What an EV charger install costs
A Level 2 EV charger install starts from $1,099 when you supply the charger. The biggest price factors are the distance from your electrical panel to where you park, and whether your panel has the space and capacity for a new 240V circuit.
If your panel is full, a subpanel (from $899) or a panel replacement (from $2,499) may be needed. You'll know before any work starts.
Level 1 vs Level 2 charging
- Level 1 uses a regular 120V outlet. It's slow and works best for plug-in hybrids or short daily drives.
- Level 2 uses a dedicated 240V circuit and charges much faster, which matters in Edmonton winters when range drops in the cold.
- A Level 2 charger can be hardwired or plugged into a 240V outlet. Hardwired is tidier and often allows a higher charging rate.
Checking your panel
Before installing, I look at your panel's size and the loads already on it. Many chargers can be set to a lower amperage to fit a smaller panel, and load management devices can help avoid a costly upgrade. The goal is the right size circuit for your car, your panel and your driving.
Choosing a charger
- Buy a charger certified for use in Canada (look for a CSA, cUL or ULC mark).
- Check the cable length reaches your charge port from where the charger will mount.
- If you want app control, make sure Wi-Fi reaches your garage or driveway.
- Outdoor installs need a charger rated for outdoor use.
Permits and detached garages
EV charger circuits typically need an electrical permit in Alberta. Permit work is done through a licensed Master Electrician partner.
Detached garages usually need a feeder run from the house, which is quoted as garage wiring work (from $1,299).
What to send for a quote
- A photo of your electrical panel with the door open, and the label inside the door
- A photo of where you park and where you'd like the charger
- Roughly how far that spot is from the panel
- The charger make and model, if you have it
Serving Edmonton and area
YEG Sparky serves Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan, plus neighbourhoods across Edmonton like Mill Woods, Windermere, Terwillegar, Castle Downs, Clareview, Summerside and Old Strathcona.
✉ Email [email protected] for a free quote