For potential first-time electric vehicle (EV) owners, there’s the chicken-and-egg question: Should you get your EV first or install a charger before your new car arrives? While this may seem straightforward, the answer varies depending on your living situation, access to charging facilities, and driving habits. Here is everything you need to know.

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Watch Marker Marmer answer the question of whether you should get the car or charger first.

The Ideal Scenario: Charger Before Car

If you’re purchasing an EV and can install a charger before your car arrives, this setup will ensure your new EV is ready to hit the road. For homeowners, this typically requires minimal planning, as charger installation in single-family homes is relatively quick and affordable. By installing a charger in advance, you’ll avoid the scramble of finding temporary charging options, which can detract from the initial excitement of owning an EV.

The real perk here is that you can fully enjoy your EV experience from day one without any of the “how do I charge this thing?” stress.
 

What If the Car Arrives First?

Sometimes, your EV may arrive before you install a charger. Thankfully, many EVs come with a basic Level 1 charger, which can plug into a standard household outlet. While Level 1 chargers are slower (typically adding about 50-60 km of range overnight), they are often sufficient for short trips. This can act as a solution while your Level 2 charger installation is underway​.

If you’re new to EV driving, think about your daily mileage. For short commutes, a temporary Level 1 charger could be all you need until a faster charger is installed. But if you often drive longer distances, you’ll likely want to make stops at public Level 3 fast chargers to keep your battery topped up and ready to go. 

Want to learn more about the difference between charging levels? Check out EV Charger Levels: What’s the Difference?
 

Condo and Apartment Challenges

For condos and apartment owners, installing a charger can be more complex due to the need for board approval and building infrastructure. This process often requires more planning and may involve longer lead times​​.

While waiting for approval, many EV drivers get by using public or Level 1 chargers. This can indeed be a permanent solution. While it’s not as convenient as a dedicated charger, it can work well if you have consistent access to stations and enough flexibility for occasional wait times. 
 

Workplace Charging as a Solution

An alternative for those without access to home charging is workplace charging. Businesses are beginning to offer EV charging for employees, recognizing the benefit of sustainability and employee convenience. If your car is parked at work all day, you’ll likely get a full charge during work hours, making this an efficient solution for daily commuting.
 

Tailoring the Decision to Your Lifestyle

So, which comes first? Ideally, the charger.  However, if circumstances mean the vehicle comes first, there are several temporary options to keep you moving until your dedicated charger is in place.

Thinking of purchasing an EV but don’t know where to start?

Contact us and get guidance tailored to your living setup and driving needs, allowing you to enjoy the road to a sustainable future, confidently.