When I bought my BYD Dolphin I assumed home charging was simple: plug it in. It is — eventually. Here's everything you need to know.
Level 1 vs Level 2
Level 1 (120V): Comes with your car. 8-12km range/hour. Full charge takes 35-40 hours for a Dolphin. Fine for light driving only.
Level 2 (240V): What you actually want. 30-50km range/hour. Dolphin charges in 6-8 hours. Overnight charge = full car every morning.
Which EVSE to buy:
- Grizzl-E Classic — $369 CAD, Canadian-made, incredibly durable. My pick.
- ChargePoint Home Flex — $799, 48A, WiFi, app control
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus — $849, works with solar panels
Electrical panel: Older 100A panels may need upgrade to 200A to add 48A charger. Cost: $2,500-$4,500 in Ontario. A 30A charger can usually be added without an upgrade — slower but functional.
Ontario rebates: IESO Smart Charge program — up to $250 off charger + $100 install rebate.
Installation: Hire a licensed electrician. $400-800 in GTA depending on run length. Not DIY.
