Why Developers Choose EV Nook?

Avoid Massive Electrical Upgrades with Intelligent Load Management

As a developer, you’re facing increasingly stringent municipal requirements for EV charging infrastructure—with many BC municipalities now requiring 100% of residential parking stalls to be EV-ready (please see EV Charging Infrastructure Requirements for Developers). Without proper planning, meeting these requirements could mean costly electrical service upgrades, oversized transformers, and significant infrastructure investments that can easily add $50,000-$200,000+ to your project costs.

EV Nook’s EVEMS (Electric Vehicle Energy Management System) changes the game. Instead of installing individual 40A circuits for every parking stall—which would require massive electrical capacity—our intelligent load management technology allows you to install up to 10 times more charging stations on your existing electrical infrastructure. Our cloud-based system dynamically distributes power across multiple charging points, ensuring optimal charging for all residents while staying within your building’s electrical capacity limits.

Partner Early, Save Big, Deliver Premium Experience

When you involve EV Nook early in your design phase, our engineering team works directly with your electrical consultants to optimize your electrical design for maximum efficiency and cost savings using our cloud based EV Load Management System. We help you meet municipal requirements using the minimum electrical infrastructure necessary, often reducing electrical costs by 60-80% compared to traditional dedicated circuit approaches.

But the value doesn’t stop at construction. EV Nook provides complete turnkey management of your EV charging infrastructure post-occupancy. Our professional-grade cloud management platform delivers a premium charging experience that today’s buyers expect—featuring smartphone app control, usage tracking, automated billing, dynamic EV load management and 24/7 customer support. This isn’t just about meeting code requirements; it’s about adding genuine value to your property and differentiating your development in a competitive market. Properties with well-managed EV charging infrastructure command premium pricing and attract environmentally conscious buyers who represent the fastest-growing segment of the real estate market.

The result? You meet all municipal EV requirements, minimize upfront electrical costs, and deliver a amenity that enhances your property value—all while providing your residents with a charging experience that actually works seamlessly for years to come.

EV Charging Infrastructure Requirements for Developers

This comprehensive guide outlines the specific EV charging requirements, circuit specifications, and capacity details for developers across key BC municipalities. All requirements are based on Level 2 charging (208-240V AC, typically 40A circuits) unless otherwise specified. You can find the details for each City in Greater Vancouver further below.

Key Technical Standards for All Municipalities

Level 2 Charging Specifications

  • Voltage: 208V to 240V AC, single phase
  • Current: ≤80A continuous (typically 40A circuits)
  • Standard: SAE International J1772
  • Connector: 25ft cable standard

Electrical Requirements

  • Code Compliance: Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1)
  • Certification: CSA, Intertek (cETL), or UL (cUL) certified equipment
  • EVSE Certification: C22.2 NO. 280-16 standard
  • Ground Fault Protection: 20mA CCID required
  • Electrical Permits: Required for all installations

EVEMS (Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems)

  • Minimum Performance: 12kWh average per EVSE over 8-hour period
  • Load Management: Controls multiple charging points on shared circuits
  • Fail-Safe Requirements: Must guarantee CE Code compliance
  • Communications: WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular connectivity required

Common Municipal Requirements

  • Load Calculations: Must be performed by qualified professionals
  • Separate Metering: Required for shared parking areas
  • Mechanical Protection: EVSE must be protected from vehicle damage
  • Proper Marking: Maximum charging current and overcurrent device ratings
  • Professional Installation: Certified electricians required

BC Lower Mainland Municipalities – Code Requirements Summary

This information is current as of June 2025. Requirements may change – always verify with local building departments and consult current municipal bylaws before beginning development. For the most up-to-date requirements, contact the respective municipal building departments directly.

Burnaby

Effective Date: September 1, 2018 (Residential), July 8, 2024 (Commercial)
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of parking spaces in new residential buildings must include Level 2 EV charging infrastructure
  • Includes single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings
  • Secondary suites and visitor parking exempt

Commercial Requirements (New as of July 8, 2024):

  • 45% of required parking spaces in new non-residential developments must be equipped for Level 2+ charging
  • All accessible parking spaces must have EV charging

Technical Specifications:

  • EVEMS or “load sharing” systems permitted to reduce costs
  • Level 2 charging: 208/240V energized outlets required

Source: City of Burnaby EV Requirements
Update: Burnaby Commercial Requirements

Coquitlam

Effective Date: October 29, 2018
Residential Requirements:

  • One energized outlet capable of Level 2+ charging per dwelling unit minimum
  • If parking spaces < dwelling units, then all residential parking spots must have Level 2+ outlets
  • Visitor parking spaces exempt
  • Excludes two-family, triplex, fourplex where parking spaces < dwelling units

Commercial Requirements:

  • Requirements established but specifics vary by development type

Technical Specifications:

  • Level 2 or higher charging capabilities required
  • Energized outlets required for each qualifying space

Source: City of Coquitlam EV Infrastructure

Delta

Effective Date: 2017 (Updated April 25, 2022)
Residential Requirements:

  • Single detached/duplex: Minimum one Level 2 outlet per principal unit (secondary suites/coach houses exempt)
  • Multi-unit developments: 100% of resident parking spaces with dedicated outlet or charging capacity through load sharing
  • Townhouses with individual garages: One Level 2 outlet per unit
  • Townhouses with shared parking: 100% charging capability

Commercial/Industrial Requirements:

  • Commercial: 20% of parking spaces require Level 2+ charging capacity
  • Industrial: 5% of parking spaces require Level 2+ charging equipment

Technical Specifications:

  • Level 2 charging or higher required
  • Load sharing equipment or dedicated energized electrical outlets permitted
  • Visitor parking spaces not required to provide EV charging

Source: Delta Bylaw Amendment

District of North Vancouver

Effective Date: March 17, 2021 (Updated July 1, 2025)
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of parking stalls must feature energized outlets capable of Level 2 charging (excluding visitor parking)
  • All accessible parking stalls must be EV-ready

Commercial/Industrial Requirements:

  • 45% of non-residential parking spaces must include Level 2 charging infrastructure (effective July 1, 2025)
    • 35% for workplace charging
    • 10% for opportunity charging
  • 20% minimum for existing commercial/industrial (not including accessible parking)
  • 100% of accessible parking stalls must be EV-ready

Technical Specifications:

  • EVEMS/load sharing permitted to reduce costs
  • All car share spaces must have operating EV chargers

Source: District of North Vancouver Policy Update

New Westminster

Effective Date: April 1, 2019 (Residential), January 1, 2025 (Commercial)
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of residential parking spaces must provide Level 2 (208-240V) energized outlet
  • Applies to all new buildings containing at least one residential unit
  • Hotels: 100% of parking spaces must be EV-ready
  • Visitor parking spaces excluded from requirements

Commercial/Industrial Requirements (Effective January 1, 2025):

  • 50% of off-street parking spaces must provide Level 2 energized outlet
  • Buildings with at least 100 square meters of non-residential floor area
  • Hotels: 100% of parking spaces must be EV-ready (considered residential in nature)
  • Minimum 10% of EV-ready spaces cannot use EVEMS (for higher rate charging for visitors)

Technical Specifications:

  • Two compliance methods: Dedicated circuits OR EVEMS
  • EVEMS minimum performance: 12kWh average per EVSE over 8-hour period
  • Multi-unit residential: 208-240V AC with minimum 40A circuit breaker
  • Load switching permitted for single-family homes (shared circuits with appliances using load miser/watt miser)
  • An energized outlet is defined as: A connected point in an electrical wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. An energized outlet may be either a junction box for permanent connection or a receptacle.

Source: City of New Westminster EV Requirements
Technical Details: New Westminster EV Infrastructure Requirements

North Vancouver (City)

Effective Date: June 1, 2019
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of parking spaces in new residential buildings must have energized outlets capable of Level 2 charging
  • Includes single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, apartments
  • Visitor parking: 10% must be EV-ready (effective January 1, 2022)
  • Secondary suites exempt

Commercial Requirements:

  • Requirements vary by development type – consult current zoning bylaw

Technical Specifications:

  • Two compliance methods: Dedicated circuits OR EVEMS
  • EVEMS minimum: 12kWh average per EVSE over 8-hour period
  • Level 2 charging: 208V to 240V AC, ≤80A maximum current
  • Separate metering required for shared parking areas

Source: City of North Vancouver EV Requirements
Technical Guide: CNV EV Infrastructure Guide

Port Coquitlam

Effective Date: 2018
Residential Requirements:

  • Rough-in infrastructure for Level 2 EV charging required
  • One space per dwelling unit must have access to future outlet
  • Buildings with common parking: outlets accessible to each resident parking spot (may be shared)
  • Visitor spots not required

Technical Specifications:

  • 208V or 240V breakers required on electrical panel
  • Raceway running to outlet boxes
  • Common parking areas require additional utility meter, disconnect, and separate electrical panels
  • Outlets must be within 3 meters of associated parking spaces
  • Shared circuits permitted: 4 spaces max = 32A minimum, 5+ spaces = 6A per space minimum

Source: Port Coquitlam EV Requirements

Port Moody

Effective Date: March 1, 2019
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of spaces in new residential construction require energized outlet capable of Level 2 charging

Commercial Requirements:

  • 20% minimum of spaces in new commercial construction require energized outlet capable of Level 2 charging

Technical Specifications:

  • Level 2 charging capability required for all specified spaces

Source: Referenced in Electric Autonomy Canada Database

Richmond

Effective Date: April 1, 2018 (Updated September 5, 2023)
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of new residential parking spaces (excluding visitor parking) must feature energized outlet capable of Level 2+ charging
  • Applies to all new residential buildings

Commercial Requirements:

  • Currently residential requirements only

Technical Specifications:

  • Energized outlet = connection point where current is taken and voltage source connected
  • Level 2+ charging capability required

Source: City of Richmond EV Charging
Technical Bulletin: Richmond EV Construction Requirements

Surrey

Effective Date: February 25, 2019
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of residential parking spaces must have energized electrical outlet capable of Level 2+ charging
  • 50% of visitor parking spaces must have Level 2+ outlets

Commercial Requirements:

  • 20% of commercial parking spaces must have energized outlet capable of Level 2+ charging

Technical Specifications:

  • Each outlet must be capable of Level 2 or higher level charging
  • All new gas stations now require complementary EV chargers

Source: City of Surrey EV Policy
Reference: Surrey Zoning Bylaw 12000

Vancouver

Effective Date: January 1, 2019
Residential Requirements:

  • 100% of residential parking stalls must be EV-ready (excluding visitor parking)
  • Two compliance options:
    1. Prescriptive Minimum: Dedicated Level 2 circuit (208/240V) for every parking stall
    2. Performance Minimum: Electric Vehicle Energy Management System (EVEMS) with minimum 12kWh delivery over 8 hours per parking space

Commercial Requirements:

  • 10% of parking stalls must be EV-ready for Level 2 charging
  • Gas stations: Minimum 50kW power output required
  • Commercial parking lots: Minimum 26.6kW power output required

Technical Specifications:

  • Level 2 charging: 208-240V AC, up to 80A continuous
  • EVEMS must guarantee fail-safe compliance with CE Code
  • Electrical permits required for installations with 6+ EVSE loads

Source: City of Vancouver EV Policy
Technical Details: Vancouver Building Bulletin 2019-006

West Vancouver (District)

Effective Date: Current
Residential Requirements:

  • Single-family homes, duplexes, secondary suites: Parking spaces must include energized outlet capable of Level 2 charging
  • Multi-unit residential: All parking spaces for residential use (except visitor parking) must include:
    • Energized outlet capable of Level 2 charging
    • Proper labeling for EV charging use

Technical Specifications:

  • Level 2 charging capability required
  • Outlets must be labeled for EV charging use

Source: Referenced in Plug In BC Policy Database