Amp sizing · 100 A panels · Load management · Apartments & condos
Many condo suites and older apartments have a 100 A panel, and the building itself may be close to its limit. That doesn’t always rule out Level 2. A smaller circuit, a lower charger setting, or load management can often fit where a full 50 A circuit can’t. This page shows how charger settings translate into overnight charging, and what to ask your electrician. Have a licensed electrician do a load calculation before you pick a circuit — this page gives no wiring instructions. Not legal or electrical advice.
The Canadian Electrical Code treats an EV charger circuit as a continuous load (Rule 86-302), so the charger is typically set to about 80% of the breaker; your electrician confirms. Power figures below are simple volts × amps at 240 V (120 V for Level 1). Range added per hour depends on your car; check its efficiency and divide.
| Circuit (breaker) | Typical charger setting | Approx. power | Approx. energy in 10 hours | Fits a tight 100 A panel? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 A, 120 V (Level 1) | 12 A | 1.4 kW | about 14 kWh | Usually, if the circuit is dedicated |
| 20 A, 240 V | 16 A | 3.8 kW | about 38 kWh | Often |
| 30 A, 240 V | 24 A | 5.8 kW | about 58 kWh | Sometimes |
| 40 A, 240 V | 32 A | 7.7 kW | about 77 kWh | Electrician decides; may need load management |
| 50 A, 240 V | 40 A | 9.6 kW | about 96 kWh | Often too much without load management |
Real charging is a little lower than these figures because of losses, and your car’s onboard charger may cap the rate. Even so, a 24 A or 32 A setting covers many daily commutes overnight. The Grizzl-E Classic Connect listing shows settings for 50, 40, 30, and 20 A circuits, which is useful when the circuit is smaller.
Often yes, with the right circuit size or load management. Your electrician does a load calculation for your suite panel and the building feed and tells you the largest EV circuit that fits.
Set the charger to about 80% of the breaker: 16 A on 20 A, 24 A on 30 A, 32 A on 40 A, or 40 A on 50 A. For many daily commutes, 24–32 A overnight is enough; check your car’s daily kWh use.
A device that watches your panel and slows or pauses charging when other big loads run, so the total stays within capacity. It can avoid a service upgrade. Your electrician confirms what is approved where you live.
At 240 V, 32 A is about 7.7 kW, or roughly 77 kWh over 10 hours before losses — more than many daily commutes use. Your car may accept less.
No. Many portable chargers can be set lower to match a 20, 30, or 40 A circuit. Check the listing and manual, and have your electrician set and label it.
Not necessarily. Level 1 on a dedicated approved outlet, a smaller Level 2 circuit, or load management may still work. Compare: Level 1 vs Level 2.
Made in Canada first, then Canadian brand, then a labeled imported option. Approximate CAD — confirm price, plug type, stock, Canada safety mark, and Ships from Amazon on Amazon.ca before you buy.
Made in Canada · Best overall
Ships from Amazon
Recently ~$600 on Amazon.ca (list ~$650) — confirm current price
Made in Canada portable Level 2 with an outdoor-rated enclosure and a holster in the box. Plugs into an approved NEMA 14-50; you take it with you at move-out. About ~$600.
Grizzl-E Mini Connect on Amazon.ca · ~$600
Made in Canada
Ships from Amazon
Recently ~$450 on Amazon.ca (list ~$500) — confirm current price
Made in Canada plug-in Level 2 (NEMA 14-50). The listing shows current settings for 50, 40, 30, and 20 A circuits, which helps when your electrician sizes the circuit. About ~$500.
Grizzl-E Classic Connect on Amazon.ca · ~$500
Canadian brand
Ships from Amazon
Québec Écorecharge: up to $600 for an eligible home Level 2 — confirm on quebec.ca (FLO Maison X3 is on the official eligible-models list as of Oct 2026). Not electrical or legal advice.
HARDWIRED
Canadian brand — designed and engineered in Canada; we list it as a Canadian brand only. This version is hardwired, so it only fits if your landlord or board approves a permanent wall unit. About ~$699.
FLO Home X3 on Amazon.ca · ~$699
Never use a household extension cord or balcony / window drop — outlet + written permission first.
Useful when Canadian hardware does not fit budget or plug — clearly labeled, not Made in Canada or a Canadian brand.
Imported alternative
Ships from Amazon
Recently ~$252 on Amazon.ca (list ~$280) — confirm current price
Imported lower-cost plug-in (NEMA 14-50, 32 A). Not Made in Canada or a Canadian brand. Confirm the Canada safety mark and plug type on the listing. About ~$280.
AIMILER 32A on Amazon.ca · ~$280
Full outdoor shortlist → · Portable L2 for apartments → · Compare chargers →
Affiliate disclosure: NoGarageEV links to Amazon.ca and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices, ratings, and stock change — confirm on the live listing.
Not legal or electrical advice. Timelines, amp figures, and program notes are directional; confirm your lease, condo declaration and by-laws, provincial rules, and the charger manual. NoGarageEV writes Canada-first from Ontario; always confirm with your landlord or board, a licensed electrician, and the official program pages before you rely on anything here.