Electric Vehicle Charger Explained: Charging Levels, Costs, and Emergency Power in Canada
- What Is an Electric Vehicle Charger?
- Level 1 Charging
- Level 2 Charging
- DC Fast Charging
- Home vs. Public EV Charging in Canada
- How to Keep Your EV Charged During Outages and Off-Grid
- Setting Up Backup Power for Level 2 EV Charging at Home
- Adding Emergency Driving Range When Charging Stations Are Unavailable
- EV Charging Tips for Canadian Drivers
- Charging in Cold Weather
- Plan Charging on Road Trips
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise in Canada and most charging happens at home. However, public charging limitations, long-distance travel and power outages all create the same problem. How do you charge when your usual charger is not available?
This guide looks at electric vehicle charger types and levels, comparing home and public charging in Canada. It also provides advice on how to maintain charge during blackouts and off-grid excursions.
What Is an Electric Vehicle Charger?
An electric vehicle charging station supplies power to charge an EV. For AC charging, the station delivers AC electricity, which the vehicle’s onboard charger converts to DC power for the battery. With Fast Electric vehicle chargers, the conversion takes place in the charging equipment before electricity reaches the vehicle’s battery.
EV charging equipment varies by charging level, power output, connector type, and installation requirements. Choosing the right option depends on your vehicle, daily driving needs, and available electrical supply.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 uses a standard grounded 120V household outlet. It delivers up to 1.4kW. That adds about 3 to 8 km of range per hour. It is slow. But it works well for topping up after short trips or for slow overnight charging.
It usually uses a portable charge cord. Want to know how long a full charge may take? See this guide on how long it takes to charge a car battery.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging is faster at 240V, with 3.8–19.2kW of power. That adds about 16 to 97 km of range per hour, depending on the charger and your vehicle.
Level 2 is suitable for overnight home charging using a wall-mounted charging station. It requires installation on a 240V circuit or hardwired circuit and must be fitted by a qualified electrician.
DC Fast Charging
Direct current (DC) fast charging is mainly available in public places, providing 50kW–350kW of power and is capable of boosting most EV batteries from 10 to 80 percent in 20–45 minutes.
Fast Electric vehicle chargers are available on highways or in major centres through networks such as Electrify Canada. They are not available for home installation, as they require specialized equipment.
Home vs. Public EV Charging in Canada
Home charging is convenient and affordable for most of our daily driving, and off-peak charging is even cheaper. However, public fast charging is essential for long-distance travel and provides an alternative for those without access to home parking or outlets.
Most public networks offer apps that can be used to locate, activate and pay for charging. The charger can be purchased from local Canadian retailers for home use, providing local technical support and warranty claims.
Home Charging | Public Charging | |
Best for | Daily driving | Road trips |
Speed | Level 1 or Level 2 | DC fast charging (50–350kW) |
When you charge | Overnight, while you sleep | During a stop on your trip |
What you need | An outlet or a 240V circuit | A network app and a way to pay |
How to Keep Your EV Charged During Outages and Off-Grid
A high-capacity portable power station can keep key devices running during an outage or an off-grid trip. Some setups may also work with compatible EV charging equipment. It depends on your EV, your charger, and the power station.
Backup power is not a replacement for DC fast charging. Not sure what size you need? Read this guide on how big a portable Electric vehicle EV charger you need.
Setting Up Backup Power for Level 2 EV Charging at Home
Picture this. It’s a wintry Sunday evening, and the power goes out. The house is dark, the fridge is warm, your EV is in the driveway, and you have a week of driving ahead of you. You have no idea when the grid will be restored.
That’s when a backup plan comes in handy. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-Home Backup Power is designed to keep your home powered up during grid outages. It gives you one less thing to worry about on a stormy night.
If you want to connect a backup power source to your home, get help from a qualified electrician and follow all applicable local codes. Always consider your EV and charging needs first.
Adding Emergency Driving Range When Charging Stations Are Unavailable
Now imagine the same scenario, but you’re driving on a remote highway when your next charging station is closed, the following one is hours away, and your battery is low and running out of time. With a portable power station, you can have a backup power source to get yourself unstuck.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Series Portable Power Station (3072Wh) is a good-sized battery pack that you can bring along on your road trips as a portable power station in case of an emergency.
Don’t expect it to fully charge an EV. Think of it as backup power for a short distance, and pick a size that fits your usual trips.
EV Charging Tips for Canadian Drivers
Canada’s long winters and wide-open roads make charging habits matter. These simple tips help you save time, money, and stress.
Charging in Cold Weather
While cold-weather EV charging is slower until the battery warms up, you can precondition your car while it is charging. In addition, keep your battery charged over the winter, and consider extra buffer range on chilly days.
Plan Charging on Road Trips
Before hitting the road, plan out your charging stops. In rural areas, allow for extra range between stops, and consider a portable power station or generator backup for long stretches without charging stations. For more help, see this step-by-step road trip planning guide.
Conclusion
Every EV owner should know the basics of Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Level 1 is convenient but slow. Level 2 is the best choice for home. DC fast charging is best for the road. In Canada, most drivers charge at home and use public stations on road trips.
However, power outages and off-grid trips can leave you without a way to charge. That is why backup power can be a smart investment for EV owners. Think about what you need at home and on the road, then pick a system that fits.
Keep your home powered during outages with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-Home Backup Power.
FAQs
What is an electric vehicle charger?
An electric vehicle charger is a charging station that supplies electricity to charge an electric vehicle battery. EV chargers regulate the flow of electricity into the vehicle battery.
What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?
Level 1 charging utilizes a standard 120V outlet for the slowest form of charging. Level 2 utilizes a 240V circuit and is the most common form of home EV charging. DC fast charging uses higher voltages for the fastest rates of EV charging and is typically found at public EV charging stations.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home in Canada?
Costs vary widely depending on your charger selection, electrical service upgrade, distance from your electrical panel, and local labour costs. Always ask for a detailed quote from a certified electrician prior to work commencing.
Where can I charge my EV in Canada?
You can charge your EV at home, at work, and at public EV charging stations. Electrify Canada and other networks provide fast EV charging throughout the main highways in Canada and in urban areas. Some automakers, such as Tesla, also run their own networks.
Can I charge my EV during a power outage?
In some cases, yes. It depends on your EV, your charger, and your backup power setup. Check your EV’s needs and ask a qualified electrician. Backup power is not a replacement for DC fast charging.