Exciting news for strata residents in British Columbia! We’re delighted to share that the Province has introduced groundbreaking legislation to make EV charging stations more accessible in residential buildings. At Relight Solutions, we’re passionate about sustainable transportation options, and this development aligns perfectly with our mission. Let’s explore the key changes and how they revolutionize EV charging accessibility in strata buildings.
This forward-thinking legislation is a game-changer for strata residents in British Columbia. At Relight Solutions, we’re committed to supporting this transition and making EV charging stations more accessible. Join us in embracing sustainable transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to a greener future.
Ready to make the switch to sustainable transportation? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you install EV charging stations in your strata building. Together, let’s drive positive change!
Electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the world by storm. Major car manufacturers are building EVs powered partially or fully by electric power in all shapes, sizes, and models. They are more affordable to drive and require less maintenance than regular gas-fueled cars. However, proper preparation is crucial for avoiding difficulties, problems, and money down the road. In this article, you will learn about EV charging installation and what stations suit you.
What Is the Best Location for Installing EV Charging Stations at Home?
Before purchasing your first EV, you must consider where you will charge your car. If you live in a condo, you may find that your building has invested in an EV charging station spot in the garage. However, if you live in a single-unit home, especially one that is farther away from the city, you may need to look into getting a charging station installed.
Planning and investigating some EV charging stations Surrey has to offer is essential. Then, find a safe spot to do your EV charging installation. The best way to do this is to hire a licensed electrical professional to assess your current panel and ensure it can handle the extra electrical load.
Do you need to upgrade your panel?
When conducting your EV charging installation, it is important to ensure that your electrical panel can handle the additional power draw. An electrical contractor can help you figure out what you need to power your EV charging stations Surrey has safely. You must also contact your local utility provider if your home requires an electrical panel upgrade. A modest house with 150-amp or greater service may be able to fit an extra 30 to the 40-amp circuit – depending on if there are other big draws.
You may also need to acquire charging equipment to connect your EV to the new circuit – which may be included with the purchase of EV charging stations Surrey provides. The distance from the electrical panel to the charging location can alter the cost substantially. A 40-amp circuit necessitates an 8-gauge wire, costing about $3 per foot. Increasing the amperage for faster charging would require thicker-gauge cables.
What are the different types of EV fast-charging models?
The most affordable method of charging your EV at home is using a standard (three-prong) 110-volt plug (AKA: level 1). However, this is the slowest method of charging. All EVs come with a 110-volt compatible home connector kit.
There are three categories or types of charging:
• Trickle Charge
• AC Charge
• DC Charge
Trickle Charge or Level 1 EV Charging Station
This method of charging is the simplest of the three types of charging. The charging cable comes with essentially a Level 1 charger. These chargers operate on ordinary household current (110-120 volts AC), and many plug into a grounded wall socket with a three-prong plug.
This charger is easy and convenient; however, the charging power is prolonged. For example, if you have 200 miles (320 km), it will take approximately 50 hours to recharge the vehicle fully, or 7-9 km/per charging hour (5 miles/per charging hour). This type of charging is suitable for hybrid vehicles, which can typically recharge fully overnight.
AC Charge or Level 2 EV Charging Station
Depending on the type of vehicle, a Level 2 charger typically uses 240-volt/30 Amps. This electrical circuit is used for an electric stove or dryer. There are portable Level 2 charging stations, but they still require a 240-volt plug.
Usually, the outlet is hardwired into the home’s circuit. Another alternative is installing a Level 2 charging cable on the driveway and plugging it into the socket using a portable Level 2 charger.
DC Charge or Level 3 EV Charging Station
The third type of EV charging station is a Level 3 charging station, designed for commercial use. These charging stations allow for much faster charging times, and level 3 charging stations can charge from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes.
A level 3 charging station is costly to install at home. Plus, due to the power draw, this system is probably not allowed to be installed in residential zoning. Level 3 commercial charging stations will also have two plug options depending on which brand of EV, except for Tesla, and you will need an adapter to use these stations.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They can save you money on gas and help save the environment, but there’s more to consider than just buying an EV. You also need an EV charging station.
How long do you need to charge it? What kind of plug will work best in your garage or parking space? These are all important questions to answer before installing an EV charging station. To learn more about EV charging stations in Surrey, check out Relight Solutions.
First, determine the type of vehicle you drive. Most EVs are equipped with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger—your dealer can help you determine which one is best for your vehicle.
Next, consider the type of EV charging stations available at your home or workplace. If there are only 240V outlets available on a standard 120V circuit breaker panel, then a Level 2 charger may not be necessary. Most buildings have dedicated panels dedicated to powering their electrical equipment and accessories.
The first step in determining which EV charging station is right for you is to understand how much current is available at the charging location. You need to match your vehicle’s current draw, as well as your battery’s current draw.
The first thing to consider when choosing an electric vehicle charger is the type of outlet you’ll plug it into. Most EV chargers can be plugged into a standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. However, there are some exceptions.
When you’re shopping for an EV charger, it can be difficult to determine what kind of charger you need. There are a lot of different options out there, so it’s important to understand which one best fits your needs.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of EV you have. If your vehicle has a Tesla supercharger port, then you will need a Tesla-certified SAE J1772 adapter that connects through the charging port on the bottom edge of your vehicle’s dashboard.
However, not all chargers will work with all outlets: some require special hardware like generators or solar panels for them to work properly; others don’t require any add-ons at all, so make sure before buying anything that you know whether or not it will fit into whatever model your house, apartment, or condo building has installed where EV charging stations are located.
Your charging experience is going to be a lot more convenient when you know what you’re looking for before making a purchase. Luckily, the folks at Relight Solutions know exactly what to look for. That’s what makes them such dependable installers or EV charging stations in Surrey. When you need an EV charging station installed in your home, be sure to call them.
Are you considering upgrading to an electric (EV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and curious about the best way to keep your EV powered up? We can help!
Owning an EV is a little different than operating a combustible engine vehicle. Firstly, if you’re going full electric, you can say goodbye to gas stations forever, and even if you’re opting for hybrid, your fueling needs will be changing dramatically. While commercially available charging infrastructure has been expanding rapidly, the best way to ensure your vehicle is always ready to go is with at-home charging capabilities. Whether you’re contemplating an EV or a PHEV, it’s crucial to consider where and how you’ll be keeping your vehicle powered up
Is your home prepared for an EV Charger Installation?
There are three types of EV chargers available for installation around Surrey: a level 1 charger, a level 2 AC charger, and a level 3 DC (direct charge) charger.
Level 3 chargers are reserved for commercial installations as they require more juice than would be available in residential zones thereby leaving homeowners with the choice between a level 1 or level 2 EV charger installation.
Before deciding on which type of EV charger is right for you, here’s what you need to know the installation requirements and charging capabilities.
All EVs and PHEVs come with a level 1 charger which conveniently works with standard residential 120-volt outlets. As long as you have access to a grounded 3-prong outlet and enough space on your existing electrical panel, you can charge your EV with a level one charger.
Since it is essentially just a large plug, you can take it wherever you go. If you don’t currently have access to an outlet or your electrical panel is currently operating near capacity, you may need to upgrade your electrical before plugging in.
Level 2 EV chargers are a significant power upgrade from level 1 chargers and require much more electrical juice. To have a level 2 EV charger installed, you will need a 240-volt outlet, the same type used to power your stove or dryer.
Since most homes do not come equipped with extra 240-volt plugs, you’ll need to hire a certified electrician to install one for you. From there, you can shop around for a level 2 charger that satisfies your charging needs and budget. Some level 2 chargers simply plug into the outlet and are entirely portable while others are hardwired.
Hardwired EV charger installation is typically recommended for any outdoor installations since they are more weather resistant so if you’re charging in a covered area like a garage, you could opt for either type.
Level 1 chargers which plug into the same type of outlet you use to charge your cell, provide a much slower trickle of power than a level 2 or level 3 EV charger. A level 1 charger can add between 7 and 9 km per hour of charging. If you’re driving an EV with a 400-kilometer range, it could take over 50 hours to reach a full charge.
A level 2 charger, on the other hand, can deliver much more power thanks to its higher voltage. Plugged into a level 2 charger, you can increase your EV range by 20 to 45 km per hour with a full charge achieved in less than 8.
Which type of EV charger is best? Well, that depends on your driving habits, needs, and EV range. If you drive short distances and always remember to plug in while at home, a level 1 charger might be enough to keep you going, especially if you drive a PHEV. For drivers who need to cover more distance or who may not charge daily, a level 2 charger is well worth the investment.
The face of gas stations is changing across North America; instead of a pump, you have a power cord, and instead of a standalone station, consumers can now power up anywhere. Anywhere fitted with the necessary charging infrastructure, that is.
In the coming years, we will see a fundamental shift in how consumers power their vehicles; with the majority of EV drivers recharging at home, there will be less reliance on dedicated fueling stations. This presents an opening for commercial businesses to benefit from opportunistic EV charging.
The installation of commercial EV charging stations can be a costly endeavour in Burnaby; however, the power to enact positive environmental change while promoting your business makes the installation of EV charging infrastructure something well worth considering.
Not sold yet? Here are five important benefits commercial EV charging stations can bring to your business.
1. Promote Customer and Employee Satisfaction and Loyalty
Today, more consumers and staff report valuing businesses with a strong position on ethically and environmentally friendly practices. While there are many ways to improve your company’s position on these issues, installing commercial EV charging stations is one way to show outsiders that you take environmental causes seriously.
Not only will you benefit from increased consumer loyalty and employee retention. But you may also qualify for generous government rebates on the purchase and installation of the commercial EV charging equipment. Now that’s smart business.
2. Increase Your Online Visibility
Companies spend a lot of money trying to get noticed online. But did you know that installing a commercial EV charging station can help put you on the map – literally? A growing number of applications, including Google maps and Waze, help connect EV drivers with charging infrastructure, and your business can earn itself a place on those maps, driving more traffic right to your doors.
3. Give Sales a Boost
Commercial EV charging stations can take an EV from empty to 80% in about an hour – the perfect amount of time for consumers to shop without clogging up resources. This could translate into increased sales for your business. A customer who was only running in to pick up a few things might now stay a little longer, making additional purchases while they wait.
4. Generate Direct Revenue
There are also ways to profit from commercial EV charging stations directly. In Burnaby, businesses can charge for EV charging, with users either paying by the hour or based on the amount of electricity used.
5. Differentiate Yourself from the Competition
Whether you own a grocery store, neighbourhood café, or an office building, commercial EV charging stations are a way to separate your business from the competition. Given a choice between two similar businesses, EV drivers are more likely to choose the one that can accommodate EV charging. This competitive advantage can help boost consumer loyalty, attract new business, and increase employee satisfaction.
Changing regulations and building codes now require new construction in Burnaby to come with the infrastructure needed to accommodate commercial EV charging stations; older businesses that fail to adapt to changing needs risk being left behind.
Instead of being an EV laggard, you can take the opportunity to be an EV leader in your area with commercial EV charging stations; it’s a small investment with a substantial long-term payoff.
Between climate change and soaring gas prices, investing in an EV was already a wise move. Well, now that you have one, how do you get the most out of your electrified vehicle?
EV ownership is a big step in a new direction for most people and it comes with a lot of confusion and more than just a few questions. Some of the most common questions relate to charging your EV and residential EV charging station installation.
Your Options for Residential EV Charging Stations
When you buy or lease an EV, it comes with what is known as a level 1 charger. This EV-compatible charging cable connects to your standard 110-volt 15-amp electrical outlet (like what you would plug a blender into).
A level 1 charger is convenient because you don’t need any special installation as long as you can access an outdoor outlet. The downside of a level 1 charger is the time it takes to get a full charge.
EV owners can also opt to have a level 2 EV charging station installed. These 240-volt chargers dramatically reduce the time it takes to charge your ride. However, in addition to buying the unit, they also require a 40-amp circuit and, in most cases, professional installation.
Charging at home provides security, comfort, and accessibility rather than relying on a limited number of commercial charging stations. You can charge up overnight, in-between errands, or any time it’s convenient for you.
Is the cost of buying and installing a level 2 EV charging station worth it or is the level 1 charger enough to keep your vehicle powered up? Let’s compare the two based on charging time, cost, installation, and features.
When it comes to charge speed, level 2 residential EV charging stations are a substantial improvement over the EV charging cable that comes in stock with your electric vehicle. A 400 km range EV battery can take up to 36 hours to fully charge using a level 1 charger and a level 2 charger will provide the same charge in about 8 hours.
It’s not a just time to full charge that you need to consider. Plugging your EV into a level 1 charger for a quick boost will only add about 8 km of RPH (range per hour) compared to over 40 km that you would get using a level 2 EV charging station.
This one is pretty easy to break down. Level 1 chargers current come free with your EV (although there are rumours that some manufacturers like Tesla may soon start charging for these cables).
Fixed level 2 residential EV charging stations start at about $700 and climb quickly depending on amperage and smart-charging features. When it comes to monthly charging costs, a level 2 charger may be able to reduce your charging costs by providing more control over when and how long you charge at peak times. Additionally, some local utility companies are offering substantial rebates on purchasing and installing level 2 residential EV charging stations.
There is no installation required for a level one charger, provided you have access to an outdoor outlet; if not, having an electrician add one is relatively inexpensive usually under $1,000.
A level 2 residential EV charger installation requires a 240-volt outlet, like the kind used to run your washer and dryer and this will require electrical work and professional installation. The total costs of buying and installing the unit can range from a few thousand on the low end to several thousand for more complex installations, however, that is before you factor in the rebates.
A level 1 charger is as basic as they come. They are essentially large cell phone chargers and there are no special features or smart-charging capabilities.
Level 2 residential EV charges can offer a wide range of smart features including Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduled charging, phone apps, and load-balancing for multi-vehicle charging.
Homes are places of comfort and when they are invaded it can feel deeply violating. Protecting your home is not just about protecting your possessions, but also your family. One of the best ways to ensure your safety and comfort in your home is to have a professionally installed lighting control system. In Vancouver, there is a lot of emphasis on being “green”, and having a lighting control system can not only help keep you and your family safe but can also help with reducing your home’s energy consumption.
Choosing which lights and their location within your home is not an easy task. Lighting is very important and needs to be done correctly but also in a way that works for the home. Tasks, ambiance, and accents should all be considered when choosing to light for your home. Depending on the room, one or two might be more important. For example, bright lights in the kitchen might be preferred, especially if your kitchen does not get enough natural light. The bathroom might not need the brightest lights as much as softer lights on a dimmer switch that will not startle you when you go to the bathroom late at night.
Installing a lighting control system in your home is a simple way to help you get the most out of your light fixtures, and can help deter unwanted people from entering, or checking out your home. The most basic lighting controls are the on and off switches used by the majority of homes. As these are manual switches, a person has to physically be in the room to turn the lights on or off. Pre-set lighting controls allow people to change brightness levels using a slider, or dimmer switch. This switch allows you to change the intensity of the light, however, you still need to be physically present in the room.
If you are wanting a more high-tech lighting control system in Vancouver, you do not need to touch a light switch to use it. Occupancy sensors and motion sensor controls are two systems that may work for you. Occupancy sensors automatically switch on lights when small movements are detected and switch off when an area is not occupied for a set amount of time. These lighting control systems are often used for businesses as they work well in saving electricity without someone physically turning the lights on and off. Motion sensor control lighting systems are not the same as occupancy sensors although they are often confused with being mistaken for them. With this lighting control system in Vancouver, motion sensors send signals to your lights and turn them on when motion is detected and turn them off a little while after.
While motion sensors are programmed to only turn lights on when there are significant walking movements in a room or dedicated space, occupancy sensors are designed to turn lights on for any movements, including smaller movements such as hand or finger movements.
This means motion sensors are best to detect significant walking movements, and more sensitive occupancy sensors are designed to identify smaller movements. For example, motion sensors are not likely to detect someone washing their hands or getting a glass of water. If there is no significant movement, motion sensors will turn off and leave you in the dark until you start making larger movements.
Motion sensors are therefore better for outside lighting at homes, and even indoor lighting because they are less likely to turn on when cats run by, or it is raining heavily.
Surrey is the City of the Future and so it only makes sense that Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the current trend moving forward for transportation. Let’s talk all about Electric Vehicles- what you need to know, and their installation process.
Electric Vehicles are still making their way into the conventional automotive market. They have grown in popularity in recent years with many celebrities and higher-income and environmentally conscious people buying EVs. Most have rave reviews and love their electric vehicles.
Carbon emissions are changing the global climate and causing cascading implications. These implications are affecting all areas of life such as pollution, habitat destruction, and health problems to name a few. Gasoline reliant vehicles cause a significant amount of the world’s carbon emissions.
There are a growing number of charging stations appearing at different locations including places of employment, multi-dwelling establishments, and even residential homes. You might also find charging stations in commercial business areas as well as around community centres or city squares around Surrey. Charging at home is the most convenient option unless there is a charging station conveniently near your place of work or home.
The cost of electricity is much more stable than gasoline therefore budgeting for your EV is much easier. It costs a similar amount of money as cooling your home. All of this will depend on how often and how far you drive. An 8-hour charge per day will show a large increase in your electricity bill, however, when compared to gasoline you may be pleasantly surprised. Having a charger at home can also allow you to charge outside of peak hours which can reduce the costs.
At home, chargers can be installed either inside your garage or outside your driveway. Your electric panel and subpanel may need upgrades to be compatible with your new EV charger. If you don’t already have a subpanel, adding one might be suggested.
To complete the EV charger installation, a few things need to be determined such as;
1. Selecting the right charger for your EV make and model
2. Knowing the electrical configurations of your home
3. Completing any electric upgrades required
4. Meeting safety standards and complying with codes
5. Usage knowledge and guidelines for the safety and longevity of your equipment
Although there are EV charging stations around, you will get the most benefit from having an EV charger installed at your home. Having a charger at home allows you to set up a regular charging schedule for your vehicle and sometimes these schedules can be auto-programmed depending on your charger and vehicle. This will protect the life of your battery and subsequently add longevity and life to your vehicle. Each manufacturer has specific charging guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy battery life long-term.
Ultimately, EVs are the way of the future, and installing an EV charger in your home will prepare your home for the future of transportation. It can also be seen by potential buyers as a selling feature if and when you sell your current home.
Invest in the future of transportation and enjoy the economic and environmental benefits of EV charging. Finding the right EV charging solution for a residential or commercial building can be a lengthy process. EV charger installation in Surrey or anywhere in the surrounding cities is a good option as more electric vehicles make their way in increased popularity for the future.
Most businesses want to do their part to show that they are taking pressing environmental concerns seriously but many are unsure of where to start. Some are even concerned that moving towards greener technology is prohibitively expensive.
Fortunately, choosing innovative energy solutions doesn’t have to be unaffordable. There are small steps that any business can take to improve its energy efficiency and save money along the way.
A small change that can significantly impact your business’s bottom line is a simple switch from high-energy using halogen or incandescent lightbulbs to energy-efficient LED lighting.
Retail spaces have a lot riding on how to best present their products to consumers. A lot of time is spent getting the design, layout, and lighting of a retail outlet just right and up until recently, lighting solutions almost always included inefficient halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent bulbs.
With a growing spotlight shining on the importance of energy conservation, smart building and smart lighting control are becoming increasingly common in commercial, retail, and residential spaces. In some areas, building codes have been updated to include a maximum allowable power density for new builds and to encourage the use of smart building lighting controls. Governments and utility providers have also rolled out incentives offering generous rebates to businesses that switch to efficient LED lighting.
Overly harsh, outdated, or dull lighting can have a significant impact on a shopper’s perception before they’ve even had a chance to start browsing. Upgraded lighting is a simple, affordable way to make your retail outlet more inviting. LED lightbulbs are available in a wide range of warmth levels and brightness giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best compliments your space and vision.
With smart building lighting control, lighting intensity can be customized based on the time of day. During the early morning rush, shoppers may prefer bright, energizing lighting, while they may prefer calm soothing light later in the day.
Retrofitted lighting solutions with energy-efficient LED bulbs to allow you to enhance the appearance of your goods. Customized lighting solutions can benefit all businesses but are particularly important to those that rely on lighting to showcase their products, like jewelry stores and apparel outlets.
Many LED lightbulbs have a lifespan of over 60,000 hours which is about ten times longer than other types of commonly used bulbs. Dramatically improved longevity means you will be spending significantly less on routine lighting maintenance costs while minimizing the disruption created by replacing bulbs in hard-to-reach places.
Aesthetics aside, the biggest difference you will notice by switching to efficient LED lighting is a massive reduction in your monthly energy costs. LED lights can shave as much as 75% off your monthly energy bill. Put into perspective, that could add up to a savings of more than $15,000 per year for a typical 2,000 square foot retail outlet.
Smart building lighting control can also help retail businesses improve their efficiency and save on their energy bills. Sensors and timers can be used to specify lighting levels depending on external conditions or the time of day, automatically lowering when it is light out and increasing brightness when it is dark or rainy.
There is no doubt that the EV market in Surrey is taking off. Walk into any car dealership and try to find an electric vehicle available for sale and you’ll find the waitlists are months long. While increasing EV demand is an important step in the right direction when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, more EVs on the road will also make accessing EV charging stations increasingly competitive.
When it is no longer practical to rely on commercial EV charging infrastructure, it may be time to consider another option- an at-home EV charger installation.
If you own or are considering an EV or a PHEV (plug-in hybrid), you have two options for keeping your battery powered up, commercial chargers, or charging at home. All-electric vehicles come with a level 1 charger. This type of EV charger plugs into your standard household 120-volt outlet which is the same kind you would use to run a blender or charge your phone. Since many homes are already equipped with this type of outdoor outlet, it is a convenient and inexpensive option.
However, there are a few drawbacks to charging your EV with a level 1 charger.
Level 1 chargers are not as powerful as other EV chargers and can take up to 24 hours to fully charge a single-vehicle. Additionally, if you have more than one EV, you will also need a second dedicated outlet since these outlets can only charge one car at a time. This can present a challenge to households in Surrey that rely on having an optimally charged EV for long daily commutes and busy schedules.
A level 2 EV charger solves these problems by providing a fast and affordable way to charge your EV at home.
Unlike a level 1 charger which operates off 120-volts, a level 2 charger runs off a 240-volt plug. A level 2 charger can deliver an optimal 80% battery charge in as little as 4 hours, and for families with more than one EV, chargers like the JuiceBox 32 can have multiple units share power from one circuit.
Equipping your home with a level 2 charger will require professional installation by a certified electrician. There are serval benefits to having one that a level 1 charger cannot replicate.
Convenience is a significant consideration for most families who rely on their vehicles for transportation to and from work, school, and errands. With a level 2 charger, you never have to worry about waiting for your vehicle to charge. These chargers can add up to 50 km to your vehicle range an hour, compared to less than 10 with a level 1 charger.
At-home chargers also provide you with maximum control over your charging. Level 2 chargers come equipped with smartphone apps that help you monitor your battery charge remotely thereby giving you the power to control your charge from anywhere.
Did you know that in British Columbia, it is approximately 30% cheaper to charge an EV at home than to rely on commercial charging stations? Depending on how many kilometers you put on your car in a week, your level 2 charging station may quickly pay for itself.
As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, having a home equipped with a level 2 charger could be seen as a significant selling feature, enticing buyers and adding value to your home.
There is no doubt that EVs are the vehicles of the future here today. With demand on public charging infrastructure only rising, EV charger installation at home in Surrey just makes sense.
