As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular in North Vancouver and beyond, more homeowners and strata councils are looking at the benefits of installing an EV charger at home.
While public charging stations are an option, having a dedicated home charger offers unparalleled convenience and cost savings.
“The biggest benefit is convenience,” says Sean Tobin, president of TCA Electric.
“You’re not paying the markup you would at a public charging station. The ability to drive home and plug in at night without having to plan around public chargers is a game-changer for most EV owners.”
The installation process
For those considering home EV charger installation, the process is straightforward.
Once the assessment is complete and the proposal is accepted, a dedicated project manager oversees the process from start to finish.
“For single-family homes, installation is typically completed in a day,” Tobin says.
“If there’s no need for a service upgrade, it can be done within a few hours.”
For multifamily buildings, the process is more complex, however, the TCA team is adept at managing projects of all sizes.
Overcoming power limitations
One of the biggest concerns homeowners face is whether their electrical panel can support an EV charger.
“A lot of homes have 100-amp service, which isn’t always enough for a charger,” Tobin says.
In these cases, options such as load management devices can help. These devices monitor power usage and ensure the EV charger only operates when there’s available capacity, preventing electrical overloads.
Rebates and incentives to offset costs
Installing an EV charger comes with upfront costs but homeowners and strata councils can take advantage of government incentives.
“BC Hydro offers rebates of up to $350 for eligible home EV chargers,” Tobin says.
These rebates cover a portion of the purchase and installation costs, making it easier for homeowners to make the switch to an EV-friendly setup.
For those in multifamily buildings, additional rebates are available for shared charging infrastructure.
Why experience matters
With more than 15 years of experience in electrical contracting, TCA Electric has been specializing in EV charger installations for over eight years.
“We know the ins and outs of different chargers, software management systems and infrastructure challenges,” Tobin says.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to making the process seamless for our clients. From the moment they reach out, they’re assigned a dedicated project manager who handles everything. Our goal is to make their experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible.”
Future-proofing for EV growth
As the push toward electrification accelerates, future-proofing EV infrastructure is becoming essential.
“Many buildings still rely on gas but that’s changing,” Tobin says.
“Home heating, cooking and transportation are all shifting to electricity. Planning ahead for increased EV adoption will save money and hassle in the long run.”
For homeowners and strata councils looking to install an EV charger, working with an expert like TCA Electric ensures a smooth, hassle-free process. From assessing power capacity to navigating permits and securing rebates, their team is committed to delivering top-tier service every step of the way.
To learn more and start your EV charging station assessment today, visit www.tcaelectric.ca.
