Level 2 EV charging at local host sites

Electric vehicle drivers who are travelling, shopping or staying nearby. Host businesses may also take a share of the revenue or want chargers as a perk for customers.

Charge drivers per kWh, per hour or per session, then subtract electricity, network software fees, payment fees and any revenue share to the host. Grants may help with upfront costs.

• Negotiating with landlords and businesses
• Basic electrical and cost planning
• Organized with paperwork and permits
• Customer service

• Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician with permits, check your provincial rules
• Check Measurement Canada and provincial rules on selling electricity by the kWh, including meter requirements
• Utility demand charges and connection upgrades can change your costs, so ask the utility early
• Check your municipality for zoning, signage and parking rules
• Commercial general liability insurance and a written agreement with the property owner
• Winter cold, snow clearing and vandalism can affect equipment and uptime
• Quebec has an established public network and its own rules, so check the local market before starting there

Estimates are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of chargers, the site and any connection upgrades. Ask the utility early, since demand charges and upgrades can change your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,000, depending on the site, how many chargers you run and any revenue share with the host. Estimates suggest at least about 3 hours a week to manage it.

Check that a licensed electrician with permits does the work under your provincial rules. Also check Measurement Canada and provincial rules on selling electricity by the kWh, municipal zoning and parking rules, and insurance and written agreements.