EV Charger Installation in Montreal: Everything You Need to Know

Level 1 vs Level 2: what you actually need

The 120V plug that came with your car (Level 1) adds about 8–12 km of range per hour of charging. If you drive more than 60 km a day, you'll wake up to a half-charged car. A Level 2 charger (240V, 32–40A circuit) adds 30–50 km per hour. Most homeowners who switch to EV replace Level 1 within three months.

Level 2 is almost always the right choice for home installation. The incremental cost over Level 1 hardware is small, and the panel work is similar.

What the installation actually involves

Most EV charger installations involve: running a dedicated 240V, 40A or 50A circuit from your panel to the garage or driveway, installing a weather-rated outlet or hardwired EVSE unit, and applying for the required RBQ permit.

If your panel is in good condition and has an open 40A slot, this is typically a half-day job. Complications arise when: the panel is at capacity (a panel upgrade may be needed), the garage is detached and requires underground conduit, or the main service is 100A (often limiting in homes built before 1990).

Which charger should you buy?

For most homeowners, a 32–40A smart charger from a brand like Flo, JuiceBox, or ChargePoint covers every vehicle on the market and allows scheduling for off-peak rates (which can be significant with Hydro-Québec's flex D rate).

Avoid buying the cheapest unit on Amazon. Cheap EVSE units often lack proper safety certifications (look for UL or CSA listed), don't support load balancing, and are usually not compatible with the government rebate programs.

Available rebates in Quebec

At the time of writing, Roulez Vert (a program by the Quebec government) offers up to $600 for home EV charger installation. Hydro-Québec's ÉV Ready program may also apply depending on your situation. Both programs require that the work is done by an RBQ-licensed contractor, which is a legal requirement in any case.

We handle the rebate paperwork as part of every installation — not as an add-on.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

A straightforward installation (panel has capacity, charger is in the garage) typically takes 3–5 hours and ranges from $600–$1,000 including materials. More complex jobs — detached garage, panel upgrade required, long conduit run — will cost more. We give you a firm written quote before any work begins, not an estimate that changes at the end.

Ready to install your EV charger?

Describe your setup — panel location, garage type, which vehicle — and we'll give you a straight answer on what's involved and what it costs. No obligation.