How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electric Car Charger?
Switching to an electric vehicle could save you a significant amount on fuel costs — up to $7,500 (CAD 10,016) per year in some cases. However, it's essential to consider how you'll charge your new set of wheels. Knowing how much an electric car charger costs can help you decide whether an electric vehicle is affordable.
According to Fixr, EV charger installation costs between $1,000 and $2,500 (CAD 1,335 and CAD 3,339) on average. The range is wide because the price depends on several factors, including whether you install a Level 1 or Level 2 charging station and your existing electrical system. Let's take a closer look at the factors involved in electric car charger installation to help you estimate your costs more accurately.
How Much Does a Level 1 Electric Car Charger Cost?
Level 1 EV chargers usually come free with electric vehicles and plug into standard 120-volt outlets. Therefore, installing a Level 1 charger costs nothing if you use the model that came with your car.
You may need a replacement Level 1 charger if your existing unit wears out. How much a Level 1 charger costs depends on the model and manufacturer, but most people pay between $300 and $600 (CAD 401 and CAD 801).
However, Level 1 chargers charge electric vehicles relatively slowly. Charging rates vary by model, but you'll usually need to plug your car in for up to 24 hours to achieve a full charge. If you drive frequently or make long-distance journeys, you could be better off with a Level 2 charger.
Installing a Level 2 charger is more expensive, costing between $600 and $1,200 (CAD 801 and CAD 1,603) on average. However, they can fully charge a car in as little as 2 to 5 hours. Level 2 charger installation costs depend on several factors, including whether you hard wire your unit into your home's electrical system or use a portable unit. You'll also need to install a 240-volt outlet to support your charger unless you have one already.
It's possible to install a Level 3 EV charger to charge your electric vehicle at home. However, these electric car charging stations are more common at gas stations and other commercial settings. They're also costly to install at $12,000 to $35,000 (CAD 16,026 to CAD 46,741) per unit, although they can often charge a vehicle in under an hour.
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How Much Does Electric Car Charger Installation Labor Cost?
According to HomeGuide, installing an electric car charger costs around $400 to $1,700 (CAD 534 to CAD 2,270) for installation labor alone. Most electricians charge between $50 and $130 (CAD 67 and CAD 174) per hour for electric car charger installation services.
You may also need to purchase a permit to install a charger inside or outside your home. Permit costs vary by jurisdiction, but most people pay between $50 and $200 (CAD 67 and CAD 267). It's worth checking whether your utility company offers rebates to help with the cost of EV charger installation.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Your Home's Electrical System to Support EV Charger Installation?
Adding a 240-volt circuit and a dedicated outlet to support an EV charger typically costs between $300 and $800, including labor. Installing new wiring costs between $6 and $8 (CAD 8 and CAD 11) per linear foot if you choose to hard wire your charger into your existing electrical system.
You may need to replace your electrical panel if your existing panel can't support a new circuit. Installing a new electrical panel costs most homeowners between $1,800 and $2,500 (CAD 2,404 and CAD 3,339).
Often, installing an electric car charger costs more if you have a detached garage because you'll need to run wiring outside your home. This typically requires underground trenching at a cost of $5 to $12 (CAD 7 to CAD 16) per linear foot. Budget an extra $1,000 to $5,000 (CAD 1,335 to CAD 6,677) if you need to remodel your garage to accommodate your new charging station.
All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.
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