Electric Vehicle Charging

Get to Know Electric Vehicle Charging

Welcome to the future of driving! Charging your electric vehicle (EV) is easier, faster, and more accessible than ever. Whether you're charging at home or on the go, we're here to help. Explore our resources and network of certified contractors to help.

Types of EV Chargers

Whether you are on the road or at home, there are a few different ways to charge your EV. Below are the three main types of chargers to keep you powered up and ready to drive.

Level 3 EV Charger
Level 3 - Fast Charging Stations

Level 3 charging stations (also known as DC Fast Chargers) use a high-powered system to charge your EV. These chargers can add up to 250 km of range per hour charged. In many cases, you can charge an EV's battery to 80% in 30 minutes or less, making it much easier for EV drivers to take longer trips! Charging speed will vary depending on the car, charger, and outside temperature.

Level 3 charging is compatible with the vast majority of EVs, but make sure to check if your model has this feature/adapter. Find a charger.

Level 2 EV Charger
Level 2 - Convenient Home or Destination Charging

Level 2 chargers are the most common option for convenient at-home charging, capable of fully charging your EV overnight, providing 16 to 97km of range per hour charged, depending on the type of EV. You'll need the support of a qualified electrician to complete an installation as they require a 240 V dedicated circuit like any major appliance like dryers and ovens, ranging from 30 to 80 amps.

You may also find this type of charger at commercial destinations, like hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

Find a contractor to connect with a certified installer in your area. The support of a qualified electrician is critical to ensure chargers are installed properly and to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Level 1 EV Charger
Level 1 - Standard Outlet Charging

A portable level 1 charger is included with most new EVs and plugs into a standard 120 V grounded outlet. They provide 3 to 8 kilometers of range per hour of charging time, making it the slowest of the three options.

Installing an EV Charger at Home

For single-family homeowners, installing a Level 2 charger is a convenient and efficient way to charge your EV at home. To ensure the installation is safe, reliable and done to the highest standards, it's important to follow a few essential steps. Here's what you need to know:

Live in a condo or apartment building? There are a few extra steps you need to know. Learn more > 

Step 1: Confirm you have sufficient electrical service

You'll need to have a certified electrician perform a load calculation on your home. This helps the electrician determine if your current electrical service panel has space to accommodate an EV charger, or whether you'll require a service upgrade*.

Find a certified contractor near you who has completed the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, which is a program designed to provide electricians with the most comprehensive training available in the market today. Ask for a free site visit and estimate so you can better understand how the charger will be installed. We recommend getting quotes from more than one certified electrician.

* Many older homes have a 100 Amp main panel, and this may need to be upgraded to a 200-Amp service to avoid any potential danger of overloading the panel. The larger the panel installed in your home, the more devices can be safely used simultaneously.

Step 2: Choose an EV charger

It's important to understand which type of charger is compatible with your EV. Before purchasing a charger, speak with your local dealership, refer to your EV manufacturer's website, or the in-vehicle manual to determine your EV's charging capabilities.

Here a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a charger:

  • Make sure the charger is Energy Star and/or CSA certified
  • Review and compare warranties across different manufacturers and models
  • Consider where your charger will be installed and whether it is certified for use in low temperature and outdoors if applicable

Step 3: Find where you can buy an EV Charger

Once you've identified which charger is compatible with your EV, you'll need to decide where to buy it. Here are some common buying options:

Local Dealerships

Most dealerships now include a Level 1 EV charger (and in some cases a Level 2 charger) for free when you purchase an EV. If you're a prospective EV owner, check with your local dealership to see if this applies for the EV you're interested in.

Electrical Contractor

An electrician can provide you with expert guidance and help source the right EV charger for you.Discuss charging options with your electrician when they assess your home for an installation.

Manufacturers and distributors

Some manufacturers of EV chargers and other electrical equipment allow you to purchase a charger directly from them or through a local distributor. Visit manufacturer websites and look for buying options.

Online Retailers

Online marketplaces have a wide selection of EV chargers available for purchase. Ensure the product listing is offered by the registered brand and not a third-party reseller or a counterfeit brand. Verified product reviews can also be a helpful resource to guide your decision making.

Earn rewards with Eco Shift

Receive rewards by enrolling your electric vehicle or charger in Efficiency Nova Scotia's Eco Shift Program.

Installing an EV Charger In a Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB)

If you live in a multi-unit residential building or town house, you'll need to get a wiring method approved by the condo board, landlord, or association. As the unit owner or tenant, you'll need to learn your building's policies and infrastructure before purchasing a level 2 charger. Here are some preliminary steps to take before purchasing your charger.

Step 1: Identify the power source

To install an EV charger in a MURB you'll need to identify where the charger will be connected, its source of power, and determine how the electricity used for charging will be metered and billed.

Step 2: Submit an authorization request

Once the details are understood, you'll need to submit a request to the condo board, landlord, or association detailing your connection plans.

Step 3: Find a contractor

Once approved, ask if your building has preferred electrician or use our online search tool to find a certified electrician near you.

For more information on installing an EV charger in a multi-unit residential building visit Guidance - Murbly.

Find a Charger On-The-Go

Finding an EV charger in Nova Scotia has never been easier! Whether you're looking for a fast charge to quickly get back on the road, or a slower top-up while you visit a local business, restaurant, or attraction, there are plenty of options available across the province. With PlugShare, a crowd-sourced, interactive map, you can easily locate one of the hundreds of charging stations across various networks and charge up with confidence. 

EV Fast Charging by Nova Scotia Power

Fast, accessible and convenient EV charging on-the-go in communities across Nova Scotia. Discover how we make fast charging easy so you can make the most of your EV journey. Learn more >

FAQs

Electric Vehicles

What is Nova Scotia Power’s role in electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles are part of the federally mandated Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That's why, we work with a variety of partners and customer groups to identify the barriers and provide solutions for electric vehicle adoption in our province.

We help support a variety of events across Nova Scotia to build awareness and growth of electric vehicle adoption. We also provide the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, while making and delivering energy to support your vehicle needs.

How quickly do you expect the EV market in Nova Scotia to grow?

The Government of Canada is aiming for 100% of new light-duty sales to be zero-emission by 2035, including at least 20% by 2026, and at least 60% by 2030.

Since Nova Scotia generates some of its electricity from coal, is driving an electric vehicle better for the environment?

Yes! By switching to an electric vehicle, you can reduce your carbon emissions from driving by as much as 50%, and by even more over time as we continue greening our grid. We’ve been transitioning to renewable energy—with 40% of electricity in 2023 coming from renewable sources—and we’re working on reaching 80% renewable by 2030.

As more people switch to electric vehicles, can the grid handle the increase in load?

Yes, it can! As more Nova Scotians choose to go electric, we’re modernizing our grid and planning for the future. Through the Smart Grid Nova Scotia program, we’re testing how new technology can help us manage peak demand. You can learn more at nspower.ca/innovation.

How much does it cost to drive an electric vehicle in Nova Scotia?

 At $1.00 per litre of gasoline, the average compact car costs $9.54 to drive 100 km and the average SUV or minivan costs $12.34 to travel the same distance. When you compare this to a battery electric vehicle costing $2.04 per 100 km, drivers can save $1,500 or more on fuel costs every year.

Is my EV battery usable once the car reaches its end of life? What happens to used electric car batteries?

At the end of your car's life, the battery may still have value. There is technology in development that may allow you to sell your battery.

You can learn more about how EV batteries can help us shape our energy future, and bring benefits for all Nova Scotians, in our chat with Dalhousie University Professor Jeff Dahn.

See more FAQs

Charging

How much does it cost to charge at a public charging station?

The cost to charge at a public charging station can vary based on vehicle type.

Our Nova Scotia Power fast-chargers currently cost $15 per hour, for up to 50kW, and our Level-2 chargers are $1.50 per hour.

What if someone is already plugged into these fast chargers when I arrive?

The FLO mobile app will let an EV driver know if the station is in use. The Level-2 charging station is there as a back-up if the Level 3 is being used, as well as a solution for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

How did you pick the locations of your EV fast-charging network?

Our location partners were chosen based on a number of criteria outlined by our partners at Natural Resources Canada, including proximity to a 100-series highway and being located approximately 65 kilometers apart.

How much would installing a charger cost for my home?

Home chargers can range from $400 to $1,200. For more information on home charger costs, contact a certified electrician.

Will having a home charger increase my power bill?

Charging your EV at home will increase your electricity usage, however there will be significant savings in comparison to what you would have paid for gas or diesel.

Example: The average BEV (battery electric vehicle) uses around 4,000 kWh per year (based on 20,000 kilometers of travel). So, if you charge at home 80% of the time at our residential rate, you could expect your bill to increase by around $480—the cost of gasoline in a comparable small car is often four times that amount.

Do I need to upgrade my service to accommodate a charging station in my home?

Some homes will need to upgrade their electrical service to accommodate an EV charger in their home. You should consult with a certified electrician before purchasing an EV to ensure your home can accommodate the charger or to identify whether you need a panel upgrade.

Is charging my vehicle safe?

Yes, charging an electric vehicle is very safe in all weather conditions, as each charging station must meet specific electrical safety standards.

See more FAQs

Interested in buying an EV?

Visit EV Assist for the latest information and rebates available on electric vehicles for Nova Scotians.

Need some addtional help?