RESIDENTIAL CHARGING

Panel upgrade or load management?

A larger electrical service and an EV energy management system solve different capacity problems. A code-compliant load calculation should guide the decision.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Check capacity before buying capacity

An EV energy management system, or EVEMS, manages charging in response to electrical demand. It may allow charging within an existing service. A panel upgrade can add capacity but may need utility work.

Homeowners with a 100A or 125A service.
Households adding a heat pump or other major equipment.
Owners comparing immediate charging needs and future renovation plans.

Plan this installation ↗

Your scope checklist

Electrical load assessment
Appropriate circuit and protective equipment
Cable routing and mounting
ESA notification process
Testing and equipment commissioning
App setup where applicable
Acceptance documentation and cleanup

Confirm every inclusion in your contractor’s written quote.

COST, WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK

What changes the quote?

Your written quote reflects the route, equipment, and electrical work required.

Installation scope	What drives the quote	Price (CAD)
Short, accessible cable route	Panel capacity, circuit and mounting	Quoted after assessment
Longer or concealed route	Cable distance and finished surfaces	Quoted after assessment
Detached garage	Trenching, routing and protection	Quoted after assessment
Load management	Device compatibility and control design	Quoted after assessment
Panel / service upgrade	Utility coordination and electrical scope	Quoted after assessment

Common planning questions

A spare breaker position does not prove spare electrical capacity.

A larger panel enclosure alone does not increase utility service capacity.

Utility fees and schedules are set by the utility.

Electrical terms, simply.

Amps measure electrical current. kW measures power. kWh measures energy used over time.

A contractor sizes the circuit and wiring for the equipment, continuous load, installation conditions, and applicable rules.

Estimate charging time ↗

Compare the two paths

Consideration	Load management	Service upgrade
Purpose	Control EV demand within available supply	Increase service capacity where feasible
Charging behaviour	May pause or reduce charging	Depends on final design and available load
Utility involvement	Depends on scope	Usually needs utility coordination
Future loads	Assess device and system limits	Assess heat pumps, cooking and other planned loads
Cost and timing	Site-specific quote	Site-specific quote; utility fees set by utility

Worked arithmetic is not a load calculation: 240 V × 32 A = 7,680 W, or 7.68 kW. Simply subtracting appliance nameplate ratings from a service rating does not establish compliant available capacity.

OEB connection guidance ↗ · Open the panel planning checklist ↗

FROM REVIEW TO HANDOVER

Your installation journey

01 / THE PROCESS

Tell us about your space

Choose your property type, parking location, and panel size.

02 / THE PROCESS

Review the electrical plan

A contractor checks capacity, cable routing, and equipment.

03 / THE PROCESS

Schedule the installation

Confirm the written scope, notification, and installation schedule.

04 / THE PROCESS

Plug in with confidence

Complete testing, app setup, and acceptance documentation.

The contractor confirms duration after reviewing the site. No one-visit or same-day guarantee is assumed.

Questions before you start?

Do I need a Level 2 charger at home?

Level 2 uses a dedicated 240-volt circuit. It can suit drivers who need more overnight energy than a regular outlet provides. Compare your daily driving, available charging time, and vehicle charging limit.

Can I install a charger with a 100A panel?

Possibly. Panel size alone cannot establish capacity. A licensed electrical contractor must assess your electrical demand. Load management may be an option before a service upgrade.

How much does installation cost?

Every installation is quoted for its electrical scope. Cable length, installation route, equipment, panel capacity, and site conditions affect the quote. Request a written scope before accepting a price.

Who should carry out the electrical work?

Hire an appropriately licensed electrical contractor. Verify the business and licence directly with ESA. ECRA #7014495 is the licence number shown for this service.

What is an ESA notification?

It is the electrical work notification filed with the Electrical Safety Authority. The contractor should explain the inspection process and provide the applicable acceptance documentation.

Does every EV use the same connector?

No. Check your vehicle inlet, charger connector, and any adapter requirements with the vehicle and charger manufacturers. Avoid selecting equipment from the badge alone.

Do I need condo board approval?

Condo installations require a building-specific approval process. Start with your property manager and the Condominium Authority of Ontario guidance. This information is general and is not legal advice.

Where do you install residential chargers?

Our residential chargers are installed inside attached or detached garages, rather than on the exterior wall of the home. The site assessment confirms the interior mounting position and cable route.