How much does an EV Charger cost in Ottawa?


How much does an EV Charger installation cost in Ottawa?

 
The cost of EV charger installation in Ottawa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the location, wire size and the amount of electrical work required. Many clients have had EV chargers installed in the past and have been surprised at how much the price has risen over the past couple years and wonder why the cost has risen. There are a few factors for this but the main factor is that most EV chargers typically require copper wiring and the cost of most copper wire has more than doubled over the past 2 years! 
 
Generally, the cost of installing a Level 2 EV charger (which is the most common type) in Ottawa can range from $1,095 to $1,900, with an average cost of around $1,375.

How does this cost typically breakdown?

35-50% = materials
45-60% = labour
10% = permit + inspection

How long does the installation take?

Depending on the complexity and distance of your EV charger installation we are seeing the typical installation times ranging anywhere from 4-8hrs

How do I know what size of charger I need?

Typically your EV vehicle owners manual will tell you what size of charger you need. Examples of this would be 32amps, 40amps, 48 amps etc. Sometimes the manufacturers give you the charger requirement in “kilowatts” or “kw”. An easy conversion for this unit is x1000 and then divided by 240 volts

For example:

If your owners manual specifies a 9.2kw charger

9.6 x 1000 = 9600 / 240 = 40amps

It is important to keep in mind that this unit is operating amperage and your electrician will need to “upsize” the wire and breaker to accomodate a margin of safety as per the Canadian Electrical Code.

The standard way of doing this is to multiply the operating amperage by a factor of 1.25.

In this case 40amps x 1.25 = 50 amp wiring and breaker

 

Do I need a Panel upgrade?

If your electrician identifies that you will need a panel upgrade to accommodate the new charger this may add to your overall cost.
However there are other options such as “Smart Load Management Systems” whenever service upgrades are not feasible due to cost or due to lack of available capacity from your utility provider
 
To get an accurate estimate for EV charger installation in Ottawa, it’s recommended to contact your licensed electrician or a company that specializes in EV charger installations to obtain a quote based on your specific situation.
 
They can provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and help you choose the best charging solution for your needs.