At Limitless EV we’re here to educate! We know that EV ownership is new to many so you may have questions regarding keeping your vehicle charged and what options are available to you!
On this page we will answer some common questions we get asked!
Q: What is EVSE?
A: EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment, also informally called a charging station. They use a 240-volt outlet. All come with the same “J connector” that allow almost all plug-in vehicles to connect to any charging station.
We are always happy to answer any additional questions regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment and compatibility queries.
Q: How do I know my home electrical system can handle EV Charging?
A: Our thorough electrical evaluation of your home includes a load calculation. Your load calculation is designed by National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure we are not overloading your electric system.
Q: Why do I need someone who specializes in EV Chargers for my installation?
A: When it comes to electric appliances, car chargers are unique. When you plug in your car the charger will be drawing the maximum power available for many hours. This type of continuous load requires a specialized design in order to provide optimal performance & long-term reliability. Additionally, specialized knowledge of the car as well as the charger is essential to ensure long term compatibility.
Q: How much does a Home EV Charger Install cost?
A: Each installation is unique and varies among customers due to several factors. These influential factors can be the age of your home, the location of your charging station, utility involvement, permitting costs, etc. Fill out our EV Home Survey request form to get your free assessment/customized quote today.
Q: Are there any rebates for home charger installs?
A: YES!
Visit: https://electricvehicles.bchydro.com/incentives/home-charger-rebates
to see the rebates on offer, including a $350 rebate on level 2 EV Home Charger installations.
Q: What is the difference between ‘levels’ of charging? (1 2 and 3)
A: The difference between the levels of charging stations is the rate of charge or the power delivery rate of the station. That translates into the amount of time it will take for people to charge their car.
Level 1: Home Charging: Level 1 charging cords are standard equipment on a new EV. Level 1 charging only requires a grounded (three-prong) 120V outlet and can add about 40 miles of range in an eight-hour overnight charge. Overnight Level 1 charging is suitable for low- and medium-range plug-in hybrids and for all-electric battery electric vehicle drivers with low daily driving usage.
Level 2: Home and Public Charging: Level 2 charging typically requires a charging unit on a 240V circuit, like the circuit used to power a common electric clothes dryer/electric range. The charging rate depends on the vehicle’s acceptance rate and the maximum current available. With a typical 30 amp circuit, about 180 miles can be added during an eight-hour charge. This increases as the amperage of the circuit goes up. For instance the Chargepoint Homeflex unit can be set to 50A delivering a 9.6kW charge, thus increasing the range capability.
Level 2 chargers are the most common public chargers, and you can find them at places like offices, grocery stores, and parking garages. Public Level 2 chargers have a standard EV connection plug that fits all current vehicles, except for Teslas, which require an adapter.
Level 3: DC Fast Charging, Public Charging: DC fast charging is the fastest currently available recharging method. It can typically add 50 to 90 miles in 30 minutes, depending on the station’s power capacity and the make of EV.
DC fast chargers use three different plug types and are not interchangeable. Japanese automakers typically use the CHAdeMO standard; most European and US makers use the CCS system. Tesla’s Supercharging stations use a proprietary connector specific to their vehicles.
Q: What is the difference between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV)?
A: BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) run entirely on electricity stored in batteries and are recharged by plugging in at home, work or a public location. Full function BEVs are freeway capable with an operating range of 60+ miles, and generally take 6-8 hours to recharge at 220-volt power.
PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) run on a combination of electricity + gasoline fuel, having the ability to be plugged in for a charge. Their all-electric range varies by model, but generally is about 10-40 miles before the vehicle begins to operate like a regular hybrid. PHEVs are attractive because they are capable of all-electric short distance trips as well as long distance driving in regular hybrid mode.
Q: Why do I need a Level 2 EV Charger at home?
A: 90% of charging happens at home. Home chargers offer extremely fast charging times, up to 10 times faster, as opposed to a regular 120V outlet. Freedom to drive anywhere at any time without being concerned with finding a commercial charging station. Imagine the safety, reliability and convenience of having your own personal fuelling station in your garage.
Q: Why purchase and install a commercial EV Charger?
A: Electric vehicle numbers have increased ten times in the last four years. Electric car drivers choose their destinations based on the availability of electric car charging and they tend to base their routines on those destinations, so they can charge the car while they shop and dine.
In commercial spaces, EV charging helps your tenants attract new customers, and build a steady revenue stream from repeat buyers with higher spending capacity. EV drivers also prefer companies that offer workplace charging as a benefit.
Put your business on the (Charging) map so potential customers can use the locator app’s to set their GPS for your charging station. Receive real time analytics and set tariffs at the touch of a button.
Q: Do commercial EV Charging Stations charge every type of vehicle?
A: YES! We have charging solutions that cater for all EV’s on the road.
Q: Are there any rebates for commercial charging projects?
A: YES! There are a number of provincial and federal rebates available for EV Charging projects, ask us how to access the one that best suits your individual needs.
Q: Can I charge more than 1 vehicle at a time in a workplace/multi-residential setting?
A: YES! We have charging solutions that allow for multi-vehicle applications with chargers that have 2 chords and even power-sharing capabilities. Call us today to find out more.