CCI Manitoba Chapter News

Residential electric vehicle charging considerations

“Level 1 charging is sufficient most of the time, experts say, using an outlet you probably already have” as explained by Emily Chung in her article on May 1, 2025 on CBC News Faster isn't always better. Slow-charging EVs could have big benefits.

Depending on driving habits, access to a block-heater capable receptacle and being able to park in a spot at least partially sheltered from the cold weather, a level 1 charger may be all that most electric vehicle owners need. More so as public level 2 and level 3 chargers become prevalent.

Are you a skeptic and still think you need to install a level 2 charger at your condo? Consider a thought experiment  — How many kilometres does the average person drive in a year? One source of data suggests the average Manitoban drives about 15,000 kilometres a year. Assuming it is mostly city driving with an average speed of 50 kilometres an hour, the driver is in motion for about 300 hours annually, or about six hours a week. That means the vehicle is parked for 162 hours a week on average. So is there a need for a fast or rapid charger at home?