Buying an EV charger: the guide

Illustration of an electric vehicle charging station
Residential · Commercial · Industrial — Montréal, Laval & North Shore

Charging your electric vehicle at home changes everything. Here’s how to choose the right charger for your home, your needs and the rebates available.

Where to start

Which charger for your situation?

With vehicles now offering up to 400 km of range, home charging is the most convenient and economical option. But the right choice depends first on your type of home.

Single-family home

You have full control: a Level 2 charger (240 V) installed in the garage or outside recharges your vehicle in a few hours. It’s the ideal solution for most homeowners.

Condo or multi-unit building

Installation involves common areas: you need the syndicate’s approval, sometimes a dedicated meter and load sharing. Power is planned around the building’s electrical service.

What matters

5 things to check before buying

Amperage & power

The higher the amperage (30, 40, 48 A), the faster the charge — but your electrical service must support it. We verify your panel’s capacity.

Plug-in or hardwired

A plug-in charger (NEMA 14-50 outlet) offers flexibility; a hardwired unit is required outdoors and for higher amperage.

Indoor or outdoor

An outdoor charger must be rated for our winters (NEMA 4 / cold resistance). Location affects the type of installation and the cost.

Smart features

Wi-Fi, mobile app, off-peak scheduling, consumption tracking: handy for optimizing costs, but not essential.

Brand & quality

Choose a certified (cUL), reliable charger with a solid warranty. The cheapest option online isn’t always durable.

Pedestal & cable management

With no load-bearing wall, a pedestal helps. A cable-retraction system keeps everything clean and safe.

Legal side

A 240 V connection is not a DIY job

Installing an EV charger is electrical work above 48 V: by law, it must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. A permit and, depending on the municipality, an inspection may be required. It’s also what protects your warranty and insurance.

  • Assessment of your electrical service capacity
  • Installation compliant with the Quebec Electrical Code
  • Permit and safe connection
Good to know

Rebates can cut the cost

Government programs have supported the purchase and installation of residential chargers. Amounts and conditions change over time: we point you to the programs in effect at the time of your work and provide the necessary documentation.

Why Groupe Quenneville

We install chargers year-round

CMEQ-certified company holding an RBQ licence, serving Greater Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, the Laurentians and Lanaudière. Clean, compliant and warrantied installation.

★★★★★
4.9 / 5 — 249+ Google reviews
CMEQ · RBQ
Certified company
5 yrs
Warranty · $7M insurance
Take action

Ready to charge at home?

We assess your electrical service and recommend the ideal charger. Free quote.

Frequently asked questions

What homeowners ask us

Which EV charger should I choose for my home?+

For a single-family home, a Level 2 charger (240 V) rated 30 to 48 A suits most vehicles. The right amperage depends on your electrical service capacity.

Do I need an electrician to install a charger?+

Yes. A 240 V connection must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, with a permit and in compliance with the Quebec Electrical Code.

Plug-in or hardwired?+

A plug-in charger (NEMA 14-50 outlet) offers flexibility; a hardwired unit is required outdoors and for higher amperage.

Are there rebates available?+

Programs have supported the installation of residential chargers. Since conditions change, we point you to the programs in effect at the time of your project.