Visit EV Assist for the latest information and rebates available on electric vehicles for Nova Scotians.
Visit evassist.caWhether you are on the road or at home, there are a few different ways to charge your EV. Below are the three main types of chargers to keep you powered up and ready to drive.
Level 3 charging stations (also known as DC Fast-Chargers) use a high-powered system to charge your EV. These chargers can add up to 250 km of range per hour charged. In many cases, you can charge an EV's battery to 80% in 30 minutes or less, making it much easier for EV drivers to take longer trips! Charging speed will vary depending on the car, charger, and outside temperature. Level 3 charging is compatible with the vast majority of EVs, but make sure to check if your model has this feature/adapter.
Level 2 chargers are the most common option for convenient at-home charging, capable of fully charging your EV overnight, providing 16 to 97km of range per hour charged, depending on the type of EV. You'll need the support of a qualified electrician to complete an installation as they require a 240 V dedicated circuit like any major appliance like dryers and ovens, ranging from 30 to 80 amps.
You'll may also find this type of charger at commercial destinations, like hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
Find a contractor near you to connect with a certified installer in your area. The support of a qualified electrician is critical to ensure chargers are installed properly and to the highest standards of safety and quality.
A portable level 1 charger is included with most new EVs and plugs into a standard 120v outlet. They provide 3 to 8 kilometers of range per hour of charging time, making it the slowest of the three options.
For single-family homeowners, installing a Level 2 charger is a convenient and efficient way to charge your EV at home. To ensure the installation is safe, reliable and done to the highest standards, it's important to follow a few essential steps. Here's what you need to know:
Live in a condo or apartment building? There are a few extra steps you need to know. Learn more >
You'll need to have a certified electrician perform a load calculation on your home. This helps the electrician determine if your current electrical service panel has space to accommodate an EV charger, or whether you'll require a service upgrade*.
Find a certified contractor near you who has completed the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, which is a program designed to provide electricians with the most comprehensive training available in the market today. Ask for a free site visit and estimate so you can better understand how the charger will be installed. We recommend getting quotes from more than one certified electrician.
* Many older homes have a 100 Amp main panel, and this may need to be upgraded to a 200-Amp service to avoid any potential danger of overloading the panel. The larger the panel installed in your home, the more devices can be safely used simultaneously.
It's important to understand which type of charger is compatible with your EV. Before purchasing a charger, speak with your local dealership, refer to your EV manufacturer's website, or the in-vehicle manual to determine your EV's charging capabilities.
Here a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a charger:
Step 3: Find where you can buy an EV Charger
Once you've identified which charger is compatible with your EV, you'll need to decide where to buy it. Here are some common buying options:
Local Dealerships
Most dealerships now include a Level 1 EV charger (and in some cases a Level 2 charger) for free when you purchase an EV. If you're a prospective EV owner, check with your local dealership to see if this applies for the EV you're interested in.
Electrical Contractor
An electrician can provide you with expert guidance and help source the right EV charger for you.Discuss charging options with your electrician when they assess your home for an installation.
Manufacturers and distributors
Some manufacturers of EV chargers and other electrical equipment allow you to purchase a charger directly from them or through a local distributor. Visit manufacturer websites and look for buying options.
Online Retailers
Online marketplaces have a wide selection of EV chargers available for purchase. Ensure the product listing is offered by the registered brand and not a third-party reseller or a counterfeit brand. Verified product reviews can also be a helpful resource to guide your decision making.
Receive rewards by enrolling your electric vehicle or charger in Efficiency Nova Scotia's Eco Shift Program.
If you live in a multi-unit residential building or town house, you'll need to get a wiring method approved by the condo board, landlord, or association. As the unit owner or tenant, you'll need to learn your building's policies and infrastructure before purchasing a level 2 charger. Here are some preliminary steps to take before purchasing your charger.
To install an EV charger in a MURB you'll need to identify where the charger will be connected, its source of power, and determine how the electricity used for charging will be metered and billed.
Once the details are understood, you'll need to submit a request to the condo board, landlord, or association detailing your connection plans.
Once approved, ask if your building has preferred electrician or use our online search tool to find a certified electrician near you.
For more information on installing an EV charger in a multi-unit residential building visit Guidance - Murbly.
While you can always simply plug your EV into any grounded exterior outlet, there are other easy ways to quickly charge your EV in Nova Scotia. See a map of all EV chargers in Nova Scotia at evassist.ca.
We’ve also partnered with Natural Resources Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to install a network of Level 3 DC-fast charging stations and Level 2 charging stations across Nova Scotia.
