The number of electric vehicles on Quebec roads is constantly increasing.
The transition to electric vehicles is always featured in the news and the popularity of hybrid or electric cars continues to increase.
To drive an electric car, you obviously need a home charging station. There are many models and brands available on the market.
- In this article, we present the 6 best charging stations for electric vehicles.
At the same time, we answer the many questions surrounding the installation of a charging station in Quebec.
What are the different types of charging stations (Level 1-2-3)?
Currently, there are 3 main types of electric charging stations divided into 3 levels, each with a different voltage.
Indeed, the higher the voltage, the faster the recharging. Here is a brief description of each level:
Level 1
Electric vehicles in Quebec are sold with a Level 1 portable charger which plugs into a standard 120V outlet like any other device. This is the minimum voltage, and the charging time is at its longest.
Level 2
The installation of a level 2 charging station is, by far, the most popular option in Quebec. It is a 240V station that allows you to charge your car much faster. The Level 2 station uses a circuit that is similar to that of a stove.
Level 3
Level 3 charging stations operate at 400V and are often referred to as fast charging stations. Level 3 charging stations are not home-based. Instead, they are accessible through public charging stations on the road network.
How do I know which charging station to choose?
When you start shopping for a charging station, you will quickly realize that there is no shortage of choices.
There are many brands and models on the market. How do you know which charging station to choose?
We recommend that you read expert reviews as you will find here or on other comparison sites.
There are also different factors to consider in order to make an intelligent and worthy choice.
Factors to consider when choosing a charging station
- Reliability of the brand
- Warranty offered
- Power (KW)
- Cable length
- Available options (Wi-Fi, smart, etc.)
6 popular electric vehicle charging stations in Quebec
Before choosing a charging station model, take the time to compare several options and speak with a professional.
Some models are better than others in certain circumstances, so it all depends on your needs and your situation.
Our team has summarized below the features of 6 very popular charging stations in Quebec.
- What are the best charging station brands? The answer is in the following table.
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Brand | Flo | Enelx | Altar | Charge Point | Global Industries | Wallbox |
| Model | G5 – X5 | JuiceBox | MC40 – MC50 | Flex | EV One | Pulsar |
| Price | $1,145 – $1,445 | $899 – $959 | $949 – $975 | $999 | $899 – $949 | $925 – $999 |
| Guarantee | 3 years | 3 years | 4 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Power | 7.2 KW | 7.7/9.6/11.5 KW | 12 KW | 11.5 KW | 7.7/9.6 KW | 9.6/11.5 KW |
| Cable Length | 25 feet | 25 feet | 25 feet | 23 feet | 25 feet | 25 feet |
| Aluminum case | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Wireless | X5 Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RFID Card | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Terminal Access Control | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet connection | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Gun/Cable holder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Flexible cable | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power sharing | Yes X5 | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Amperage adjustment | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wago type fitting | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Connection of 6/50 and 14/50 socket | No | Yes | Yes MC40 | Yes | Yes | 14/50 seulement |
| Indoor and outdoor installation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturing | Quebec | USA | USA | USA | China | Europe |
*Prices and specifications were obtained from the manufacturers’ sites. Subject to change without notice. For sample purposes only with no warranty offered.
Where to install an electric charging station?
Where is the best place to install your electric vehicle charging station? It all depends on the configuration of your property and your options.
A charging station can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Charging Station
If your property has a garage, the ideal place to install your charging station is inside it. Your charging station will then be protected from bad weather, and you will have access to a wider choice of models. You could find a less expensive model since it won’t have to be weatherproof. Speak with an expert to select the right model.
Outdoor Charging Station
If you are installing an electric charging station outdoors, then you must ensure that the model you choose will be resistant to weather and temperature changes. Generally, the majority of models respond very well to heat. Extreme cold makes some models less efficient. Talk to an expert to make an informed choice.
What power for the charging station to choose?
Each charging station has a charging power that is measured in kilowatts (kW).
For a charging station that is connected to 240V, here is the power of different charging station amperages:
- 15 Amps: 3.6 kW
- 30 Amps: 7.2 kW
- 40 Amps: 9.6 kW
The higher the amperage, the faster the vehicle will recharge. You must, therefore, select the power based on the speed of recharging you want.
Remember that charging stations that offer faster recharging are generally more expensive.
What is the maximum power accepted by your vehicle?
Do you know what the maximum power your electric vehicle can take? This information is important and is listed in the owner's manual. This power in kW will also influence the charging time. Two vehicles equipped with the same charging station may have different charging times. For example, hybrid vehicles have a maximum charging power of 3.3 to 3.6 kW, while electric vehicles can have between 3.3 and 20 kW.
What type of installation and connection to choose for a charging station?
How is an electric charging station plugged in? It all depends on the level of the terminal.
For example, a Level 1 charging station plugs directly into a NEMA 6-50 outlet.
A Level 2 charging station can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, or directly to the panel.
Here is a summary of the different connection types:
NEMA 14-50 socket
This type of outlet consists of a standard 120V connection, which is the type of outlet into which the majority of appliances are plugged.
NEMA 6-50 socket
This type of outlet allows entry to a 240V circuit, such as a stove. This allows you to connect a level 2 charging station.
Direct to the panel
To prevent theft, you can also plug your charging station directly into your electrical panel. It will then be impossible to move it without the intervention of a master electrician.
What subsidies for the purchase of a charging station are offered in Quebec?
Installing a charging station for an electric vehicle requires a financial investment on the part of the owner.
To promote environmental awareness, the following subsidies are offered by the government.
- Financial assistance of $600 for the purchase and installation of a 20-volt home charging station.
Learn more about the Reimbursement program for a home terminal from the Government of Quebec.
Free quotes for buying and installing an electric charging station
Would you like to install an electric vehicle charging station? How about getting a free quote?
- Fill out the short online form on this page to get a free quote from one of our partner specialists!
The service is 100% free and without obligation, and you’ll have more options and tips to find the right model for you. You can also get the best prices for more savings!
Our partner specialists will be happy to talk to you to answer your questions and give you personalized advice.
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