Most EV owners who can charge at home do most of their charging there, overnight. A Level 2 charger turns that overnight window into a full battery for most daily driving. Here's what you need to know before buying one in Canada, in plain numbers.
1. Level 1 vs Level 2
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet | Standard 120V household outlet | 240V (like a dryer or range) |
| Typical power | About 1.4 kW (12A × 120V) | About 7–11.5 kW; 9.6 kW at 40A |
| Range added per hour* | Roughly 7–9 km | Roughly 48–60 km at 9.6 kW |
*Depends on the car's efficiency (about 16–20 kWh per 100 km for many EVs) and on its onboard charger limit.
2. Your car sets the ceiling
Every EV has an onboard charger that limits how fast it accepts AC power. If your car accepts 7.2 kW, a 9.6 kW charger still charges it at 7.2 kW. Check your car's spec sheet before paying for extra power. A 40A charger still leaves room for your next car.
3. The circuit: amps and breakers
EV chargers count as a continuous load, so the circuit is sized at 125% of the charging current. A 40A charger needs a 50A circuit. That's why 40A plug-in chargers pair with NEMA 14-50 outlets, which are rated 50A.
4. Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired?
- Plug-in: easy to replace or take with you when you move. If a 14-50 outlet is already there, no charger installation is needed.
- Hardwired: needed for chargers above 40A, and often preferred for outdoor mounting.
Either way, adding a 240V circuit is electrical work. In BC it needs an electrical permit, from Technical Safety BC or from your city where the city issues its own permits (Vancouver, for example). Most people hire a licensed electrician, who takes care of the permit. Outside BC, check your province's electrical safety authority.
5. Connector: NACS (Tesla) vs J1772
Tesla uses the NACS connector, and many other brands are moving to it. Most other EVs on Canadian roads today use J1772. A charger that comes with both heads, or a certified adapter, covers a household with a mix of EVs.
6. Canadian winters
Look for a charger certified for Canada (cUL, ETL or CSA; check the rating label), an outdoor rating if it will be mounted outside, and a cable that stays manageable in the cold. In winter, charging overnight while the car is plugged in also lets many EVs warm the battery and cabin before you leave.
7. Rebates
Federal, provincial and utility programs change often, so check your utility and your province before you buy. We don't list amounts here because they go out of date quickly.
Example: the Edison Level 2 charger
This is our own product, and one of several options on the market. The Edison Level 2 EV Charger plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, so there's no hardwiring. Tesla (NACS) and J1772 heads are both in the box, and it has app control. Free shipping in Canada. Note: it's a Level 2 AC home charger, not a DC fast charger. See the product page for full specs and today's price.
FAQ
Can I install a Level 2 charger myself?
Plugging a charger into an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet is simple. Adding the 240V circuit or outlet is electrical work that needs a permit. Most people hire a licensed electrician.
How long does a full charge take?
Divide the energy you need by the charging power your car accepts. For example, adding 60 kWh at 7.2 kW takes a bit over 8 hours, which is one night.
Do I need a 50A breaker for a 40A charger?
Yes. Continuous loads are sized at 125%, so a 40A charger goes on a 50A circuit.
Will a Tesla charger work with a non-Tesla EV?
Only with the right connector or a certified adapter. A charger that includes both NACS and J1772 heads works with either.
