Tips for choosing the right home charging station

Here you will find all the factors to take into account before acquiring a charging station.

Home charging station models are differentiated, among other things, by their power.

In a charging station’s technical specifications, the electrical current required for its installation and operation is indicated in amperes (A), and its maximum charging power is indicated in kilowatts (kW).

Here are some examples of the different charging station models you may find:

• 15 amperes, with a power of 3.6 kilowatts
• 30 amperes, with a power of 7.2 kilowatts
• 40 amperes, with a power of 9.6 kilowatts
• 50 amperes, with a power of 12 kilowatts
• 80 amperes, with a power of 19.2 kilowatts

Most commercially available charging station models have a power between 7.2 kilowatts and 12 kilowatts. Their power can sometimes be adjusted.

Cost based on power

Charging stations with very high power have a higher purchase cost. A home charging station does not need to be particularly powerful: most charging is done overnight. A moderate power output makes it possible to spread charging over several hours while limiting the strain on the electrical grid.

In addition, a 50- or 80-ampere charging station may require upgrading your home’s electrical panel or adding a secondary panel, which can increase installation costs by several hundred dollars.

Make sure to properly estimate the power you need in order to save on your purchase and installation costs.

The more powerful a charging station is, the faster it charges a vehicle’s battery.

In one hour, a 15-ampere charging station can supply 3.6 kilowatts of electricity to a vehicle’s battery. A 30-ampere charging station will provide double that amount, or 7.2 kilowatts in one hour.

To estimate the number of hours required to fully charge your vehicle’s battery, simply divide your battery’s capacity (expressed in kilowatt-hours) by the charging station’s power in kilowatts.

Example

You have acquired a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a 14.4-kilowatt-hour battery.

A 15-ampere charging station (3.6 kilowatt-hours) will fully charge your battery at home in less than 5 hours: 14.4 kWh / 3.6 kW = 4 h

A 15-ampere charging station is therefore suitable for this type of vehicle.

On-board charger power limit

Your vehicle’s charging speed does not depend solely on the power of your home charging station.

When charging at home, it is the on-board charger of the vehicle that determines the maximum charging power accepted in alternating current, and therefore the maximum possible charging speed.

A home charging station that is too powerful for your vehicle’s specifications might never operate at full capacity.

Example

Are you debating between a 7.2-kilowatt (30-ampere) charging station and a 12-kilowatt (50-ampere) charging station for your home? Do you think you can charge your vehicle faster with a 50-ampere charging station?

According to the vehicle manufacturer’s description, the maximum power of your vehicle’s on-board charger in alternating current is 7.2 kilowatts.

Whatever home charging station model you choose, its charging power will never exceed 7.2 kilowatts. A charging station with an electrical current of 30 amperes (7.2 kilowatts) is therefore sufficient.

The Gouvernement du Québec offers financial assistance for the purchase and installation of a home charging station (Écorecharge). 

Some charging station manufacturers and charging network operators offer EV drivers the opportunity to generate revenue each time they charge their electric vehicles at home using a residential charging station connected to their network.

These businesses allow you to receive incentives ranging from 3¢ to 15¢ for each kilowatt-hour consumed and, in some cases, they provide free charging stations.

Consult thelist of businesses that offer these incentives and benefits for home charging in Québec (PDF 204 Kb) (in french only).

These offers are based on Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the use of cleaner fuels and technologies. Businesses may participate and offer advantageous programs to EV drivers provided that the charging stations are installed by December 31, 2030. Rewards for home charging could be paid until 2035.

Other features should be considered before choosing a home charging station.

You can opt for a fixed charging station or a portable charging station:

• A fixed charging station will be connected by an electrician to your home’s electrical panel;
• A Level 2 portable charging station must be plugged into a NEMA 14-50 (stove) socket or a NEMA 6-50 (welder) socket.

Pay attention to the charging cable, at the end of which the connector is located.

• Charging cables measure between 6 and 8 metres in length.
• Make sure you have a cable long enough to reach your vehicle’s charging port.
• A cable that is too long or too thick will be more difficult to handle in winter.

Connector type

You must choose a charging connector type compatible with your vehicle.

Most home charging stations are offered with one of the two main types of connectors:

• A J1772 connector, compatible with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and the majority of electric vehicles;
• A NACS connector, used by Tesla vehicles and recent electric vehicles from several other manufacturers.