Commercial EV Charger Installation in Canada
Written by EV Quotes |
December 2025
The push for electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming Canada's commercial landscape. With the government targeting 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, installing EV chargers is no longer an optional upgrade. It's a strategic necessity for businesses. For shopping malls, retail plazas, and commercial landlords, offering EV charging attracts valuable customers, increases foot traffic, and future-proofs properties.
Read on to have a comprehensive overview of commercial EV charger installation in Canada. We’ll cover the benefits, costs, key regulations by province, and the steps required to equip your property with reliable EV charging solutions.
Why Install Commercial EV Chargers?
Canada will need an estimated 679,000 public charging ports by 2040, and commercial properties are the ideal locations to host them. Installing EV charging stations for businesses offers a clear competitive advantage.
- Increase Foot Traffic & Dwell Time: EV drivers choose destinations with charging facilities. Malls, plazas, and grocery stores with chargers encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.
- Attract High-Value Tenants: For commercial landlords, EV charging is a premium amenity that attracts and retains desirable tenants.
- Support ESG Goals: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, enhancing your brand’s reputation with customers and investors.
- Future-Proof Your Property: As EV adoption grows, charging infrastructure will become a standard expectation. Installing chargers now ensures your property remains competitive.
Understanding Commercial EV Charger Types
Choosing the right charger depends on your property's needs. The two main options for commercial use are Level 2 and Level 3 (DC Fast) chargers.
- Commercial Level 2 Chargers: Ideal for locations where customers or employees park for several hours, such as shopping malls, workplaces, and grocery stores. They are more affordable to install and provide a convenient top-up charge.
- Commercial Level 3 Chargers (DCFC): Best for high-turnover locations like plazas near highways or big-box stores. They offer rapid charging (a full charge in under an hour) but come with significantly higher installation costs and power requirements.
| Charger Type | Best For | Charging Speed | Installation Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Shopping Malls, Retail Plazas, Workplaces | 4-10 hours for a full charge | Moderate |
| Level 3 (DCFC) | Highway-adjacent retail, Quick-stop locations | 20-60 minutes for a full charge | High |
How Much Does Commercial EV Charger Installation Cost in Canada?
The cost of a commercial EV charger installation can vary significantly. Factors include the type and number of chargers, the distance from your electrical room, and whether major electrical upgrades are needed.
| Charger Type | Equipment Cost (per port) | Installation Cost (per port) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | $2,500 – $10,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| DC Fast Charger | $40,000 – $100,000+ | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
Note: These are estimates. Electrical upgrades, such as a new transformer, can add $12,000–$50,000 or more to the project cost.
While these figures may seem high, significant government incentives are available to help offset the expense.
How to Lower Your Costs with Canadian Rebates
Federal and provincial governments offer substantial rebates and incentives to encourage the installation of commercial EV chargers. These programs can cover up to 50-75% of your total project costs.
Federal Rebates
The primary federal program is the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). It provides funding covering up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum of $5 million per project. ZEVIP is open to businesses, non-profits, and other commercial entities across Canada.
Provincial Rebates
Many provinces offer their own incentives that can often be stacked with federal funding.
| Province | Key Regulations & Permits | Provincial Rebate Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ESA permit required. Strong municipal EV-ready bylaws in cities like Toronto and Waterloo. | No provincial rebates. Federal ZEVIP is the main funding source. |
| Quebec | Advanced EV-ready mandates for new buildings. | Roulez vert program offers up to $5,000 per commercial charger. |
| British Columbia | 100% EV-ready mandates for many new buildings. | CleanBC program offers rebates up to 75% for workplaces and 50% for other commercial properties. |
| Alberta | Strict permitting under the Safety Codes Act. | No provincial rebates. Federal ZEVIP is the primary option. |
| Atlantic Canada | PEI & Newfoundland offer some of Canada's highest commercial rebates. | Rebates of 50-75% available in PEI and NL. |
For a complete overview, check our detailed guide on provincial EV charger rebates in Canada.
The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing commercial EV charging stations requires careful planning and coordination. Here’s a typical workflow:
- Initial Consultation & Site Assessment: An expert will evaluate your property, assess electrical capacity, and discuss your business goals to determine the optimal number and type of chargers.
- Hardware & Network Selection: Choose OCPP-compliant hardware from trusted providers like FLO, ChargePoint, or Siemens. Select a network operator to manage payments and user access.
- Permitting & Utility Coordination: Your installation partner will handle all necessary EV charger permits and work with the local utility to confirm grid capacity and schedule any required upgrades.
- Installation & Commissioning: Licensed electricians install the chargers, transformers, and switchgear. They then test the system to ensure everything works correctly.
- Ongoing Support: Your provider should offer ongoing maintenance and software support to ensure high uptime and a positive user experience.
Navigating this multi-step process can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. For expert guidance and competitive quotes from certified installers, EV Quotes is the perfect choice to streamline your project from start to finish.
Get Ready for the Electric Future with Commercial EV Chargers
Installing commercial EV charging stations is a powerful way to attract customers, meet sustainability targets, and generate new revenue. The combination of federal and provincial incentives makes now the perfect time to invest in future-proofing your business.
Navigating the complexities of charger selection, permitting, and installation can be challenging. Partnering with experts ensures your project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest safety standards.
Get started today by requesting up to 3 free quotes from certified commercial EV charger installers in your area.