What are the electrical requirements for an EV charging station?
Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Quebec must comply with the Quebec Construction Code, section 86:
- Level 2 (240 V): 40 A or 50 A breaker, #8 AWG or #6 AWG copper conductor, TECK90 cable or EMT conduit
- GFCI Breaker: Required for all outdoor and indoor charging stations since the 2024 Code
- Smart charger: Load management, off-peak programming (Hydro-Québec offers a credit of about $100/year for overnight charging)
- Distance: The station must be within 9 meters of the vehicle
Hydro-Québec Program: Smart charger installation is subsidized up to $600. Some municipalities offer additional credits. Connection must be done by a CMEQ-certified electrician.