Electric vehicle charging stations: what you need to know

Electric vehicles are booming in Quebec, Canada and elsewhere in the world. With them comes a growing need for charging infrastructure. Whether you’re an EV owner, a future buyer or a fleet manager, understanding the operation and types of charging stations is essential. Here’s a complete overview of what you need to know about electric vehicle charging stations.

WHAT IS A CHARGING STATION?

A charging station feeds your electric vehicle’s battery. In other words, it’s the equivalent of the “gas pump” in conventional cars. Discreet and of variable power, they enable you to recharge your electric vehicle in the comfort of your living room or in a public parking lot.
They differ in terms of power, recharging speed, connector and use (private or public). Here they are :

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHARGING STATIONS

LEVEL 1 CHARGING STATION (STANDARD OUTLET)

• Charging via a household socket (120 V)
• Charging speed: very slow (can take up to several days for a full charge)
• Use: temporary solution, troubleshooting, or for small daily charging needs.

LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION (240 V)

• Residential or commercial installation.
• Recharging speed: generally 4 to 8 hours for a full recharge (depending on the vehicle).
• Use: ideal for daily recharging at home or at work. This is the type most commonly installed by private individuals.

LEVEL 3 CHARGING STATION (CONTINUOUS CURRENT, RAPID RECHARGE)

• Also known as BRCC or rapid recharge stations, Tesla has named its own “superchargers”.
• Recharging speed: recharges 80% of the battery in 20 to 60 minutes.
• Use: especially along freeways and on long-distance journeys.
• Incompatible with certain vehicle models (especially plug-in hybrids).

WHERE TO FIND CHARGING STATIONS?

AT HOME

Installing a Level 2 charging station at home is the most practical solution for EV owners. It means you can leave every day with a full battery, and at a lower cost. Of course, the charging station you buy costs money, as does its installation, but you should know that there are subsidies that can save you money! We invite you to discover the “Roulez Vert” government program, which offers a $600 subsidy on the purchase and installation of a home charging station.

IN BUSINESS

Many companies install charging stations for their employees or customers. This contributes to a sustainable mobility policy and attracts a trendy clientele. Here again, there are subsidies available for companies, as well as a subsidy to enable employees to fill up their batteries while at work. The “Roulez Vert – Branché au travail” government subsidy is a must if you want to install charging stations on your site, whether for your own benefit, those of your employees or even your visitors!

ON THE ROAD

The public network of charging stations is expanding rapidly:

Circuit électrique (Québec)
Flo
ChargePoint
Tesla Superchargers
Municipal or regional networks

Mobile applications like Circuit Électrique, PlugShare or ChargeHub make it easy to locate available charging stations.

WHY INVEST IN A CHARGING STATION?

FOR PRIVATE CUSTOMERS :

Installing a home charging station to recharge your electric vehicle is a “must”, for a number of reasons:

Comfort and autonomy: recharge your vehicle overnight and leave with peace of mind in the morning.
Savings: the cost of electricity is much lower than that of gasoline.
Property enhancement: a charging station adds value to your home.
Convenience, proximity and security: your car is right in your backyard, and recharges safely while you’re sleeping or not using it.

FOR BUSINESSES:

Competitive advantage: attract EV-using customers and employees.
Sustainable commitment: demonstrate your commitment to the environment.
Financial assistance: several subsidy programs make installation easier.

SUBSIDIES AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

In Quebec, the Roulez vert program offers partial reimbursement for the purchase and installation of residential or business charging stations. Other provinces and the federal government also offer incentives. What’s more, some municipalities offer small subsidies to their residents. We invite you to contact your municipality for more information. Who knows, you could save even more!

THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC

Charging stations for electric vehicles are at the heart of today’s energy transition. Whether at home, at the office or on the road, charging solutions are constantly evolving to meet drivers’ needs. By understanding the options available and choosing the right charging station for your needs, you can make the most of your electric vehicle – and contribute to a greener future.

Whatever your charging needs, your destination for the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle charging station is BEQ Technology. Our experienced experts are here to advise you, so don’t hesitate to contact us!