Installing EV Charger Station

As the electric car becomes increasingly popular, the demand for residential EV charging stations continues to rise. BPM Electric is here to equip your home with the necessary infrastructure to allow for reliable, affordable, and safe charging. As an electric company with over 30 years of experience, installing EV charging equipment is well within our field of expertise. Our certified electricians are equipped to outfit any Lower Mainland home with the necessary equipment, streamlining the transition to electric mobility. Say goodbye to gas stations and hello to your very own EV charging station with BPM Electric's trusted service.

Ready to power your electric vehicles at home? Contact us today or book now for your professional EV charger setup.

BPM Electric extends its electrical service across the Lower Mainland, providing professional installation of EV chargers for British Columbia residents. Whether you need a service upgrade, a new electrical panel, or a home charger for your electric vehicle, our team services the following areas:

• Surrey: (604) 359 0988
• Langley: (604) 343 4432
• Abbotsford: (604) 239 1759
• Chilliwack: (604)-359-2529
• Cloverdale: (604)-359-2529
• Maple Ridge: (604)-359-2529
• Pitt Meadows: (604)-359-2529
• Vancouver: (604) 670-2531

Prior to the installation of your EV charger, determine if your home's electrical system can handle the extra powe. Every EV charger requires a dedicated circuit in the panel to operate safely and efficiently. If your current panel is full, a sub-panel may be installed to create space for the new circuit. For single-family homes with a standard 100 amp panel, an upgrade to 200 amps is often necessary to accommodate proper EV panel installation. This upgrade is essential to prepare your home for the electrical work ahead and is best assessed by a certified electrician.

A hardwired charging station can be installed outdoors or indoors, offering a consistent and reliable power supply. For outdoor installations, hardwiring is especially recommended to provide a steady charge and withstand the elements. This is particularly beneficial for Level 2 charging stations, which operate on a continuous power draw, ensuring they remain on the same circuit without interruptions. A BPM electrician can determine the optimal location and method for your installation to ensure you receive the security and flexibility you need.

To ensure a smooth EV charger installation process, the following steps are recommended:

1. First, evaluate your home's power capacity. To ensure there is enough space and power to meet your EV charging station's demands, calculate how much power you have available as per the electrical code.
2. Then, if your home electrical system lacks sufficient power, you may need an electrical service upgrade or a new load management system.
3. Lastly, you'll have to navigate the application process for electrical permits and inspections. A certified electrician at BPM can assist you in applying for rebates offered by BC Hydro and other institutions, maximizing your savings.

• Confirm Eligibility: Before installing an EV charging station, check with your local municipality to ensure your single-family home or condo building is eligible for this installation.
• Assess Electrical Capacity: Ensure your home has enough electrical capacity to support the high electricity demand of an EV charger.
• Panel Space Evaluation: Verify there's enough space in your electrical panel for a dedicated circuit breaker for the EV charger. If space is lacking, you may need an upgrade.
• Purchase the Charger: Select and purchase an EV charger that meets your specific needs and is compatible with your cars. Whether that's the Level 1, the Level 2, or the more advanced DC Fast Chargers, evaluate your needs and invest in the right EV station.
• Acquire Installation Permit: Obtain the permits needed to install your EV charger. If you're unsure which permits you need, one of our professional electricians can advise.
• Hire a Certified Electrician: For quality work and safety, contact a certified electrician to install and plug in your EV charging station.

Level 1 Charging Station:

• Advantage: The most accessible and straightforward EV charging station, Level 1 chargers require just a standard 110-volt or 120-volt AC outlet.
• Drawback: The main disadvantage of Level 1 chargers is their slow charging speed. It can take up to 12 hours for a Level 1 to fully charge an electric vehicle, making it impractical for drivers who require more mileage.

Level 2 Charging Station:

• Advantage: Level 2 chargers are significantly faster than their Level 1 counterparts, requiring just 4 to 8 hours of charging time. This makes them more suitable for residential installation and ideal for drivers wanting overnight charging.
• Drawback: Installation is more complex and must comply with the Canadian Electrical Code, necessitating professional installation. While the initial cost is higher, rebates can offset some of the expenses.

To encourage environmentally friendly practices, rebates are available to help cover the costs of your EV charger installation. For single-family homes, duplexes, or row homes, the BC EV charger rebate program can cover up to 50% of the costs, to a maximum of $350 per household. For apartment and condo buildings, the BC Hydro EV charger rebate has two options. The first is the EV Ready Rebate, which consists of three cohesive rebates to create and implement a plan to make your building EV-ready. The second option is the Standalone EV Charger rebate that covers up to 50% of the costs (to a maximum of $2,000) to install a standalone EV charger.

The cost of installing an EV charging station in BC typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, but it's important to note that each case varies. Factors influencing the cost include the location of installation, the type of charger, the state of the electrical system, and the rebates available. For the most accurate estimate, please get in touch with BPM Electric. Our team can assess your property to provide a tailored cost and plan of action.