Thinking about charging your EV at home in Toronto? A well-planned Level 2 setup makes daily driving simple, even in winter. This guide explains charger types, load calculations, permit steps, routing options in houses and condos, and smart ways to future-proof without overspending.
Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC Fast Charging
Level 1 uses a standard 120 V outlet and adds roughly 6 to 8 km of range per hour. Good for hybrids or light daily use.
Level 2 uses 240 V and typically adds 35 to 50 km of range per hour, which covers most Toronto commutes easily. This is the sweet spot for houses, semis, and townhomes.
DC fast charging is for public stations. It is not a residential installation.
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade or Not
Before buying hardware, an electrician should complete a load calculation on your electrical service. Many Toronto homes have 100 A service; newer homes may have 125 A or 200 A.
Three common paths
- Use an energy management device
A load controller monitors your main service and temporarily reduces EV charging when the home approaches its capacity. This often lets you keep a 100 A service while running a 40 A or 48 A charger. - Add a dedicated circuit without upgrades
If the load calc shows available capacity, we install a dedicated 240 V circuit on the existing panel, usually 40 A or 50 A, depending on the charger. - Upgrade to 200 A service
Best if you plan multiple high draw loads like a second EV, electric range, heat pump, or hot tub. We coordinate utility, meter base, panel, and permits.
Outlet vs Hardwired, And Which Receptacle To Choose
- Hardwired wallbox is clean and weather-resistant. It avoids plug heat on high-amperage loads and is preferred for outdoor installs.
- The outlet option works if you want portability. Common choices are NEMA 14‑50 or NEMA 6‑50. We match the outlet to the charger plug and breaker size.
- GFCI protection is required. Many wallboxes include it, and certain breakers are GFCI type. We design so that protection is provided once, not doubled.
Cable Routing, Mounting, And Weatherproofing
- Houses and semis: We often surface mount EMT or run in finished walls, then mount the charger near the garage door or driveway. Exterior units use weather-rated enclosures and in‑use covers.
- Townhomes: Shared garages need tidy routing with labeled shutoffs.
- Condos: Most boards require a licensed electrical contractor, drawings, and approval before work. Runs usually go from the electrical room to your parking stall overhead in conduit. Many buildings ask for an energy management device rather than a panel upgrade.
Winter Performance Tips For Toronto
- Mount chargers where snow banks and plow spray will not hit them.
- Choose NEMA 3R or NEMA 4 rated enclosures for exterior installs.
- Use a cord hook or holster so the cable does not freeze to the ground.
- Set the car to precondition while plugged in so the pack warms using grid power before you drive.
Smart Charging And Off‑Peak Savings
- Many wallboxes and vehicles support scheduled charging after 7 p.m. or during off‑peak hours.
- Dynamic load sharing lets two chargers split a circuit automatically if you add a second EV later.
- If you plan solar or a future battery, choose a charger that can integrate with these systems for energy tracking.
Safety, Permits, And Inspections
In Ontario, EV charger installations require an ESA notification of work and inspection. JG Contracting uses licensed electricians who pull the permit, complete the work to code, and coordinate inspections. For service upgrades, we also coordinate utility and meter base requirements.
Condo Board Approval Checklist
- Request the building’s EV charging policy and application form.
- Provide a line diagram showing the route from the electrical room to your stall.
- Confirm metering and billing method, for example, dedicated meter, sub‑meter, or flat fee.
- Submit proof of insurance and contractor license.
- Show load management details, for example, an energy management device if required.
- Schedule work with security and property management.
Future Proofing Your Home
- Pull a larger conduit and extra string for an easy second circuit later.
- Consider a subpanel in the garage if you want heaters, tools, or a future sauna.
- Run Cat6 alongside power if you want a hardwired data point for smart devices in the garage.
- Label everything clearly so future service is simple.
Budget Tiers You Can Plan Around
Good
Install a 40 A hardwired Level 2 charger on an existing 100 A panel with a load controller, tidy surface conduit, and permit.
Better
50 A charger with a short run, wall-mounted cable management, small panel clean up, and room for a second EV in the software.
Best
Full 200 A service upgrade, garage subpanel, exterior rated wallbox, dynamic load sharing for two vehicles, and dedicated outlet for tools or heaters.
How JG Contracting Handles EV Installs
- Site visit and load check to confirm capacity and routing.
- Hardware selection that matches your vehicle and plans.
- Permits and approvals with the ESA and condo board, if needed.
- Professional installation with clean routing and labeled work.
- Walkthrough of app setup, schedules, and maintenance.
Related reading on our blog
Ready To Charge At Home The Right Way?
From simple wallboxes to full service upgrades, we design EV charging that fits your home, your budget, and your future plans.
Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
