Charge Using a Regular Wall Socket (Level 1)

1 Hour of Charging ~ 8 km of Driving Range  

All EV models come standard with a portable cord-set that lets you charge using any standard household outlet. This is called Level 1 charging and is the slowest speed of charging, but ensures that no matter where you are, you can always recharge.

If you are driving a plug-in hybrid, it is possible that Level 1 charging is all you really need. Level 1 will fully recharge most plug-in hybrids on the market over-night.

Charge Using an EV Charging Station (Level 2)

1 Hour of Charging ~ 30 km of Driving Range  

The most common way to charge. This is called Level 2 and most EV drivers will install a Level 2 charging station at home. All electric cars and charging stations sold in North America use the same plug standard, which means any car can use any Level 2 station across Canada and the United States.

Level 2 stations have similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove (240 Volts/30 Amps) and any certified electrician can install them. Plug'n Drive offers a full range of Level 2 charging station products through our Charge My Car online store.

The Best Time to Charge

The Best Time to Charge is at Night when the Cost of Electricity is Lowest Many jurisdictions offer "peak-pricing" on electricity. This means that electricity is more expensive during the day when the demand is highest and less expensive during the night when the demand is lowest. This is excellent news for EV drivers because during the night is also the most convenient time to charge. Get home, plug-in and wake-up to a full battery of low-cost electricity.  

Finding an Electrician

Charging stations have similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove (240 Volts/30 Amps) and any licensed electrician can install them. The cost to install a charging station can vary dramatically from case to case and we strongly advise having two or three electricians visit and assess your property to provide an installation quote, or choose a charging solution that includes hardware and professional installation - Learn More . The links below can help you find a licensed electrician in your area:  

Alberta: Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta

British Columbia: Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia

Manitoba: Electrical Association of Manitoba

New Brunswick: Electrical Contractors Association of New Brunswick

Nova Scotia: No industry association. Contact Nova Scotia Power

Newfoundland: No industry association. Contact Newfoundland Power

Ontario: Electrical Safety Authority

Québec: Corporation des Maîtres Électriciens du Québec

Saskatchewan: Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan