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Deciding on purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is a powerful step towards cutting carbon emissions and securing sustainable transportation. Public charging stations, built to supply your vehicle on the go, have become increasingly popular. In addition, among the most promising aspects of EVs is the possibility of charging them at home. Among our most commonly asked questions, one stands out: Can I use my dryer outlet to charge my electric vehicle?
The answer depends on the level of your EV charging system.
Levels of charging.
Let’s briefly discuss the different kinds of charging before we answer the main question. There are three levels of EV chargers: Levels 1, 2, and 3. Each level charges an EV faster than the last and requires increasing amounts of energy. Level three requires direct current (DC) systems, so the answer is no; you can’t plug in a Level 3 charger anywhere in your house. This is because homes in Canada and most of the American continent run on alternating current (AC), and any shape of DC is usually low voltage.
Level 1 chargers often use a standard 120V outlet. They take up to 20 hours to charge an EV, but they can be plugged into any outlet in your home.
Level 2 chargers are the current standard for efficient home EV charging. They are capable of fully charging a battery within 13 hours. The Ivy Home™ Smart EV Charger, for instance, can charge up to 48 km every hour. In order for them to work, they require a steady 240V connection. This form of outlet may be available in your home for certain appliances, like ovens, AC units, and other heavy-duty devices.
You can read more about charging levels in our blog post “What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers?" here.
Understanding heavy-duty outlets.
In Canada, residential dryers, ovens, and certain HVAC setups typically operate on a 240-volt electrical circuit. 240V outlets feature specific configurations to accommodate higher voltage and current requirements. They generally come in the form of a NEMA 14-30 or NEMA 14-50 receptacle, distinct from standard electrical outlets used for everyday appliances. If you have any of these at home, your power panel most likely has the capacity to deliver the charge.
NEMA 14-30 and NEMA 14-30R outlets do carry a 240V charge, but their wiring setup is not compatible with most Level 2 chargers. These are most commonly used for clothes dryers.
Nema 14-50s, most commonly seen in ovens, are entirely compatible with Level 2 chargers.
Installation and availability.
In addition to considering capacity and compatibility, it’s important to think about convenience. Most homes are built with only a few 240V outlets in mind for very specific purposes, and they may not be within range of your optimal EV charging location.
As with all electric installations and diagnostics, we urge you to practice caution and to call a professional when it comes to installing the charger. The Ivy Home Licenced Electrical Contractors are prepared to install a new outlet wherever you want it within your home’s electrical network—provided that your home is capable of 240V delivery. Remember that all EV charging stations must be compliant with Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements. Take a look at this guide by the ESA regarding EV charger installations. If you seek a more dedicated, technical reading, read this ESA bulletin.
A dedicated plug is crucial for reliable charging and capacity. At Ivy Charging Network, we provide top-of-the-line EV chargers, and our Licenced Electrical Contractors are trained to adapt and transform any home’s electrical system to fit a Level 2 charger anywhere in your home so you can keep control of your vehicle’s loadout at any time. If you’re interested in installing an Ivy Home™ Smart EV Charger, fill out a quick application and let us give you an estimate.
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