EV Charger Installation: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Buying the charger is the easy part — a lot of the real decisions happen before that, in questions most people don't think to ask until mid-installation. Here's what to sort out first.
1. Does your panel actually have the capacity?
This is the one that gets skipped most often. A Level 2 charger draws significant power, and whether your panel has room for it depends on your home's actual current load, not just its rated capacity. A proper load calculation (using real usage data, not a guess) answers this before you buy anything.
2. Level 1 or Level 2?
Level 1 (standard household outlet) works, but slowly — often 20+ hours for a full charge. Level 2 is what most homeowners actually want, but it needs a dedicated 240V circuit, which is where the panel capacity question above comes in.
3. Where do you actually want it installed?
Garage, driveway, carport — location affects both cost (longer wire runs cost more) and whether you need weatherproofing considerations for an outdoor install. Worth deciding before getting quotes, since it changes the scope.
4. Is your specific charger brand compatible with your panel setup?
Most major brands (Tesla, ChargePoint, and others) work fine with a standard install, but some smart-charger features (load management, app connectivity) have their own installation requirements worth confirming with whoever's doing the work.
5. What permits does this actually need?
EV charger installations typically require a permit and BC Hydro coordination — this isn't optional paperwork, it's part of what makes the installation safe and insurable. If a quote doesn't mention permits, ask directly whether they're included.
6. Are you eligible for any rebates?
CleanBC and BC Hydro rebate programs can offset part of the cost, but eligibility depends on documentation from a licensed contractor and the specifics of your install. Worth asking your electrician directly rather than assuming a number in advance, since program details change.
Get the panel question answered first
Before you buy a charger, a quick assessment tells you whether your home is ready as-is or needs a capacity upgrade first — the single biggest factor in what your install will actually cost.
Book a free EV charger assessment →
Royle West Electrical Ltd is a Red Seal Certified, CleanBC-registered electrical contractor serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Port Coquitlam, and the surrounding Lower Mainland.
