There is no denying that the EV (electric vehicle) movement has finally gained some real momentum in the past couple of years. Through the first 9 months of 2018 for instance sales of electric vehicles in Canada rose by nearly 160% over the same period in 2017. In fact, during all of 2018, more electric vehicles were sold in Canada than were sold in the previous 3 years combined. And electric car sales now account for more than 8% of all new cars sold in Canada. That’s a trend that is bound to pay handsome environmental dividends down the road. But it also raises the question of just how and where all these new EVs are going to recharge.
Hotwire Power Group: Helping to Build the Future
At the same time, private industry as well as homeowners also stepped up to the plate and began installing charging stations at scores of locations throughout the GTA. Or should we say, they contacted Hotwire Power Group about installing charging stations in their homes and businesses throughout the GTA?
Far-Sighted Legislation
At the same time that the 2016 directive was calling for 500 EV charging stations to be installed across the province of Ontario, complementary legislation was being passed that required charging stations on all new commercial and residential buildings in Toronto or Florida. This far-sighted legislation was considered by many to represent a turning point in the EV story in Ontario.
At Hotwire, we have been called upon to install a fair percentage of these new charging stations. We’re proud to play a role in the transition to a more environmentally friendly means of transportation. One that will ensure a higher quality of life for our kids as well as yours.
The Different Types of EV Chargers and Their Uses
Most people are not yet familiar with the charging station, what it is or how it works. And that’s understandable. But it’s in everyone’s interest that we all get to know these important infrastructure items as well as we know the common gas pump. Because the day is not far off when they will be replacing the gas pump in many areas.
The first thing to know about EV charging stations is that there are 3 different levels of charging. The differences are driven by the available electrical resources at a given location, as well as by the type of vehicles the station is intended to serve. Let’s take a quick look at the 3 levels of EV charging stations.
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 electric vehicle chargers are often called “household” chargers since they are typically installed in the home and use a standard 120 Volt AC outlet. The great advantages of the Level 1 station are that it doesn’t require any significant changes to the wiring in your home and, of course, it’s in your home. So you can plug in when you get back from work then go inside and relax. When you come out to go to work in the morning your car will be charged and ready to go.
If there is a downside to the level 1 charging station, it’s speed. As in, they’re slow. With Level 1 charging it will take a typical EV 10 – 20 hours to fully recharge from a depleted battery. The good news, however, is that most people only drive their cars 10 or 20 miles a day. As such they’re not recharging a depleted battery. Instead, they’re topping up their battery. Which can often be done in 4 or 5 hours.
We’ve installed scores of Level 1 electric chargers in homes all across the GTA and continue to do so on nearly a daily basis. In many ways, it is these homeowners who are leading the way to the EV future by transforming the technology from something mysterious and remote to an everyday part of modern domestic life.
Get an Estimate for Residential Charger Installation @ 416-553-5533
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers are commonly referred to as “business chargers” since they are most often installed in places such as malls, restaurants, and office buildings. The Level 2 charger uses a 240 Volt AC outlet, which means it’s considerably faster than the standard 120 Volt. Whereas a Level 1 charger might take 10 – 20 hours to fully charge a depleted battery, a Level 2 charger can charge the same battery in 3 – 8 hours.
You’ll sometimes hear Level 2 charging referred to as “opportunity charging”. It gets that name because people typically take advantage of the opportunity to recharge their EV if they find a Level 2 charging station in a mall or restaurant parking lot.
Homeowners will sometimes have Level 2 chargers installed in their homes because they’re so much faster and again, they don’t require any fancy changes to wiring in the house. Also, tax credits may be available to help cover the cost of installing such a charger in your home.
Get Complete EV Solution @ 416-553-5533
Level 3 Chargers
Level 3 charging is typically referred to as “commercial charging”. It is by far the fastest, most powerful type of EV charging there is. Level 3 charging is DC charging. It bypasses the onboard AC charging mechanisms in electric vehicles and attaches directly to the battery. As a result, an EV can receive a full charge in 30 minutes or less.
Tesla is building their own network of Level 3 charging stations across North America. But otherwise, Level 3 charging stations are still pretty rare. You’ll typically find them in airports or bus terminals where they are used to recharge electric buses and trucks.
Into the Future
The future of electric vehicles in Ontario and indeed, across all of North America is bright and Hotwire Power Group is proud to play some small part in the dawn of this new, more environmentally friendly age.
Get an estimate for EV Charger Installation @ 416-553-5533
