EV Charging Station Installation
Get it Done Right!

The cost of installing an EV charger in Calgary can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the type of electric vehicle, the complexity of the installation, and any necessary upgrades to your electrical system.  An EV charger can be a great addition to your home or office space and increase property value, or sell ability.  Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent and EV owners need a place to charge their cars at home and at work.

Here's a general breakdown of the costs:

NOTE - Bedrock is giving this information as a general guide, but the actual cost is changing constantly in this market and with this specific installation.  Please contact us if you want accurate pricing.

1. Charger Cost:

• Level 1 EV Charger (120V): Typically comes with the EV and plugs into a standard household outlet. Minimal installation costs.
• Level 2 EV Charger (240V): $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the brand and features (e.g., Wi-Fi connectivity, smart charging).

2. Installation Costs:

• Basic Installation: $300 to $1,200 for a straightforward installation near your electrical panel.
• Complex Installation: $1,000 to $2,500+ if the charger needs to be installed farther from the panel, requiring additional wiring, conduit, or trenching.
• Electrical Panel Upgrade (if needed): $1,000 to $3,000+ if your current panel doesn’t have sufficient capacity and needs to be upgraded.

3. Permits and Inspection:

• Electrical Permit: Typically around $100 to $300, depending on the scope of the work.
• Inspection Fees: Usually included with the permit, but check with the City of Calgary for specifics.

4. Additional Costs:

• Trenching or Wall Penetrations: If the installation requires running cables through walls or underground, expect additional labor costs.
• Smart Features: Some chargers come with smart features that may require additional setup or subscription fees.

Total Cost:

• Basic Installations: $800 to $2,000 (including charger and installation).
• More Complex Installations: $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and any additional work required.

Always get multiple quotes from licensed electricians to ensure you're getting a fair price and a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Additionally, there may be rebates or incentives available in Calgary or Alberta that could reduce the overall cost.

How Much Does Remodelling or Renovating a Basement Cost in Calgary?

In Alberta, there is a guideline called the Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) for real estate listings.  The RMS provides a consistent means of measuring, and describing, residential property size in Alberta.  It contains guiding principles that establish a baseline and consistent rules for how houses are to be listed in the market.  The above grade term means entirely above grade, below grade, are floor levels that are partially or completely below grade.  If any portion of the level is below grade it is considered below grade.

Below-grade square footage is not to be included in the total square footage for a listing.  Without the RMS in place, there would be little consistency in how real estate professionals, and their sellers, measure and describe their property.

It does not mean however that you can't leverage your basement remodel or additional living space as an asset when it comes to the value and purchase price of your home.  The actual square footage of your home and the "living space" can be, and are often different.  Additional living space is a significant asset and will definitely affect the sale price.

Bedrock construction will walk with you through the basement renovation process from start to finish.  We believe in working with the customer to make sure that not only do things get started on time, they finish on time as well.

Yes, you typically need a permit to install an EV charging station in your home in Calgary. The process usually involves obtaining an electrical permit because the installation requires electrical work, such as wiring and connecting the charger to your electrical system.

Here are the general steps:

1. Electrical Permit: You or your electrician will need to obtain an electrical permit from the City of Calgary. This ensures that the installation complies with local electrical codes and safety standards.
2. Hire a Licensed Electrician: It's important to hire a licensed electrician to perform the installation, as they will ensure the work is done correctly and up to code. They can also help with obtaining the necessary permit.
3. Inspection: After the installation, an inspection by a City of Calgary inspector is typically required to ensure everything has been installed properly and safely.
4. Additional Considerations: If you're installing a higher-capacity charger that requires a significant upgrade to your electrical panel, additional permits or approvals may be needed.

Always check with the City of Calgary or your electrician to confirm the specific requirements for your situation.

Understanding EV Charging Stations

EV chargers are important for people who own electric vehicles. They offer a simple and quick way to charge the battery of the car or other electric vehicle. An EV charging station serves as a link. It safely spreads electrical energy from the power grid or a clean energy source, such as solar panels, to your electric vehicle.  An EV charger is also a great addition to a commercial space either for enticing new tenants or servicing employees who have electric vehicles.  Electric vehicle charging will increase your electricity bill if you are primarily getting the power from your service provider.  Electric upgrades may be required for your new EV charger installation so that the electric vehicles are not only charged properly but the system itself runs in an optimal way.

Before you put in an EV charging station, it is important to check the electrical panel in your home and the total capacity of your electrical system. This step makes sure that the charging station works safely and reliably without putting too much strain on your home's electrical circuits.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Installing an EV charger is not simple. It really is best to use a certified electrician. Trying to do it yourself can cause safety problems. It might also void your warranty or harm your vehicle’s electrical system.

When you hire a certified electrician, they make sure the installation follows the local electrical codes and safety rules. This helps your electrical service handle the extra load, protecting both your home and vehicle.

A skilled electrician can give tips to improve your EV charging experience. They can help you think about things like the best times to use power, available financial incentives, and plans for any future upgrades.

Types of EV Chargers for Canadian Homes and Businesses

Choosing the right type of EV charger is important for getting the best charging experience. In Canada, the most common EV chargers are:

• Level 1 Chargers: These use a standard 120V outlet. They are easy to use but charge much more slowly.
• Level 2 Chargers: These use a 240V circuit and are much faster than Level 1 chargers. Most homeowners prefer these.
• DC Fast Chargers: These offer very fast charging speeds and are mainly found in commercial areas because they need more power.

Bedrock gives expert advice on which charging system is best for you. They look at your electric vehicle's details, your driving habits, and your budget.

Evaluating Your Electrical System's Capacity

The first step in planning your EV charger installation is to check your home's electrical capacity. This means looking at your electrical panel to make sure it can handle the extra load from the EV charger which will be charging your electric vehicle.  Not all electric vehicles use the same EV charger and also need different types of electric load.

Sometimes, service upgrades are needed. This could involve increasing the amperage of your electrical service or getting a stronger electrical panel. Our electricians will assess your needs and suggest the best actions to take.

During this assessment, we also check the individual circuit breakers. We want to make sure they can manage the additional current. If needed, we will install a dedicated circuit breaker for your new EV charger. This will help boost safety and make everything work bett

Choosing the Right Location for Maximum Efficiency

The spot where you put your EV charger is really important for good efficiency and convenience. It’s best to install the charger close to your parking space. This way, the charging cable will be shorter.

Sometimes, this means we need to run electrical wires through walls or underground. Our team of experts does this carefully. If you live in a building with many units, we talk with the building owner to get all the needed approvals and permits.

We also think about how easy it is for the EV owner to reach the charger. We protect it from weather and look for anything that might block charging. By checking these things, we make sure your EV charger is easy and efficient for you to use.

Routine Checks to Keep Your Charging Station Optimal

To keep your charging station working well and lasting longer, doing some simple checks can help a lot:

• Visual Inspection: Look at the charging cable and connector often. Check for damages like cracks, fraying, or bent pins. Make sure the charging port on your EV is clean and clear of dirt. Fix any issues right away to keep it safe.
• Functional Testing: Sometimes, unplug the charging cable from your vehicle. Then, plug it back in to start a charging session. Check if the charging station turns on, the lights show up as they should, and the charging starts without error messages.
• Professional Checkup: Plan to have a qualified electrician check everything once a year. They will make sure all electrical parts, connections, and safety features are working well.

Can I Upgrade My Existing EV Charger to a Faster Model?

Yes, you can often upgrade to a faster charger. But first, you need to check if your home can handle the extra power. This may mean upgrading your electrical service. As a homeowner in Canada, you might get a rebate for the charger and the installation.

Electrical infrastructure on a commercial building will also need to be checked if you are retrofitting EV chargers, and electrical upgrades may need to be completed.  A multi-unit residential building may need to share a charger or EV drivers may need to work with the condo board to establish a plan.