Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems

Background on Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems

Electric Vehicles known as EV’s are becoming increasingly popular in Ontario. As we transfer from fossil fuels and buy into green energies it will become necessary to have more EV Charging Stations.

In most cases, chargers will differ depending on where they are installed. Such as installing a charger in your home garage or in parking spaces at a employer. To accommodate these situations there are different levels and types of charging. – level 1, level 2 and level 3. These tier levels use different voltages and amperages which result in longer or shorter charge times. Level 2 chargers will be the EV charger that most home owners will be wanting to get setup for as they offer the best charging option. Typically they are sold as 32amp or 40amp. Your electrician will be able to advise on which option is best for your situation.

There is no doubt that EV owners can net significant savings vs fossil fuel cars if fuel costs remain high and electricity rates remain low. However there is a catch and that is it will require more work on the individual to keep their EV charged up.

Currently there several good arguments against EV’s. You may hear people talk about how expensive the batteries are to replace or how they don’t seem to hold the charge capacity that they once did when new. Another issue is the lack of charging stations and how that can lead to range anxiety.

Charging scenarios to think about

Does your home have the required wiring and ampacity to allow the EV charger you need. A level 1 120volt charger is slow. Is installing a level 2 240volt charger possible? Will you need a 2nd charger at work or at a cottage?

Will charging at work be permitted by your employer? Without a written agreement from your employer bringing your own charger to work and plugging in your EV for your shift may be considered stealing.

If there are designated EV chargers at work, how many are there and will you be able to access them when you need it. If your work employs 100’s of staff and 10% of them own an EV but there are only 2 chargers. You may find a problem in getting access to a charger when you need it.

Power outage.

Will you need to charge your EV during a power outage?

How will you charge your EV during a power outage?

Will you need a specific generator size to charge your EV?

Is your EV charger compatible with your generator, proper outlet, amperage and voltage?

Will your generator run on gas, diesel or propane?

How will you store gas for the generator?

How long will gas stay good?

Can your EV be charged off of your solar system?

Lots of questions to think about… especially if all you ever thought about was all the money you will be saving on gas because now you have an EV!

Check list for installing a new electric vehicle charger:

  • The electrical contractor will need to file a notification (electrical permit)  with ESA before starting the installation.
  • All work must meet Ontario electrical safety code in which Section 86 – Electrical Vehicles Charging Systems dictates the requirements.
  • You may only need a electrical outlet with associated equipment (breaker, wiring and charger)
  • A Licensed Electrical Contractor with ECRA/ESA must do the installation.
  • The charging equipment must be certified by a nationally recognized certification agency and must certify the equipment for use in Canada. The equipment must display CSA, cUL, cETL or other certification marks recognized by ESA.
  • When the project is completed and meets the Ontario Electrical Safety code ESA will issue a Certificate of Acceptance.
  • Ask your Licensed Electrical Contractor for a copy of certificate of acceptance for your records.
  • Contact your home or business insurance broker to discuss the addition of your new electric vehicle charger. The ESA issued certificate of acceptance document can provide peace of mind and should be reviewed with your agent to see if a policy change is needed. You may want to make this last step your first. Would a high premium turn you off of having an EV?

Common vehicle type list for charger needed:

  • Tesla uses its own proprietary system called the Supercharger network
  • Ford
  • GM
  • Toyota
  • Honda

Where to find charger stations

Tesla’s expanding charging network is supplemented by Tesla’s Destination Chargers. Thy can be found in hotel parking lots and other popular tourist locations. They can be slow, but use the same plug and socket mechanism as the rapid-power Superchargers.

There are different levels of charging: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The higher the number, the more powerful (and faster) the charging should be.

Not all cars will be compatible with the different levels of charging. However, electric cars are designed so that you can’t accidently over charge a EV by connecting to an inappropriate charger.

Charging Levels

Level 1

Level 1, 120 Volt AC charging is the ‘entry-level’ option.

This would be the default charging system that would be more user friendly in terms of its versatility of where it can be used. The down side is that level 1 chargers are painfully slower as a result.

You can expect to add 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. The low level of charging is offset by the connivance of easily being able to charge at home without having to install any special charging equipment. Overnight charging makes the most sense to top off your EV which allows you avoid the public charger scenario altogether. Especially if they are in use by other EV owners.

A level 1 charger may be the only option that allows you to charge off a generator. Usually a level 1 charger will come with your car purchase and would be good to have with you at all times for a backup.

Level 2

Level 2, which is 208 Volts to 240 Volts AC, is speedier and your options are greater, although there are still limitations. You might get up to 80 miles from an hour’s charge, though this could drop down to just over 10 in other cases. EV chargers that offer Level 2 charging are becoming more commonplace. They can often be the ones to look for at locations like fast food outlets, shopping mall complexes and hotels. Some are variable in their amperage output allowing you to charge at 32amps or 40amps. They are sold via online retailers or through your electrical contractor.

Level 3

Level 3 DC rapid charging is the most appealing in terms of speed and efficiency. The 400 Volts to 900 Volts DC rapid charge and Supercharging options can deliver up to 20 miles per minute thanks to that direct current supply and higher voltage rating. Tesla owners get to enjoy this via the Supercharger network, while other makes and models don’t always get that luxury. 

If you don’t have a Tesla but want to be up there with the big boys, then Level 3 charging is where the party’s at — provided it’s available where you are, or where you’re headed.