How to choose the right EV charging station?
October 16 2023,
After purchasing your new electric Cadillac, you are now discovering the world of charging stations and are probably looking for the answer to the following question: how to choose the right EV charger? Cadillac Canada and your Cadillac dealership in Laval, close to Blainville, the West Island and Montreal, will help you see more clearly.
How to choose the right EV charger: tension, level, charging speed
Firstly, you should know that in Quebec, there are three charging station levels for your electric vehicle. Also, the higher the tension level, the less time it will take for you to charge your electric car.
Level 1 Charging Station
All electric vehicles are sold with a level 1 portable charger, which means that you can plug your vehicle to a regular 120 volt outlet. You should know that with a level 1 charger, your vehicle will require several hours of charging to reach full charge.
Level 2 Charging Station
The vast majority of electric vehicle owners choose to have a 240 volt charging station installed for quicker charging times. You can also find level 2 public charging stations. They will charge your vehicle at an average of 40 kilometers for each hour plugged.
Level 3 Charging Station
These ultra-fast charging stations are public charging stations that you will come across while out on your drives. They will provide you with the possibility of charging your electric vehicle back to an 80 % charge in around 30 minutes. They are often located close to main roads.
Having a charging station installed
Where to install your EV charging station?
As we previously mentioned, a level 1 charging station does not require a specific installation process. As for a level 2, it can be installed inside –generally in your garage- or outside. It can be attached to a wall or can be self-supporting. If it is self-supporting, your electrician or your EV charger specialist can suggest a model for harsher climates or weather conditions (heavy rainfalls, snow, extreme colds, etc.).
How much does installing a charging station cost?
Costs related to the installation of a EV charger will depend on several factors:
- How far it is from the existing electric installation
- Work required for the electrical wires
- The current electrical box capacity
- Etc.
In short, these factors must be taken into account and you should ask your electrician for a proper quote; this way, you might avoid unforeseen costs. As a general rule, installing a charging station in Quebec can cost around $ 1,500. Don’t forget that there can be exceptions, and that these can quickly cause the total of your bill to rise.
Can you install an EV charging station yourself?
Only a certified electrician is allowed to install a residential charging station. Not only will they have the necessary credentials, once the job is complete, it will also be guaranteed. This will also serve as proof should you have to fill an insurance claim.
How high is an electric vehicle charging station?
The first thing to take into consideration is where to install your new EV charging station. Your electrician will be the one to properly answer this question, especially given that there are standards and regulations that must be met and respected.
Moreover, the height of a residential EV charger will allow you to plug your electric vehicle in effortlessly. Here too, your electrician will suggest a standard height that will ensure an easy plug-in.
Find out more about electric Cadillac models:
Who can install a charging station for your electric vehicle?
In Quebec, only a certified electrician is authorized to properly install a charging station for electric vehicles.
The best charging stations in Quebec
First and foremost, you should know that, depending on your electric vehicle model, some charging stations will be recommended. Before purchasing a residential charging station, it is important to do your research and gather the necessary information regarding which charging station would be best suited to your specific vehicle, the same way you would research how to choose the right electric vehicle.
Moreover, although there are several models of charging stations available, the ones that generally come up as being the most popular are the following:
- ChargePoint Home Flex
- Flo Maison X5
- Flo Maison G5
- Elmec EVduty-40
- Technove Borne BR240V-I48 Powerful – Wi-Fi
Charging stations for electric vehicles: prices in Quebec
To get a charger for your electric vehicle at a competitive price, this will vary according to the model and the features the charging station offers.
The price for a charging station varies between $ 800 and $ 1,600.
Charging stations and government incentives in Quebec
If you are an electric vehicle owner, you could be eligible for a provincial government incentive of $ 600 for the purchase and installation of a residential charging station.
As for businesses who would like to install charging stations at work, the provincial government also offers a financial incentive. Grants for a business charging station will be equal to 50 % of the admissible related costs, up to a total of $ 5,000 maximum.
Takeaway
The charging station market is becoming increasingly important in Quebec, especially given the higher number of electric vehicles cruising our streets. No matter if you have an electric car or a luxury electric SUV, you should know that you will need a home charging station if you want to be able to charge your electric vehicle quickly.
At Cadillac Laval, close to Blainville, the West Island and Montreal, we have electric Cadillac models for you. You might, for example, want to take a look at the Cadillac Lyriq specs or take advantage of our other models. Come and take a closer look at all of our vehicle models in Laval, today. We are looking forward to your visit!
