Level 2 Home EV Charger: Everything You Need to Know Before Installing

Level 2 Home EV Charger: Everything You Need to Know Before Installing according to bornotto

You just made the switch to electric, or you're seriously considering it, and you've realized that charging on a standard 120V outlet is slow. Really slow. That's where the Level 2 charger comes in. It's the solution the vast majority of EV owners end up choosing, and for good reason.

Before you call an electrician or order a charger online, here's everything worth knowing. We're sticking to the facts, no unnecessary jargon.

Level 1 vs Level 2: What's the Real Difference?

Level 1 is a standard 120V outlet, the kind you already have all over your house. You plug in the charging cable that came with your vehicle, and it works. The problem is speed: count on about 5 to 8 km of range per hour of charging. If you drive 60 km a day, you need between 8 and 12 hours to recover what you used.

Level 2 runs on 240V, like your dryer or stove. With a Level 2 charger, you recover between 30 and 50 km of range per hour. Most people charge their vehicle in 4 to 6 hours overnight and leave every morning with a full battery. It's a difference that genuinely changes your daily routine.

Amperage: What Does It Actually Change?

When you shop for a Level 2 charger, you'll come across numbers like 32A, 40A, 48A or 50A. Amperage determines charging speed. The higher it is, the faster it goes.

32 Amps: The Most Common Choice

For the vast majority of homeowners, a 32-amp charger is more than enough. It delivers about 7.7 kW and can add up to 40 km of range per hour. For normal daily use, that's plenty to recover what you used during the day.

40 to 50 Amps: Who Is It For?

If you drive a lot, have a large electric SUV with a big battery, or simply want maximum flexibility for the years ahead, a 40 or 50-amp charger may be worth the investment. The price difference between models is often minimal, but the electrical work can be a bit more involved depending on your panel.

A Practical Tip

Don't overestimate your needs. A 32A charger that does the job for you costs less to install than a 50A charger that requires a panel upgrade. During your free assessment with bornotto, the electrician recommends the amperage that actually fits your situation, not just the maximum possible.

Your Electrical Panel: The Key Question

This is the first thing to check before anything else. Installing a Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240V circuit in your electrical panel. If your panel still has available capacity, it's simple and fast. If not, an upgrade may be needed.

200-Amp Panel

The good news is that most homes built or renovated in the last 30 years have a 200-amp panel. In those cases, there's generally enough capacity to add a circuit for a Level 2 charger without issue.

100-Amp Panel or Less

If your home is older and your panel is 100 amps, things get a bit more complicated. A panel upgrade may be necessary, which increases the overall cost of the work. That's not a reason to skip it, but it's important to factor into your budget.

The only way to know for sure is to have your installation assessed by a licensed electrician. For a home EV charger installation on the South Shore, bornotto provides a full assessment before giving you a price.

Which Charger to Choose? Rebate-Eligible Models

Not all chargers are created equal, and not all qualify for government rebates. To be eligible for the $600 Roulez vert Program reimbursement, your charger must appear on the Quebec government's official list.

Here are some reliable brands we install regularly that are eligible:

• Flo (AddÉnergie): a Quebec brand, solid and well-supported
• EVDuty: popular for its value and durability
• Grizzl-E: designed for the Canadian climate, excellent reputation
• ChargePoint: one of the largest charging networks in the world, good residential models
• Wallbox: sleek design, advanced features
• Autel: excellent versatile option with several eligible models
• JuiceBox: built-in WiFi connectivity, smart charging management

If you already have a charger in mind, verify it's on the list before buying. Our team can confirm quickly.

The $600 Rebate: How Does It Actually Work?

The Quebec government's Roulez vert Program offers a reimbursement of up to $600 for the purchase and installation of an eligible Level 2 charger. This covers both the cost of the charger and the installation fees.

In practice: if your total installation comes to $500, you're reimbursed $500. If it comes to $750, you're reimbursed $600 and pay the $150 difference. For simple installations in a home with a solid electrical panel, it's not uncommon for the rebate to cover the entire cost.

To qualify, the installation must be done by an RBQ-licensed electrician. At bornotto, all our work is carried out by RBQ-certified, CMEQ-member electricians, and we provide all the documentation you need for your rebate application.

Want to know more about this? We wrote a full article on how to get a free (or almost free) charger installation through government rebates.

Permits: Is It Complicated?

In Quebec, installing an EV charger requires an electrical permit. It's mandatory, and it's one of the conditions for the Roulez vert rebate. The good news is that your electrician handles it. You don't need to do anything on your end.

bornotto manages all permits and ensures the installation complies with Quebec's Electrical Code and CSA standards. At the end of the work, you receive a work certificate, which is also required for your rebate application.

How Long Does the Installation Take?

In most cases, a standard residential installation is completed in half a day. If additional work is needed, like a panel upgrade or more complex wiring, it can take a full day. We give you a precise time window in advance and make sure to leave the place clean when we're done.

Who to Call on the South Shore?

For an installation done right, safely and to code, the choice of electrician matters as much as the choice of charger. bornotto serves Longueuil, Saint-Lambert, Saint-Hubert and surrounding areas on the South Shore.

Have questions about your specific situation, your electrical panel or your charger choice? Reach out to us or request your free quote online. We get back to you in under 24 hours, no pressure, no commitment.