Will EVs be available through all dealers in every province?

Initially, they will be available in limited quantities and select markets. Consult your local EV dealership for additional markets/dates.

How far can a typical EV travel on a single charge?

It depends on the vehicle, but typically, an EV can travel between 80 and 130 km on a single charge.

Where do you recharge an EV?

Most people recharge overnight in their own garage, carport or driveway, but there are plans in the works for public electric vehicle chargers in parking garages and shopping centers.

How fast can I charge the battery on an EV?

If your car is equipped to accept a direct current (DC) charge, then a 480-volt quick-charge station can charge in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. A 220/240V charging station (depending on amperage) can deliver up to 38.5 km per hour (about 4 hours for a full charge), while an 110/120V outlet can provide approximately 9.5 km of range for each hour of charging (about 15 hours for a full charge). Please note that charging times will vary by manufacturer and charging station.

How can I tell when my charge is finished?

The display on the charging station and inside the vehicle will indicate a completed charging session.

Can I discontinue the charging process before it is complete?

Yes, you can stop the charge at any time.

Can I view my battery charge status while it is charging?

This depends on the car, but it is possible with some EVs and PHEVs.

What if the charging station doesn't work? What if I have problems charging?

Provided you purchased and had your charging station installed by Best Buy's installer, you can call Best Buy at the number provided to you to report problems. If any work needed on your charging station is not covered under warranty, additional fees may apply.

How do I charge my EV when I'm not at home? Where else can I charge my EV?

If your EV is capable of charging at 110/120 volts, you'll be able to plug your vehicle into any standard outlet for charging while away from home. If your vehicle must be charged at 220/240 volts, you'll need to find a 220/240-volt charging station.

To avoid inconveniences with an EV, you'll want to fully charge your vehicle before you leave home, especially if your round trip will be close to the maximum range of the vehicle. If the route is longer than the range of the vehicle, you'll need to plan where you can recharge your vehicle during your trip.

Which charging station should I buy?

New EV vehicles come with chargers located inside the cars, plus cords and other equipment to plug into conventional 110/120-volt electrical outlets. For faster charging, many drivers will want to buy Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), known informally as a charging station, which enables drivers to charge their EV utilizing a 240-volt outlet.

Vehicle manufacturers are partnering with specific charging station manufacturers to produce charging stations that are recommended for their vehicle. Best Buy will offer charging stations recommended by certain vehicle manufacturers through or in connection with the performance of its charging station installation services.

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

Exactly how much will vary depending on the vehicle and electricity rates. Check with the vehicle manufacturer and your local utility for rates.

Who do I contact to set up the charging station for my vehicle?

Best Buy is a preferred charging station installation service partner for certain vehicle manufacturers. Best Buy, in conjunction with third-party electrical contractors, will work to evaluate your home's wiring, electrical outlets and other hardware to determine what you need to support the charging requirements of your new EV.

How long will the battery remain charged if you leave your EV parked where you cannot charge it?

This depends on a variety of factors such as ambient temperature, age of the battery and how much energy is in the battery when you park your EV. However, the drain is small relative to the battery's capacity.

What does it cost to get ready for an EV?

Total cost varies depending on current electrical design, local code requirements, the rate and charging options you choose, the type of charging equipment you select and other factors. Other potential costs include:

Costs related to charging equipment installation: An estimate of these costs can be provided by a third-party electrical contractor upon completion of a garage readiness survey.

Costs related to an electrical panel upgrade: This applies to customers who choose the faster charging Level 2 option, which utilizes 208 to 240 volts. Level 2 charging stations add significant load to your electrical panel, which can require a panel upgrade. Best Buy's third-party electrical contractor can provide pricing information related to upgrading electrical panels.

Costs related to a utility service upgrade: Your home may require utility electrical system upgrades in order to charge the vehicle and/or accommodate a second meter. You should contact your utility provider for pricing relative to updating your electrical system.

Who is responsible for the electricity meter?

As a homeowner, your responsibility typically begins at the electricity meter and extends into your home. It includes all electrical wiring and circuits within your home.

The electrical power supply coming to your home (whether from overhead or underground) and connected to your home's electrical meter is generally called the utility side of the meter. The utility side is outside your home and ends where your meter is installed. The utility company is responsible for the utility side of your service, but not the electrical panel, wiring and circuits within your home.

You should contact your local utility if you are considering purchasing an EV, so they can evaluate the utility side of your service to ensure you have adequate capacity to charge an EV and determine what rates they may offer. As part of the Best Buy garage audit survey, a qualified electrical contractor will evaluate your load capacity and provide a quote for installing a charging station.

How much will my electric bill go up if I charge my EV from a charging station installed in my garage?

This will vary by vehicle usage and your electric rate. We strongly recommend that you contact your utility provider to discuss special rates or incentives that may be available prior to getting an in-home assessment for your charging dock.

Can you charge the battery even if it's not empty?

Yes.

Will an EV plug into a regular household outlet?

Yes, it can charge on a regular 110/120V 20-amp dedicated outlet/circuit. This is considered a "trickle charge," which means it will charge at a slower rate. If you want your battery to charge faster, we recommend a home-charging station on a dedicated 220/240V, 40-amp outlet/circuit.

Since the infrastructure for public charging stations is not in place yet, why should I buy an EV when I will be tethered to my home for charging?

Most people will charge their car like a cell phone—at home, overnight. Currently local governments and private corporations, are working to build out infrastructure for public access to electric vehicle charging stations.

What happens when the batteries run out of power?

They must be recharged, either at home or at a public charging station. As the public charging infrastructure expands, drivers of EVs will have more options for charging up. Some EV manufacturers have roadside assistance warranty programs in place that may be useful in the event your EV runs out of power and you can't get to a charging station. Consult with your EV manufacturer to see if they offer a roadside assistance warranty program.

How can I tell whether I have the necessary equipment and electric capacity?

Best Buy, in conjunction with third-party electrical contractors, can help determine the electrical requirements for charging an EV in your garage. Upon completion of a garage readiness survey, you will be provided with a quote for the installation of a charging station.