As licensed electricians working across British Columbia, we’ve helped countless homeowners install EV chargers safely and efficiently. With electric vehicles becoming more common throughout the province, having a reliable way to charge your EV at home is no longer just a convenience, it’s a necessity. A home EV charger installation not only saves time but ensures faster, safer, and more efficient charging compared to using a standard outlet.
At Intense Voltage Electrical, we specialize in setting up efficient, code-compliant charging systems tailored to each property and vehicle type across the Lower Mainland.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Charging your vehicle at home saves time, provides convenience, and reduces long-term costs. A properly installed EV charger lets you plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery every morning. It also helps you avoid the limitations of public charging stations and the risks associated with using 120-volt outlets for continuous charging.
In BC, most homeowners opt for Level 2 chargers, which require a 240-volt circuit and must be installed by a licensed electrician in compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and Technical Safety BC regulations.
Types of EV Chargers
There are three main levels of EV chargers, each suited for different needs:
- Level 1 Chargers: Use a standard household outlet (120V) and provide a slow charge, typically adding about 5–8 km of range per hour. Ideal for plug-in hybrids or low-mileage drivers.
- Level 2 Chargers: The most popular for BC homeowners. Require a 240V circuit and can add 30–50 km of range per hour, depending on your vehicle and charger model. These units are often eligible for rebates through BC Hydro and CleanBC.
- Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Chargers): Found primarily in commercial or public charging stations. They require high electrical capacity and are not suitable for residential installation.
The Installation Process
As electricians, we follow a structured process to ensure every installation is safe, reliable, and fully compliant with Technical Safety BC standards. The process includes:
- Site Assessment – We evaluate your home’s electrical panel capacity, wiring condition, and determine the best installation location for the charger.
- Load Calculations & Breaker Sizing – We perform electrical load assessments to ensure your system can handle the charger safely and select the correct breaker and wire gauge for your installation.
- Panel Upgrade (if required) – Some homes may need an electrical panel upgrade to support the additional load.
- Permit Application – In BC, EV charger installations require a BC Hydro or municipal electrical permit, which we handle for you.
- Installation & Testing – We mount, wire, and test the charger to confirm safe operation, grounding, and compliance with the latest electrical codes.
Choosing the Right Location
Your charger should be installed near your parking space, ideally within reach of your electrical panel. For outdoor installations, we use weatherproof materials, sealed conduits, and ensure proper drainage in accordance with Technical Safety BC guidelines.
Benefits of Professional Installation
- Compliance with BC Hydro and Technical Safety BC regulations
- Proper grounding, bonding, and GFCI protection
- Safe and efficient charging performance
- Permitting and inspection handled by licensed electricians
- Long-term reliability and warranty protection
Incentives and Rebates in BC
Visit BC Hydro or CleanBC websites for the most current rebate information.
Why Choose Intense Voltage Electrical
At Intense Voltage Electrical, we take pride in providing expert EV charger installation services for homeowners throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. From inspections and load calculations to permits and final safety checks, we handle every step with precision and care to ensure your charger operates safely and efficiently.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to enjoy the convenience of home EV charging, contact Intense Voltage Electrical. Our team of licensed electricians will assess your system, secure the necessary permits, and complete your installation to meet all BC and Canadian Electrical Code standards.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Home EV Charger Installation
Installing a home EV charger saves time, provides convenience, and reduces long-term charging costs. It allows you to charge overnight and avoid relying on public charging stations or unsafe 120-volt outlets.
The process includes a site assessment, load calculations, breaker sizing, panel upgrades if needed, permit application, and final installation with full testing and compliance checks.
It should be installed close to your parking space and ideally near your electrical panel. For outdoor setups, weatherproof materials and proper drainage are used to meet Technical Safety BC standards.
Intense Voltage Electrical provides expert, code-compliant EV charger installations throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. They handle assessments, permits, installation, and safety checks to ensure a reliable and efficient charging system.
There are three levels of EV chargers. Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and charges slowly. Level 2, the most common in BC, uses a 240V circuit and charges much faster. Level 3 chargers are fast but only used in commercial settings and not suitable for homes.
Yes. Home EV charger installations in BC require a BC Hydro or municipal electrical permit, which Intense Voltage Electrical handles as part of the service.
Professional installation ensures compliance with BC Hydro and Technical Safety BC regulations, safe operation, GFCI protection, proper grounding, reliable performance, and warranty support.
