Finding the right charger is a combination of your specific needs, your home’s electrical system and the ability of your neighbourhood’s network to deliver the power.
Knowing your options when it comes to selecting a charger is a key to helping make sure you find the right combination of efficiency and affordability relative.
Level one chargers
You can charge your vehicle with a standard extension cord and 120V outlet.
Cost: n/a
Full Charging Time: Battery EV: 12 to 20 hours Plug-in hybrid: 6 to 12 hours
Level two chargers
Can connect to a 240-volt outlet, similar to your oven or clothes dryers. These are commonly used for at-home charging by EV drivers and can also be found at public places like shopping malls or parkades.
Cost: Level 2 chargers start at around $800. The prices vary depending on the size and features of the charger. (not including upgrades or installation
Full Charging Time: Battery EV: 6 to 14 hours Plug-in hybrid: 4 to 8 hours
Level two chargers may require an electrical panel upgrade, or possibly a service upgrade depending on where you live.
DC Fast Charging (level three charging)
These are the chargers you see in public areas or businesses like a gas station.
Cost: DC Fast chargers start around $40,000 (not including upgrades or installation)
Time:
DC Fast chargers draw significantly more power than other types of charging. They can be connected to existing sites, or as stand-alone sites with their own metering and utility connection. We recommend touching base with your on-site electrician or electrical contractor to determine what makes the most sense for your site
Before making costly changes around your home or your electricity services to accommodate an EV charger’s additional demand consider these solutions.
Selecting a small charger that can be supplied from the existing electrical system in your home is the lowest-cost solution, as it eliminates the need for upgrades or additional technologies. This could look like purchasing a 30 amp charger instead of a 50 amp charger. Although a smaller charger will charge your vehicle more slowly, we estimate that the average driver will require fewer than three hours of charging per night.
An EV energy management system (approx. cost $1,200) adjusts the power fed to your charger and balances it with your other appliances and demand so that you stay within the limits of your current electrical service. We recommend reaching out to your electrician for a quote of current prices.
The City of Calgary has a useful information sheet for you and your electrician about EV energy management systems.
EV information:
Public charging location maps:
Chargers and condominiums:
While we can’t recommend one charger over another, we’re happy to answer your questions and share what we know. Please complete the form linked below, and a member of our team with get in touch with you.
getconnected@enmax.com
Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).
For new services, transfers or renewals, please call 310-2010 or click here to self serve online.