Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installations - A Guide for Metro Vancouver Electrical Contractors

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installations
  A Guide for Metro Vancouver Electrical Contractors
        An Electrical Joint Training Committee Web Resource

Contents
Market Trends and Sales of Zero Emission Vehicles in British Columbia ................................. 5
Basics of Electric Vehicle..................................................................................... 6
  Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)............................................................................ 6
  Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ................................................................... 6
  Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (ER-EV) ................................................................ 7
Basics of EV charging......................................................................................... 7
  Level 1 Charging ........................................................................................... 7
  Level 2 Charging ........................................................................................... 8
  Direct Current Fast Charging .............................................................................. 8
  Tesla Charging ............................................................................................. 9
Governance and Regulation ................................................................................ 10
  Safety Standards Act ..................................................................................... 10
  Safety Standards General Regulation ................................................................... 10
  Electrical Safety Regulation .............................................................................. 10
  Canadian Standards Association ........................................................................ 10
Working with BC Hydro ..................................................................................... 10
  New Connection Guide .................................................................................. 10
  BC Hydro Electric Vehicle Resources .................................................................... 11
Permits and Installation Reviews – Technical Safety BC .................................................. 11
  Technical Safety BC Permit Information ................................................................ 12
  Important Technical Safety BC Bulletins ................................................................ 12
  Technical Safety BC Recommended Resources ......................................................... 12
Permits and Installation Reviews – Local Governments .................................................. 12
  District of North Vancouver ............................................................................. 12
  City of North Vancouver ................................................................................. 13
  District of West Vancouver .............................................................................. 13
  City of Vancouver ........................................................................................ 13
  City of Burnaby ........................................................................................... 14
  City of Surrey ............................................................................................. 15
  City of Maple ridge ....................................................................................... 15
Electrical Permit Process for EVSE Installation ............................................................ 15
Electrical Inspection Process ............................................................................... 16

Installation Inspection Best Practices ...................................................................... 16
Electric Vehicle Supply Requirements for Local Governments ........................................... 16
Challenges for regional EVSE installations due to the effects of COVID-19. ............................. 17
Suggested Web Page Layout ............................................................................... 18
Appendix A ................................................................................................. 20

List of Acronyms

 AC          Alternating Current                            kWh         Kilowatt Hour
 BEV         Battery Electric Vehicle                       MURB        Multi-Unit Residential Building
 DCFC        Direct Current Fast Charge                     L1          Level 1 (AC Charging)
 EV          Electric Vehicle                               L2          Level 2 (AC Charging)
 EVSE        Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment              EV          Electric Vehicle

 ER-EV       Extended Range Electric Vehicle                PHEV        Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

 MV          Metro Vancouver                                OEM         Original Equipment Manufacturer
 kW          Kilowatt                                       EJTC        Electrical Joint Training Committee

This guide to installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in the Metro Vancouver region will
discuss all aspects of working with Technical Safety BC and local municipalities to ensure regulatory
compliance when installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.

Contemplated Scope of Work

       A comprehensive overview of installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in the Metro
        Vancouver Region.
       An overview of the electrical permitting process for EVSE installation for different municipalities
        in the region.
       An overview of application supporting documents required by different municipalities.
       A summary of EV Bylaw Requirements for new buildings for different municipalities in Metro
        Vancouver.
       TSBC requirements.
       Inclusion of any relevant Bulletins
       City of Kelowna EVSE installation requirements. (governed under TSBC)
       Identify challenges for regional EVSE installations due to the effects of COVID-19.

Project Deliverables are as follows:

       Development and supply of text copy for web digital publication
       Development and supply of graphics for web digital publication.
       Development and supply of photographs (and photo release documents where applicable) for
        web publication.
       Development of social media copy for page promotion to EJTC members with supporting
        photographic content for use on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

           Photo Source – Brendon C. James

Market Trends and Sales of Zero Emission Vehicles in British Columbia

British Columbia has seen rapid adoption of electric vehicles since the mass-market introduction in
2011. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC, 2020) reported that Electric vehicle
registrations in the Province have risen from 3200 vehicles in 2015 to over 29,000 vehicles in 2019. This
is a remarkable increase of over 800% and this sales trend continues to grow. The majority of this
growth has happened within the Metro Vancouver Region.

In May of 2019, the Province of BC (BC, 2020) passed legislation that requires automakers to meet an
increasing percentage of zero emission vehicle sales targets. The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEV Act)
requires increasing sales of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching: 10% of light-duty vehicle sales
by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. “The legislation is intended to ensure a greater availability of
ZEVs at more affordable prices in B.C., as well as, provide a regulatory backstop to ensure the Province’s
greenhouse gas reduction targets are met.”

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles in our region requires sufficient supporting Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment (EVSE). There has been a significant demand for competent electrical contractors to install
this equipment in a variety of different settings including single family homes, multi-unit residences and
workplaces.

Almost 50% of Metro Vancouver residents live in Multi Unit Residential Buildings(MURBs) such as
condos or townhouses which means that installations of EVSE’s in these settings can be costly and
complicated. Local municipalities like the City of Vancouver, City of Richmond and the City of Burnaby
(among others) have developed bylaws to ensure that all new MURB builds are equipped with EV
charging and also have the electrical capacity to handle up to 100% of parking stalls being electrified.

Basics of Electric Vehicle
This campaign will focus on different models of electric vehicles that can be plugged into an outlet and
charged using power from the provincial grid. There are three different varieties of electric vehicle
drivetrains, these can be described as follows:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) are 100% electric and operate using the electricity supplied by the
battery. BEVs need to be plugged in to recharge the battery, the process is as simple as charging your
phone.

B

EVs emit zero tailpipe emission because an internal combustion engine is not required.

    Nissan Leaf BEV – Nissan Canada                       Chevrolet BOLT BEV – General Motors Canada

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) run on electricity supplied by the batteries until the batteries are
depleted, then automatically switch to internal combustion engine/generator. Some PHEVs will
alternate between battery power and the internal combustion engine during periods of high power
demand. PHEVs have greater fuel savings than conventional and hybrid vehicles.

    Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – Mitsubishi Canada               Hyundai IONIC PHEV – Hyundai Canada

Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (ER-EV)
A type of PHEV that functions as a fully-performing BEV until the battery is depleted, at which point an
internal combustion “range extender” (REx) or auxiliary power unit (APU) is used to power the vehicle to
enable longer distances. ER-EVs typically have larger battery packs than PHEVs.

        Chevrolet Volt ER-EV - General Motors                         BMW I3 Rex – BMW Canada
        Canada

Basics of EV charging
Electric Vehicles sold in North America comply with the SAE J1772 standard which defines a standard
connector and communications protocol for AC charging of electric vehicles.

         The J1772 standard allows communication between the
          charging equipment and the vehicle,
         It ensures that power is only applied when the vehicle is
          actively requesting power (preventing bad connections,
          arcing and potential fire risks),
         This also prevents the vehicle from being driven while a
          charging cable is still attached.                                          J1772 Connector –
         A J1772-compliant charging station essentially acts as an                  Photo Source SAE
          extension cord with these safety features built-in.
Level 1 Charging
    Every EV comes equipped with a standard AC Level 1 Charging Cord set (shown below)
    Level 1 charging is the slowest form of charging and offers around 7-9km of driving range for every
    hour of charging.

            NEMA 5-20 & J1772 Level 1 Cord set – Photo Source SAE and Nissan USA

   Although it is quite versatile due to the abundance of 120V outlets. The Canadian Electrical Code
        requires a dedicated 120V 20A circuit for Electric Vehicle Charging.
Level 2 Charging
    AC Level 2 charging is the most common type of public charging infrastructure, however, many
        EV also choose to install these at home,
    These chargers are commonly found in high traffic locations that have access to public amenities
        such as libraries and community centers,
    Level 2 charging offers approximately 16-80km of driving range for every hour of charging,

                           J1772 Level 2 EVSE – Photo Source: ChargeHub

Direct Current Fast Charging
The capability to use a DC Fast Charger or DCFC, is unique to Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEVs are not
compatible (with the only exception of the Outlander PHEV)

       This 480v 50kW charger can offer up to 250kms
        of driving range for every hour of charging,
       Energy dispensed by this charger bypasses the
        onboard AC charging management system and
        sends current directly to the battery,
       High rates of charge mean that this equipment is
        well suited to support
        long distance driving, so you will find these
        installed on or near major roads.

                                                                         A 50kW DCFC – BC Hydro

There are two industry standards for DCFC connectors:
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO): CHAdeMO is found on all Japanese Battery Electric Vehicles

                     CCS Connector –
                    Photo Source SAE

                                                 CHAdeMO Connector –
                                                 Photo Source TEPCO

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE): Combined Charging System (CCS) Is found on all North American
and European Vehicles. Current industry trends are leading many to forecast the SAE CCS to be the
leading connector type. Kia for example originally had a CHAdeMO connector but its new models now
have the CCS connector.

Tesla Charging
     Tesla Motors uses its own proprietary charging adapter and network called Super Chargers,
     The Tesla network is incredibly extensive and covers North America, Europe, Asia and as far
        north as Greenland,
     Other electric vehicles are unable to use the Tesla charging network because they do not accept
        Tesla’s proprietary connector and charging protocol,
     The Supercharging network uses a very high rate of charging (145-250kW) which can fully
        charge a Tesla vehicle in less than 45 minutes,
     Tesla’s come with a J1772 adaptor which means they can use any regular Level 2 charging
        station,
     As an option for Model 3, S and X, you can also get a CHAdeMO adaptor which allows owners to
        charge at any DCFC that offers that connector standard.

         Tesla Super Charger and Charging Connector – Photo Source: Tesla Motors

Governance and Regulation
As a starting point, it is recommended to do a comprehensive review of the following documentation to
ensure that installers are aware of their professional duties.

Safety Standards Act
The Safety Standards Act sets out the general requirements for regulated work performed by
contractors. It also includes information on the legal requirements for permits and qualifications.

Safety Standards General Regulation
This document provides an in depth explanation of contractor regulatory processes including
Qualifications, Licenses, Permitting and Inspections. It also provides insight into the role of safety
officers, field safety representatives and requirements for reporting.

Electrical Safety Regulation
This document provides an in depth explanation of electrical contractor regulatory processes including
Qualifications, Licenses, Permitting and Inspections. It also provides insight into regulated product
certification, inspection and also discusses hazards in the workplace.

Canadian Standards Association
The CSA Group is an organization develops the national standards for Canadian Electrical Code. They
also provide testing on all of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment to ensure it meets Canadian
consumer standards.

The latest version of the Canadian Electrical Code is available for pre-order from the CSA Group Online
Store. This Code is updated every 3 years and the “25th Edition, Part 1, Safety Standard for Electrical
Installations” is recommended reference material as it contains crucial updates such as:

       Changes to hazardous location requirements.
       New content addressing energy storage systems and climate change adaptation.
       New tables, diagrams and clarified text to better explain electrical installation requirements.
       Clearer requirements for wiring in and between subdivided dwelling units.
       Rules for functionally grounded renewable energy systems.

Working with BC Hydro
Changes to BC Hydro Services
BC Hydro offers a number of services to be administered through their webpage. You can use this online
portal to submit an application to request new connections and service designs for residential, multi-
residential, commercial projects. You can also make changes to existing connections through this
service. Link to page

New Connection Guide
BC Hydro has a handy page to guide you through the new connections process. This page has links to
forms and suggestions to help you prepare for your residential, commercial connection project. Once
you have all of the forms and supporting documents you can submit them online. Link to page

BC Hydro Electric Vehicle Resources
BC Hydro administers a number of electric vehicles programs and rebates for the Province of British
Columbia. They have a developed a number of handy resources to assist with answering questions
about electric vehicles, EVSE installations and public EV charging. Here are links to recommended
material for review:
     Electric Vehicles in BC Guide
     Building Electricity Requirements
     EV Fast Charging Design & Operational Guidelines
     Electric Vehicle Resources for Industry Guide

Permits and Installation Reviews – Technical Safety BC
Your EVSE Installation will have to be permitted before work commences and also reviewed before it is
commissioned. This is to ensure the permitting process is completed and the installation is deemed
compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code and Technical Safety BC or Municipal requirements.

You will need an electrical permit to perform all electrical work unless you are:

       Replacing defective fuses, receptacles, switches, or bulbs with units of similar type and rating
       Making minor alterations, repairs, or additions to an installation covered by an existing annual
        electrical permit

“Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and
operation of technical systems and equipment across the province. In addition to issuing permits, licenses
and certificates, we work with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and
outreach, enforcement, and research.”

Technical Safety BC will provide permits and reviews of EVSE Installations for the following
municipalities:
    City of Delta,
    City of Coquitlam,
    City of Port Coquitlam,
    City of Port Moody,
    Township of Langley,
    Village of Anmore
    Village of Belcarra,
    Bowen Island Municipality
    Village of Lions Bay
    City of Pitt Meadows
    City of White Rock
    City of Abbottsford,
    City of Chilliwack
    City of Richmond

   City of New Westminster

Technical Safety BC Permit Information
Click on the following links to access Technical Safety BC Permit application forms and resources:
     Installation Permit Application Form
     Installation Permit Amendment Form
     Operating Permit Application Form

Important Technical Safety BC Bulletins
    Information Bulletin: Adoption of BC Electrical Code, 2018 Edition
    Information Bulletin: Regulatory Notices
    Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems

Technical Safety BC Recommended Resources
    Conducting Assessments with Technical Safety BC
    Understanding Technical Safety BC Jurisdiction
    Top 22 Changes you need to know about the Canadian Electrical Code

Permits and Installation Reviews – Local Governments
Your EVSE Installation will have to be permitted before work commences and also reviewed before it is
commissioned. This is to ensure the permitting process is completed and the installation is deemed
compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code or the Municipal requirements. If a municipality has its own
dedicated electrical division, they will facilitate the permitting and review of an EVSE installation by a
safety officer.

EVSE Installations are reviewed by an electrical safety officer in the following Metro Vancouver
municipalities:
    District of North Vancouver
    City of North Vancouver
    District of West Vancouver
    City of Vancouver
    City of Burnaby
    City of Surrey
    City of Maple ridge
    City of New Westminster

District of North Vancouver
Permit Information

       Electrical Permit Information Page
       Electrical Permit Application Form
       Electrical Contractor Authorization and Declaration Form

   Electrical Load Calculation Guidelines

Bulletins

       When you need an electrical permit

Recommended Resources

       Fees and Charges Bylaws
       Supporting Electric Vehicles
       Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy
       Information and Changes to Permits and Licenses

City of North Vancouver
Permit Information

       Electrical Permit Application Information
       Electrical Permit Application Form
       Electrical Contractor Authorization Form

Recommended Resources

       City of North Vancouver Electric Vehicle Strategy
       Important Permit Updates

District of West Vancouver
Permit Information

       Electrical Permit Application Form
       Electrical Contractor Declaration Form
       Information on Permit Inspections

Recommended Resources

       Permit and Inspection Fees

City of Vancouver
Permit Information
As part of the City of Vancouver’s Electronic Permits Plan (ePlan) Project, as of December 7, 2020 you
will be able to submit all electrical permits online. You no longer need to print and drop off your plans to
the City. Prior to this change, applicants could apply online, uploading documents and paying fees
online, but were still required to print and deliver paper plans for the City to review. Now, the City’s Plan
Reviewers will review and work from submitted PDF plans, instead of reviewing printed hardcopies.

   Permit Information
       Permits for Strata Buildings
       Electrical Permit Brochure and Information

Bulletins

       Electrical Code change for 2020
       Electric Vehicle Charging for Buildings
       Permits for Strata Buildings
       Installations in Electrical Vaults
       Electrical Plan Review
       Special Permission of Electrical Bylaw
       Application Requirements Electrical Code
       Supply and Consumer Services
       Property Development Application Forms Checklist
       Electrical Annual Operating Permit

Recommended Resources

       Family Dwelling Inspection Stages
       Property Development Special Inspection
       Electrical Load Calculations
       Vancouver City Bylaws
       Electrical Inspector Map
       Building Development Permit Fees

City of Burnaby
Permit Information

       Obtaining an electrical Permit
       Permit and Inspection Fees
       Electrical Permit Application Multi Family or Commercial
       Electrical Permit Application Single Family or Duplex

Bulletins

       Electric Vehicle and Charging Bylaw

Recommended Resources

       Electrical Vehicle Charging City of Burnaby
       Electric Vehicle Charging Bylaw

City of Surrey
Permit Information

       Contractor Installation Permit Application Form
       Electrical Permit Information
       Electrical Demand Load Calculation
       Electrical Inspections Guide
       Electrical Contractor Installation Fee Schedule
       Residential Service Upgrades
       Service Connection Checklist
       Electrical Installation Requirements Commercial Buildings

Bulletins

       Electrical Plan Review Information

Recommended Resources

       Building and Construction Bulletin Board

City of Maple ridge
Permit Information

       Choosing Permits Information
       Permit and Inspections Resource Page
       Electric Low Voltage Inspections Information

Bulletins

       Work Continuity during COVID-19

Recommended Resources

       Electrical Permit Inspection Guide

Electrical Permit Process for EVSE Installation (Example District of North Vancouver)
You must apply for your permit before the work begins. For your convenience, you can apply for most
electrical permits by email or through the municipal online portal found on their websites.

       Complete the contractor permit application form.
       Email the completed form, and any other required documents such as an Electric Load
        Calculation form and Contractor Declaration form.
       The Municipality will process your application, and then email you a link to pay the application
        fee by credit card.
       Once the Municipality receives your payment, they will send you your permit.

Electrical Inspection Process (Example District of North Vancouver)
Electrical contractors have the responsibility to carry out the work as per the electrical permit, approved
plans (subject to the scope of the project) and call for inspections at the required stages, as well as to
resolve any deficiencies noted by the safety officer. Your installation can fail inspections due to the
following factors:

       Failure to correct previously noted deficiencies
       Contractor or owner requesting an inspection when the site is not ready,
       If required documentation or representative is not on site as required by the safety officer,
       Any other reason similar to above as determined by the Building Official.

Example of District of North Vancouver Permit Application Form in Appendix A

Installation Inspection Best Practices
Preparing your site for inspection
     Ensure your work is 100% completed and the appropriate inspection (i.e: rough in, service
         underground etc)
     Do a hazard assessment and ensure your work site is free from tools, clutter or other factors
         that can impact the inspection process,
     Ensure that all supporting documents are available pertaining to the installation specifications of
         the equipment, load calculations and any site specific details

Working with your inspector
    Ensure you are on site at the agreed upon time to meet your inspector,
    Ensure that you meet at an agreed upon location such as outside the building parking garage,
    Ensure that they have your contact information available in case they are unable to get access to
      the installation location

Load Calculations Performed by an Electrical Contractor
Prior to the application and issuance of an electrical permit for the EVSE Installation, a Load Calculation
must be completed by the Electrical Contractor and provided to the Electrical Department as part of the
permit application supporting documents.

A load calculation is a simple review of all electrical loads drawn by appliances in the setting in relation
to the total capacity supplied for the electrical service. Using this calculation, an electrical contractor
will then determine if the addition of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment can be accommodated by
your electrical service. This exercise is vital to determine if the installation will not be overloading the
electrical equipment and risk damage or a fire as a result.
Example of District of North Vancouver Load Calculation Form (single family dwelling) in Appendix A

Electric Vehicle Supply Requirements for Local Governments
Several Local Governments have passed municipal bylaws that require the installation of Electric
Vehicles charging infrastructure in new buildings. This requirement will vary depending on the municipal

bylaw. If you are installing an EVSE in one of the following municipalities, check in with your permitting
 department to ensure you have the most current up to date information.

                                                                                               Year
Municipality                   New Building Bylaw Requirement                                  Introduced
                               Every dwelling unit: every required parking space,
City of Burnaby                excluding visitor and secondary suite, need to be provided           2018
                               with a L2 energized outlet
                               Apartment, townhouse, and street-oriented village home:
City of Coquitlam                                                                                   2019
                               one energized outlet per dwelling unit, Level 2.
                               Single-family: capacity for Level 2 in 100% of parking
                               spaces. Multi-family: 20% of parking spaces supplied by
City of North Vancouver                                                                             2019
                               40A 240V branch circuit. Capacity in electrical room for
                               100% of parking spaces.
                               Every dwelling unit: one stall per residential unit roughed-
City of Port Coquitlam                                                                              2019
                               in (all electrical infrastructure other than wire), Level 2.
                               Every residential parking space, excluding visitor parking,
City of Richmond                                                                                    2018
                               provided with energized outlet, Level 2.
                               Single-family: one energized outlet per parking area
City of Vancouver              (garage, carport). Multi-family: every parking space,                2016
                               excluding visitor, energized outlet, Level 2.
                               Multi-family: 20% of parking spaces EV-ready, wired for
District of North Vancouver                                                                         2018
                               Level 1; conduit for 100%.
(C2MP, 2019)

 Challenges for regional EVSE installations due to the effects of COVID-19.
 The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a number of challenges for contractors to work with customers and
 municipalities. It is vital that Provincial Health Guidelines are followed to ensure that risks of infection
 are mitigated. Some cities are providing alternatives to in person physical inspections by using, Video
 Conferencing or a recorded virtual walkthrough of the installation.

 In some cases, where a virtual inspection cannot be conducted, it is recommended that in person
 inspections are conducted using the following guidelines:
      Masks are worn by contractor’s employees at all times
      Minimum of 2m distance is maintained between employees and inspection personnel
      The work area being inspected is kept clear of unnecessary personnel during the time of
         inspection

Suggested Web Page Layout

Suggested Format and Visual Layout

Local Municipality Resources Layout

Appendix A