Frequently Asked Questions

An electric vehicle, commonly known as an EV, is a type of vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors instead of an internal combustion engine. It uses electricity stored in batteries or fuel cells to propel the vehicle.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) relies solely on electric motors for propulsion. It operates by storing energy in a battery and can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or by connecting to a public charging station. Unlike other vehicles, BEVs exclusively utilize the battery and electric motors to power the vehicle and do not rely on any internal combustion engine.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) combines the use of both a battery and an electric motor with a traditional gasoline engine. When the vehicle's battery is depleted, the gasoline engine automatically activates to provide continued driving capability. The PHEV's battery can be charged using various methods, such as connecting to an electrical outlet or charging station. Additionally, the PHEV can recharge its battery through regenerative braking or using the engine's power in certain scenarios.

Mild hybrid: A Mild Hybrid vehicle operates primarily using its engine power, but it incorporates a mechanism to conserve energy by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The stored energy is then utilized to power auxiliary features, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Unlike full hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, mild hybrids do not require external charging as they do not have a plug-in capability.

Level 1 EV Charger: A Level 1 EV charger is the most basic and widely available type of charger. It operates using a standard 120-volt household outlet, commonly found in residential settings. Level 1 chargers typically deliver a charging rate of 2-5 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity. While Level 1 chargers are convenient for overnight charging or when parked for extended periods, they have the slowest charging speed among the three levels.

Level 2 EV Charger: A Level 2 EV charger provides faster charging compared to Level 1 chargers. It requires a 240-volt electrical circuit, similar to what is used for large appliances like dryers or electric ovens. Level 2 chargers are commonly found in residential garages, workplaces, and public charging stations. They offer charging rates of around 10-30 miles of range per hour, significantly reducing charging times compared to Level 1 chargers. Level 2 chargers are ideal for daily charging needs and can fully recharge an electric vehicle overnight or during the workday.

DC Fast Charger (Level 3): DC Fast Chargers, also known as Level 3 chargers, are the fastest charging option available for electric vehicles. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 chargers that convert AC power to DC power within the vehicle, DC Fast Chargers supply direct current (DC) power to the vehicle, bypassing the onboard charger. DC Fast Chargers can provide high-power charging rates, offering up to 80% of battery capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charging infrastructure. These chargers are typically found at public charging stations along highways, allowing for rapid charging during long-distance travel.

Electric vehicles offer several benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles, quieter operation, and decreased dependence on fossil fuels. They also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on the charging method and the capacity of the vehicle's battery. Level 1 charging, using a standard 120V household outlet, can take several hours to fully charge an EV. Level 2 charging, using a 240V charger, can charge an EV in a few hours. DC fast charging, available at select charging stations, can charge an EV to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.

An EV charger installation involves the setup of a charging station or equipment at a residential or commercial property to enable the charging of electric vehicles. It typically includes electrical wiring, circuit installation, charger mounting, and compliance with safety regulations and electrical codes.

Yes, it is required to have a dedicated circuit for EV charger installation. Electric vehicles draw a significant amount of power, and a dedicated circuit ensures that the charger operates safely and efficiently without overloading existing circuits.

Yes, it is possible to install an EV charger at your home even if you don't have a garage. Depending on your property, an EV charger can be installed outdoors or in a designated parking area, provided there is access to an electrical source and proper weatherproofing measures are in place.

Yes, public charging stations are available for EV owners to charge their vehicles while on the go. However, having a home charger offers convenience and cost savings, as you can charge your vehicle overnight or whenever it's convenient for you.

With changing electrical codes and standards, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician who is up to date on all codes and standards for the installation of an EV charger. They have the knowledge and expertise to properly assess your electrical system, handle the wiring and circuit installation, and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Many jurisdictions offer incentives and rebates to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and support EV charger installations. It's advisable to check with your local government or utility company to determine the available incentives and eligibility criteria.

In many cases, it is possible to upgrade your existing EV charger to a faster one, depending on the compatibility and capacity of your electrical system. Consulting with an electrician can help determine the feasibility and requirements for upgrading your charger.

With electricity and gas prices where they are today, EVs are ¼ the cost to drive than a gas car and your typical EV driver saves $1,500-$2,000 per year on fuel. Many jurisdictions offer peak-pricing, meaning the cost of electricity is low at night and on weekends when most of your charging takes place.

AC Charging – AC power is put into the vehicle from a charging station, and then the converter inside the vehicle converts it to DC power.

DC Charging – the charging station, with a built in convertor, converts AC to DC, and then the vehicle receives DC power directly from the charger, allowing for faster charging.  DC Charging is often referred to as Level 3 Charging.

The difference between horsepower and kilowatts lies in their usage and measurement of power. One kilowatt is one third more powerful than one horsepower. A 100-kilowatt motor is about the same as a 134-horsepower gasoline engine. More exactly, multiply horsepower by 1.3410 to get kilowatts. Multiply kilowatts by 0.7355 to get mechanical horsepower.

• Horsepower (hp) in EVs: Horsepower is a traditional unit used to measure the power output of engines, including those in internal combustion vehicles. However, in the context of EVs, horsepower is less commonly used as a primary metric to describe their performance. Since electric motors operate differently from internal combustion engines, their power output is often measured in kilowatts.
• Kilowatts (kW) in EVs: Kilowatts are used to measure the power output of electric motors in EVs. The power rating of an electric vehicle's motor is typically given in kilowatts, indicating the rate at which the motor can generate and deliver power. Kilowatts provide a more direct and accurate representation of an electric motor's performance in EVs.
• EV Charging Power: Kilowatts are also used to describe the power rating of EV charging equipment. The power output of EV chargers, such as Level 2 chargers or DC fast chargers, is measured in kilowatts. This power rating determines how quickly the charger can deliver electricity to the EV's battery, affecting the charging speed and time.

In summary, while horsepower is traditionally used to measure power in internal combustion engines, kilowatts are the preferred unit of measurement for power in EVs, including the power output of electric motors and the charging rate of EV charging equipment. Kilowatts provide a more relevant and accurate representation of power in the context of electric vehicles and EV charging.

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used in the context of electric vehicles (EVs). It is a measure of the amount of energy consumed or stored by an EV's battery. Current electricity rates in Ontario, Canada as of January 2023 are about about $0.07/kWh.

In simple terms, a kilowatt-hour represents the amount of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power consumed or produced over the course of one hour. It is often used to describe the capacity or range of an EV's battery, as well as the energy consumption during charging and driving.

Here are a few key points about kilowatt-hours in relation to EVs:

• Battery Capacity: The capacity of an EV's battery is typically measured in kilowatt-hours. It represents the total amount of energy the battery can store and deliver to power the electric motor. A higher kilowatt-hour rating generally indicates a larger battery capacity, which can result in longer driving ranges.
• Range Estimation: The range of an EV, or the distance it can travel on a single charge, is often expressed in terms of miles or kilometers. However, this range estimation is closely related to the battery's kilowatt-hour capacity. A larger battery capacity generally translates to a longer driving range, as it can store more energy for the vehicle's operation.
• Charging and Energy Consumption: When charging an EV, the amount of energy consumed or delivered is measured in kilowatt-hours. Charging stations typically display the amount of energy transferred during the charging process. This information is useful for tracking energy usage, calculating charging costs, and estimating the time required to fully charge the battery.
• Cost Calculation: Electricity rates are often based on kilowatt-hours consumed. Therefore, understanding the kilowatt-hour consumption of an EV can help estimate the cost of charging the vehicle. By multiplying the energy consumed during charging by the electricity rate, you can determine the approximate charging cost in your local currency.