Charging at home is the biggest convenience of owning an electric vehicle — you wake up to a full battery. Setting it up well comes down to charging speed and your home's electrical capacity.
Level 1 vs Level 2
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V outlet and adds range slowly — fine for low-mileage drivers or plug-in hybrids. Level 2 uses a 240V circuit (like a dryer) and charges several times faster, which most EV owners eventually want for full overnight charging.
Check your electrical capacity
A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240V circuit, and your panel must have the capacity for it. Older or smaller panels may need an upgrade, or a load-management device that shares capacity. An electrician assesses this before installation.
Installation and rebates
A hardwired Level 2 charger requires a permit and licensed electrician. Costs depend mostly on the wiring run and any panel work. Many provinces and utilities offer rebates for home charger installation — check before you buy.