How to ‘fill up’ your EV
Electric Vehicles (EV) must be connected to an electrical system to charge. The amount of time it takes to charge your vehicle will depend on your charger and vehicle.
EV chargers are classified into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3/Direct Current Fast-Charging (DCFC). These chargers use different input voltages, Level 1 uses 110/120V, Level 2 uses 208/240V – both of which are available in residential homes. Level 3 DC fast chargers use between 200- and 600-volts DC, which requires the level of power available at commercial sites.
I. Types of Chargers
Level 1 charging is cost-efficient but slow – it uses a standard 120-V outlet that you see in your home. Most EV models come standard with a portable 120-volt cord-set that allows EV drivers to charge almost anywhere using any standard household outlet. This type of charging takes the longest but requires the least amount of effort to set up. These types of chargers are usually used in homes or as a backup charging solution while travelling.
Pros
Cons
- Accessibility: Level 1 charging is the most accessible as it can be done through a standard household electrical outlet, requiring no specialized infrastructure.
- Low Cost: Since it utilizes standard household outlets, the cost of setting up a Level 1 charging station is minimal, making it an economical choice for EV owners.
- Versatility: Level 1 charging is widely available, allowing EV drivers to charge their vehicles wherever there is a standard electrical outlet, providing flexibility in charging locations.
- Slow Charging Speed: Level 1 chargers have the slowest charging speed among the different levels, making them less suitable for quickly replenishing a depleted battery.
- Limited Range Extension: Due to the slow charging rate, Level 1 charging is more suitable for overnight charging, and it may not provide a significant range extension during short stops.
- Not Ideal for Long Trips: For EV drivers on long trips, Level 1 charging may not be practical, as it lacks the speed needed for quick top-ups during brief stops.
Level 2 charging is the more practical charging solution for residential and commercial/ workplace settings. It offers higher power output than Level 1 chargers and most have additional functionality. Level 2 chargers typically charge at 30 km per hour, taking between 6-10 hours to fully charge a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and 4-8 hours to charge a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
Pros
Cons
- Faster Charging: Level 2 chargers provide faster charging compared to Level 1, reducing the time required to charge an electric vehicle significantly.
- Widespread Availability: Level 2 charging infrastructure is more prevalent than Level 3, making it accessible at various public locations, workplaces, and some residential areas.
- Versatility for Daily Use: Suitable for daily charging needs, Level 2 chargers strike a balance between speed and convenience, offering practical solutions for many EV owners.
- Installation Costs: While less expensive than Level 3, installing Level 2 charging stations may still require some investment, especially for home installations.
- Not as Fast as Level 3: Although faster than Level 1, Level 2 charging may not be as quick as Level 3, making it less optimal for drivers in a hurry or on long journeys.
- Potential for Congestion: Popular public Level 2 charging stations may experience congestion during peak times, leading to longer wait times for users.
DC fast chargers are currently the most powerful electric vehicle (EV) chargers available. They can fully charge an EV in under an hour, depending on factors like the vehicle's battery size and the charger's power capacity. Typically found at public charging stations, Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, are strategically placed in areas where people spend short periods, such as restaurants, rest stops, and shopping centers. These locations are chosen due to the infrastructure demands of Level 3 chargers, which require significant upgrades because of their high-power requirements, making them more suitable for public installations than private ones.
Pros
Cons
- Rapid Charging: Level 3 DCFC chargers provide high power levels, enabling fast charging times of under an hour for a full EV battery.
- Convenience at Public Spaces: Typically located at public places like restaurants and shopping centers, Level 3 chargers make it convenient for drivers to charge their EVs while engaging in short activities.
- Extended Range in Short Stops: Ideal for drivers on long trips, Level 3 chargers allow for quick top-ups during brief stops, extending the overall range of the EV.
- Infrastructure Dependency: The installation of Level 3 chargers requires significant infrastructure upgrades, limiting their availability compared to slower chargers.
- Potential for Crowding: Popular public locations with Level 3 chargers may experience congestion during peak charging times, leading to longer wait times for users.
- Cost: In some cases, Level 3 charging may be more expensive compared to home charging or Level 2 charging, impacting the overall cost of driving an EV.
II. Charging Considerations
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If you live in a single-family home:
A level 2 EV charger can add significant electrical load to your home – typically 40 amps. Having a garage or private driveway is the easiest way to enable your at-home charger installation since having an interior/external wall next to where your vehicle parks is ideal. You’ll need a professional electrician/contractor to install a Level 2 charger. It entails installing a 240-volt receptacle in your garage, like those used for a clothes dryer. If you already have a hot tub or second stove in your home, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel from 100 amps to 200 amps so that you can also charge your EV.
If your electrical contractor determines that you need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate a Level 2 EV charger, please please follow the steps in the Service Upgrades section of the Make a Service Request page to submit your request to Alectra Utilities.
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If you live in an apartment or condo:
Charging requirements will vary from building to building based on the building policies and infrastructure. Alectra Utilities encourages prospective EV owners to work with their condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet their EV charging needs before purchasing the EV. Provincial regulations provide a process for both owners and condominium corporations seeking to install EV charging stations. Additionally, each municipality may have different rules regarding new and existing multi-residential building requirements for EV chargers – see here for more information.
If you are part of a condominium corporation, you can access information and resources the on the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) website. The CAO maintains information dedicated to assisting owners in applying for the installation of EV chargers.
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III. Charging and your Alectra Utilities bill
If you have an electric vehicle that you charge at home overnight, the Ultra-Low Overnight price plan may be best for you, because you’ll be able to take advantage of the very low-priced overnight period.
ULO pricing is based on the day of the week and time of day electricity is used, but with an ultra-low overnight rate that encourages shifting high electricity-usage activities to the lower overnight demand periods. Visit Choose My Rate Option to help you make an informed choice about which electricity price plan is right for you and to submit a rate option selection form.
To get a clear picture of how switching to an EV will impact your electricity bill and the environment, try Alectra's EV Calculator. It provides a detailed breakdown of charging costs based on your driving habits and EV model, while also helping you understand the environmental benefits of shifting from gasoline to electric.
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IV. Alectra SmartCharge
If you have a battery electric vehicle, are interested in upgrading to a smart level 2 charger, and want to help develop the next generation of customer incentive programs – SmartCharge could be for you! Designed to help you make informed decisions about charging your EV, this initiative will offer a managed installation, and an integrated app to manage their your EV charging and view charging insights. SmartCharge will also simplify home EV charger installation—making it easier, more affordable, and more accessible.
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Have questions? Email us at EV@alectrautilities.com