How much does a home charging station cost in Quebec?

Did you know that Quebec is the Canadian province with the most electric vehicles? That’s right! According to the latest AVEQ figures, 42% of registered EVs are in Quebec, making our beautiful province a champion in the electrification of transportation. With the ever-increasing number of electric vehicles on Quebec roads, more and more owners are considering the installation of a home charging station. While this is a very practical purchase, it does raise a few questions, particularly when it comes to cost. Many of you are wondering how much a charging station costs in Quebec.

To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay, we’re going to break down the costs of purchasing and installing a home charging station in Quebec, as well as potential subsidies and benefits.

THE COST OF CHARGING STATIONS

The first thing to consider is the purchase price of the charging station itself. Here are the different types of home charging stations available:

LEVEL 1 CHARGING STATION

This is generally included with the electric vehicle. It plugs into a standard 120 V outlet. Although inexpensive, recharging is slow, very slow. It takes around 1h of recharging per kWh of battery, which means that a 30 kWh battery will require around 30h of recharging…
Fully recharging your electric car could therefore sometimes take up to 30 hours. Needless to say, this method of recharging is more useful for trips to the cottage, for example, or to relatives who don’t have a recharging point, rather than as a primary recharging solution. However, if you need it, it’s always handy to have on hand!

LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION

This type of terminal is obviously the one we hear the most about. More powerful, it requires a 240 V connection, similar to that used for household appliances such as a stove. The price of a Level 2 charging station ranges from $700 to $1,500, depending on the model, features (Wi-Fi connectivity, energy management, etc.) and brand. Level 2 charging stations are the most popular, and few electromobilists are not quick to adopt this method of recharging, not least because of the speed with which they can replenish energy. Instead of the 40-hour recharge required by a Level 1 charging station, a Level 2 charging station will recharge your EV in the space of a good night’s sleep – around 5 times faster!

INSTALLATION COSTS

In addition to the cost of the charging station, you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation by a certified electrician. Several factors influence the price of installing a home charging station in Quebec:

DISTANCE FROM THE ELECTRICAL PANEL

The greater the distance between the electrical panel and the planned charging station location, the higher the wiring costs.

UPDATING THE ELECTRICAL PANEL

If your home’s electrical panel doesn’t have enough capacity for a new 240 V outlet, an upgrade may be necessary. This can add between $500 and $1,500 to the total cost.

SPECIFIC WORK

If structural adjustments are required to run cables, costs may increase. The electrician performing the installation will be able to give you a better idea of costs, since these situations vary from case to case.

In general, installing a Level 2 charging station in a home costs between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the work. The total cost of purchasing and installing a home charging station is therefore between $1,200 and $3,500. Of course, these figures are only indicative*, since they can vary depending on a multitude of factors, such as the brand of charging station, its functionality and the work required to install it by a certified electrician.

*Prices as of October 2024. Prices are for reference only; amounts are subject to change.

SUBSIDIES AND INCENTIVES

It goes without saying that all these expenses can represent a considerable sum to plan for. Fortunately, the Quebec government offers a number of subsidies to help reduce your bill. Here are the details of the program in question:

ROULEZ VERT PROGRAMM

The government offers a rebate of up to $600 on the purchase and installation of a home charging station. This covers a significant portion of the cost, making installation more affordable.

To benefit from this subsidy, you must :

Purchase a charging station approved by the Roulez Vert program.
Have the charging station installed by a certified electrician.
Submit a reimbursement request with the purchase and installation invoice.

In addition, we invite you to check with your municipality, as many offer a subsidy for the purchase and installation of a home charging station!

⚠️ Make sure you choose a certified charging station! The charging stations available online don’t always meet the required standards. What’s more, to qualify for the subsidy, the charging station must cost at least $600. Be careful when shopping online. If in doubt, turn to a specialized company to guarantee a safe purchase.

LONG-TERM PROFITABILITY

Despite the initial investment, installing a home charging station offers a number of long-term financial advantages:

SAVINGS ON CHARGING COSTS

Charging at home costs much less than relying on public charging stations, especially if you take advantage of Hydro-Québec’s low residential electricity rates, especially during off-peak hours.

TIME SAVING

Having a charging station at home means you don’t have to make trips to public charging stations, and you can take advantage of fast overnight charging. All you have to do is get out, plug in and unplug your electric vehicle, all from the comfort of your slippers!

INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE

The presence of a charging station can add value to your property, especially for future EV buyers.

IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Installing a residential charging station in Quebec is a worthwhile investment for electric vehicle owners. Between government subsidies and savings on charging costs, a home charging station not only makes it easier to charge your vehicle, but also gives you comfort and peace of mind on a daily basis.

BEQ TECHNOLOGY, YOUR EXPERT

The total cost of installing a home charging station in Quebec varies according to a number of factors, but can be made more affordable thanks to government and municipal subsidies. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and installing a charging station, it’s a good idea to consult a certified electrician for a personalized estimate and to ensure that the installation complies with safety standards. At BEQ Technology, you’ll find the largest network of certified installers in Canada!

Don’t hesitate to contact us for your recharging needs: we’ll provide you with impeccable turnkey service!