Electric vehicle charging options
To get the wheels rolling on your electric vehicle, you’ll need a charger with a connection to an electrical power supply. There are three main types of chargers – Levels 1, 2 and 3. Each level differs based on the speed at which you can charge your EV. Over 95% of charging happens at home or at work, so keep that in mind when reviewing your options.
Connection:
Level 1
- Standard 120 volt household outlet
Level 2
- 240 volt plug
Level 3
- 480 volt plug
Installation:
- Does not require the installation of charging equipment
- Requires installation of charging equipment by a qualified electrician
- Requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment installation by a qualified electrician
Rate of Charge:
- Up to 8 km of range per hour of charging
- Up to 30 km of range per hour of charging
- Up to 100 km of range per 20 minutes of charging
Charge Time (Full Charge):
- Plug-in hybrid: approximately 9 hours
- All-electric: approximately 50 hours
- Plug-in hybrid: approximately 2 hours
- All-electric: approximately 9 hours
- All-electric: approximately 1 hour
- All-electric: approximately 30 minutes for 80% charge
Typically Used:
- In homes
- In homes, workplaces and public places
- Public charging stations found in high traffic areas
EV Models:
- All-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- All-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- All-electric and select plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Cost:
- No additional cost, EVs typically come with a Level 1 charger
- Charger cost: $500 - $1,500
Installation cost: $500 - $1,500
(Installation costs may vary)
- Not practical for home installation
Reduced maintenance requirements
All-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have different maintenance requirements, but maintenance will be less frequent for both EV types compared to a conventional vehicle.
All-Electric Vehicles
All-electric vehicles typically require less maintenance. There are fewer fluids to change and less mechanical moving parts.
Reduced brake system maintenance
With regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than on conventional vehicles.
No oil changes
Conventional vehicles typically require an oil change every 4,800 to 11,000 km, but all-electric vehicles do not need engine oil.
No exhaust system maintenance
All-electric vehicles do not have mufflers or catalytic converters, two components of the exhaust system on a conventional vehicle that can fail and result in expensive replacements.
No spark plugs and wires replacement
Conventional vehicles require spark plugs to be replaced approximately every 160,000 km. All-electric vehicles do not have spark plugs.
Minimal scheduled maintenance to electrical systems
EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, which can include the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have an electric motor and a gas motor. Vehicles with gas motors still require the standard maintenance a regular gas-powered vehicle needs such as oil changes, spark plugs and wires, exhaust systems, but less frequently.
Reduced brake system maintenance
With regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than on conventional vehicles.
Minimal scheduled maintenance to electrical systems
EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, which can include the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics.
As EVs still require some maintenance, finding a qualified mechanic is important. If you have a newer EV, get it serviced at the dealership if possible. If you own a pre-owned model, locate a mechanic who specializes in dealing with EVs.
Click here for more on charger features and installation.
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