Thinking About an EV Charger at Home?

Thinking About an EV Charger at Home? Here's What It Really Costs in Ontario

A few years ago, the questions I heard at showings were about schools, commutes and whether the basement was finished. Today, more and more buyers walk into a garage and ask one thing first: "Can I charge my car here?"

If you drive an electric vehicle or plan to, where you plug in at night matters. It affects your daily routine, your hydro bill and even how your home is valued when it's time to sell. Here's a clear look at what a home charging setup involves in 2026, based on recent figures compiled by Zoocasa, and what it means for homeowners in Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Burlington.

Which Charger Do You Actually Need?

Most people don't need anything fancy. It comes down to how far you drive.

Level 1 uses a regular household outlet. No installation required, but it only adds about 5 to 8 km of range per hour. That works for a plug-in hybrid or someone who drives very little.

Level 2 is what most homeowners mean when they say "home charger." It runs on 240 volts, adds roughly 35 to 50 km of range per hour and fully charges most EVs overnight.

Level 3 (DC fast charging) is built for highway stations and commercial sites. It isn't a realistic option for a home garage.

For nearly every family I work with, Level 2 is the right fit.

What You Can Expect to Pay

For a typical detached or semi-detached home, a Level 2 installation generally runs between $1,100 and $2,500 or more, all in. Here's roughly how that breaks down:

• Charger hardware: $400 to $1,200
• Licensed electrician (labour and wiring): $500 to $1,500
• ESA permit and inspection: $100 to $250

Costs can climb if the charger is far from your electrical panel or your home needs more capacity. An energy management system can add $1,500 to $3,500, and a full upgrade to 200-amp service can add $3,000 to $8,000 or more.

Popular home chargers in Canada include the Grizzl-E (a well-regarded choice for cold winters), the Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint Home Flex and FLO Home X6. Most fall in the $450 to $900 range, though prices shift with promotions.

Is Your Electrical Panel Ready?

This is the question that surprises people most. A Level 2 charger can draw power steadily for hours, so the electrical code treats it as a continuous load.

• 60-amp service (common in homes built before the 1960s) usually isn't enough without a full upgrade.
• 100-amp service can work, but it gets tight once you add a stove, dryer and central air.
• 200-amp service (today's standard) typically has room to spare.

If your panel falls short, a lower-amperage charger or an energy management system can sometimes help you avoid the cost of a full service upgrade.

Don't Skip the Paperwork

In Ontario, EV charger installations must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and a Notification of Work has to be filed with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before work begins. Once the job passes inspection, you'll receive a Certificate of Acceptance.

Keep that certificate somewhere safe. When you sell, a buyer's lawyer may well ask for it, and having it on hand makes for a smoother closing.

Buying New Construction? Good News

Under Ontario's EV-Ready Homes Act (Bill 199) and related Building Code updates, applicable new homes must include a 200-amp panel, a conduit run to the garage or driveway and a junction box ready for a future charger. The charger itself isn't included, but the groundwork is, which can save you a meaningful amount down the road. If you're exploring new builds in Oakville or Milton, this is worth confirming with the builder.

What This Means When You Buy or Sell

If you're relocating from Toronto, you may be trading a condo parking spot for your first private garage. Ask about panel capacity during your search, not after closing.

If you're downsizing, an EV-ready garage in your next home can be a quiet comfort. No more planning errands around public chargers.

If you're selling, a properly permitted Level 2 charger is a feature worth highlighting. Buyers notice, and the documentation adds confidence.

Let's Talk About Your Next Move

Whether you want a home that's ready for your EV or you're wondering how your current setup affects your home's value, I'm happy to help you think it through. Every move starts with a conversation.

Book a time that works for you: calendly.com/tarlikas/new-meeting
Call or text: 647-328-4800
Email: tarlika.sehgal@exprealty.com

Tarlika Sehgal, REALTOR®, SRS, ABR
eXp Realty of Canada, Inc., Brokerage

Costs are estimates and vary by home, contractor, and retailer. Always get quotes from a Licensed Electrical Contractor for your specific property.