Greetings!
You’re probably ended up on this page because you’ve been searching for an apartment in the Lower Mainland that has EV capability. Would you believe it if I told you that while we are in the year 2023 that there is no such list yet? That our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) does not have this filter? Crazy right?
Until then, we are here to be of assistance. We’ve helped a good handful of clients navigate this new terrain already. And let me tell you, even at the time of writing this, the majority of agents I have spoken with about their own units were not aware if the EV charging was Level or Level 2! It can make the already tiring process of searching for a home even more tiresome.
Keep in mind, while some buildings with past listings that note EV may not be true for every owner’s stall. For older buildings it is very dependent where the existing plugs may lie, and if the strata has had an evaluation conducted to see if the building’s power can support multiple chargers (which often isn’t viable).
While we cannot say we are aware of every building’s EV capability from West Vancouver to Langley, we do have a healthy experience dealing with this increasingly growing demand already. We see the need for guidance along this rugged road and we are here to get you into that EV parking spot! Our team offers 2 dedicated Buyers agents, if you’re one for efficiency (isn’t that why you’re here in the first place)? Send us a message, we’re charged and ready to get you started on your journey for an EV compatible lifestyle.
To continue the trend of efficiency, here’s some additional EV info compiled to get you started.
BC Hydros Help Page to have EV Charging Brought into your building:
Click Here
EV Chargers eligible for government rebate.
Single-family homes
Condos/Workplaces
The 3 levels of chargers
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Level 1 Charger:
- Uses a connection to a standard 120-volt outlet
- Charges 8 km per hour
- Takes 12 to 20 hours to fully charge a battery EV (6 to 12 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
- Used mostly in homes
-
Level 2 Chargers:
- Uses a connection to a 240-volt outlet, like those used by ovens and clothes dryers
- Charges 30 km per hour
- Takes 6 to 14 hours to fully charge a battery EV (4 to 8 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
- Used in homes, businesses, and common areas
-
Fast Chargers (AKA Level 3)
- Uses a direct current connection to an electrical system
- Charges 100 km per 30 minutes or 80% charge at 50 kW (varies by vehicle type)
- Takes 1 to 4 hours to fully charge a battery EV (15 minutes to 3 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
- Used mostly in businesses and common areas
Intro Video to Home Charging
Home EV charger features
Wondering which EV charger type is right for you? Consider the EV charger features below to make sure your selected model will accommodate your vehicle(s), the space and your preferences. Features related to your vehicle(s)
ConnectorMost EVs have the “J plug” (J1772) which is used for home and level 2 charging. For fast charging, there are two plugs: the “CCS” used by most manufacturers including BMW, General Motors and Volkswagen, and the “CHAdeMO” used by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Tesla has a proprietary plug, but can use the “J plug” or “CHAdeMO” with adapters.
Single or dual portSelect charging stations are available with two plugs, some of which allow two vehicles to charge at the same time if there’s sufficient electrical capacity.
Features related to your space
Cord lengthCords are available in a range of lengths, the most common being 5 metres (16 feet) and 7.6 metres (25 feet). Shorter cables are easier to store but longer cables provide flexibility in the event drivers need to park further from the charger.
Indoor or outdoorMany chargers are designed to function inside or outside, but not all are. If your charging station needs to be outside, make sure the model you choose is rated to work in the rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
Portable or permanentSome chargers only need to plug into an outlet while others are designed to be installed on a wall.
Features related to your preferences
AmperageLevel 2 chargers are available in models that deliver between 15- and 80-Amps. The higher the amperage the faster the charging.
NetworkedSome chargers will connect to the internet so drivers can start, stop, and monitor charging with a smartphone.
Smart EV chargersSmart EV chargers ensure the most efficient charging by automatically adjusting the amount of electricity being sent to an EV based on timing and load factors. Some smart EV charging stations can also provide you with data on your usage.
EV Charger Rebates: Click HereRebates are available to help homes and workplaces across B.C. get ready for electric vehicles (EVs). The program is funded by the Government of B.C. and administered by BC Hydro and FortisBC. Available rebates include:
For single-family homesBase rebate up to $350 currently unavailable. BC Hydro $250 smart EV charger rebate available.
June 15, 2023 – Due to the popularity of the program, the Government of B.C.’s base funding for this program is fully allocated as of June 15. Applications for single-family home and EV Ready offers are closed.
August 22, 2023 – The Government of B.C.’s base program funding remains unavailable. However, BC Hydro funding is available to provide a rebate up to $250 to single-family home customers who install an eligible smart EV charger. For Apartment/condo buildings:Get up to $5,000 in rebates, up to 50% of costs, per charger to purchase and install Level 2 networked EV chargers at your building’s residential parking spaces, to a maximum of $25,000.
June 15, 2023 – New, limited funding from the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) became available for select offers:
Condos/apartments standalone EV charger rebates (strata corporations can apply on behalf of residents) Workplace charger rebates
Workplace rebates:Up to $5,000 per charger to purchase and install eligible Level 2 networked EV chargers for employee use, to a maximum of $25,000.
