a more precise quote and guide you toward the right options.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your project.