Your Complete Guide to Level 2 EV Chargers in Canada

If you’ve recently purchased an electric vehicle in Canada, you're likely enjoying the convenience of waking up to a full battery. While the basic Level 1 charger that came with your car gets the job done, it can be slow, sometimes taking more than a day for a full charge. For daily driving, you need a faster, more reliable solution. That's where a Level 2 EV charger comes in.

Upgrading to a home charging station is one of the most practical investments an EV owner can make. It transforms your garage into a personal refueling station, ensuring your vehicle is ready for any journey overnight.

But what is a Level 2 charger, exactly? How much does it cost, and what should you look for when choosing one for your Canadian home?

Read on to learn everything you need about Level 2 EV chargers, from understanding charging speeds and installation requirements to selecting the best model for your specific vehicle and lifestyle.

What is a Level 2 EV Charger?

A Level 2 EV charger is a powerful charging station that operates on a 240-volt circuit, similar to the ones used for large home appliances like electric stoves or dryers. This higher voltage allows it to deliver significantly more power to your EV's battery compared to a standard 120-volt Level 1 charger. As a result, it dramatically reduces charging times, making it the preferred choice for most EV owners who want to wake up to a fully charged car every morning.

An L2 EV charger isn’t just about speed; it's about making your EV ownership experience seamless and reliable, especially during harsh Canadian winters when battery efficiency can decrease.

How Level 2 Charging Works

Unlike a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard wall outlet, a Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit connected directly to your home's electrical panel. This setup allows it to deliver between 3.3 kW and 19.2 kW of power, though most home units fall in the 7.2 kW to 11.5 kW range.

This power is delivered as alternating current (AC) to your vehicle. Your EV's onboard charger then converts this AC power to direct current (DC) to store in the battery. The faster your car can make this conversion, the quicker it charges. A Level 2 home charging station ensures you can maximize your vehicle's charging capabilities.

For more details on charging types, see our guide to home charging.

How Fast Is a Level 2 Charger?

A Level 2 charger is dramatically faster than a Level 1 charger, typically adding 32–96 km of range per hour, depending on the charger’s power output, your EV’s onboard charger, battery size, and temperature. Most home Level 2 units in Canada operate between 7.2 kW and 11.5 kW, allowing a full charge in 4–10 hours for most EVs. This makes overnight charging simple, reliable, and ideal for daily driving.

Level 2 Charger Installation Requirements

A professional level 2 EV charger installation is essential for safety and performance. A licensed electrician will ensure your home's electrical system can handle the load and that the installation complies with all Canadian electrical codes.

The key Level 2 charger installation requirements include:

• A Dedicated 240-Volt Circuit: Your electrician will install a new circuit from your electrical panel to the charger's location.
• Sufficient Panel Capacity: Many older Canadian homes have 100-amp service panels. An electrician will perform a load calculation to determine if your panel can support the new charger or if an upgrade is needed.
• Permits and Inspections: Electrical permits are required in all provinces for this type of work. The installer should handle the application and schedule the final inspection. Skipping this crucial step is one of the common mistakes to avoid when choosing an EV charger, which can void insurance and rebates.

Performance Benefits of Level 2 Chargers

The primary benefit of a Level 2 charger is speed. While a Level 1 charger adds only 5-8 km of range per hour, a Level 2 charger can add 40-100 km of range in the same amount of time.
 

Other key benefits include:

• Convenience: Fully charge your EV overnight, ensuring it’s ready for your daily commute.
• Cost Savings: Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
• Battery Health: Access to home charging reduces reliance on DC fast chargers, which can degrade battery health over time with frequent use.

Level 2 Charger Installation Cost

The level 2 charger installation cost in Canada typically ranges from $700 to $2,000+, depending on several factors:

• Distance from the electrical panel: Longer cable runs increase labor and material costs.
• Electrical panel upgrades: If your panel needs to be upgraded, this can add $1,500 to $3,500 to the total cost.
• Type of installation: A hardwired installation may cost more than a plug-in setup.
• Labour rates: Costs vary by province and city.

The charger unit itself costs between $550 and $800 CAD for a quality model.

Best Level 2 EV Chargers in Canada

Choosing the best Level 2 EV chargers depends on your vehicle, budget, and desired features. Here are four top-rated options well-suited for Canadian conditions.

Emporia Classic

The Emporia Classic is an award-winning charger that offers a fantastic balance of performance, smart features, and affordability. Its advanced energy monitoring helps you track consumption and costs, while its durable, weather-resistant build is perfect for Canadian climates.

• Power Output: 11.5 kW (48A)
• Smart Features: Yes (energy monitoring, scheduling, cost tracking)
• Installation: Hardwired only
• Price: $649-$699 CAD

ChargePoint Home Flex

As a leader in charging technology, the ChargePoint Home Flex boasts the most advanced app and smart features on the market. It offers flexible installation options and superior cold-weather cable performance, making it a top choice for tech-savvy drivers.

• Power Output: Up to 12 kW (50A)
• Smart Features: Yes (industry-leading app, Alexa/Google integration)
• Installation: Plug-in or hardwired
• Price: $600-$700 CAD

Tesla Universal Wall Connector

This charger is designed for future-proof compatibility. It's built-in "Magic Dock" accommodates both J1772 and Tesla (NACS) connectors, making it ideal for households with different EV brands. With Tesla opening its Supercharger network, this is a forward-thinking investment.

• Power Output: 11.5 kW (48A)
• Smart Features: Yes (Tesla app integration)
• Installation: Hardwired only
• Warranty: 4 years

Grizzl-E Classic and Smart

Built in Canada, Grizzl-E chargers are engineered to withstand harsh weather. They offer exceptional value and reliability, with both a basic "Classic" model and a "Smart" version with WiFi connectivity.

• Power Output: 9.6 kW (40A)
• Smart Features: No (Classic) / Yes (Smart)
• Installation: Plug-in or hardwired
• Price: $699-$1200 CAD

Canadian-Specific Considerations

Installing an EV charger in Canada requires attention to our unique climate and regulations.

• Cold Weather Performance: Look for chargers with a NEMA 4 rating for weather resistance and cables that remain flexible in freezing temperatures. Cold can reduce your EV’s range and slow down charging, so having a reliable Level 2 charger is essential.
• Safety Certifications: Ensure any charger you buy is certified for use in Canada (CSA, cUL, or ETL). Uncertified products can pose a safety risk and may void your home insurance.
• Government Rebates: Canada offers federal and provincial rebates for both purchasing and installing EV chargers. Research available incentives in your area to save money.

Level 2 vs. Level 1 and Level 3 Chargers

Understanding the differences between charging levels helps clarify why Level 2 is the ideal choice for home use.

• Level 1 Charger: This is the basic cable that comes with your EV and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. It’s very slow, adding only 6-8 km of range per hour. While convenient as a backup, it's often impractical for daily drivers in Canada.
• Level 2 Charger: The 240V home charging standard. It offers a perfect balance of speed, cost, and convenience, making it the go-to solution for the vast majority of EV owners.
• Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charger): These are the high-speed chargers found at public stations along highways. They can charge an EV to 80% in 20-30 minutes, but are commercially focused and not suitable for residential installation due to their immense power requirements and cost.

For home use, a Level 2 electric vehicle charger offers the ideal balance of speed and cost.

Install Your Level 2 EV Home Charging Station

Upgrading to a Level 2 EV charger is one of the best investments an EV owner can make. It transforms the charging experience from a daily chore into a seamless overnight routine, ensuring your vehicle is always ready to go.

Choosing the right equipment and installer is key to a safe, reliable, and cost-effective setup. If you need help finding a professional, our guide on how to choose the right EV charger installer in Canada is a great place to start.

When you're ready to enhance your EV charging experience, EV Quotes is here to guide you. Find certified local installers across Canada and receive up to 3 free quotes, ensuring you secure the best service and price for your home charging station.