SWTCH Home Charging Program FAQs
About The Program
How is the charger free?
By joining the program, you will start generating carbon credits for powering clean transportation (your EV). These pay for the cost of your charger and then begin to generate a profit.
How does the deposit refund work?
The initial deposit for your charger is refunded once you have accumulated 1,500 kWh of charging on your home charger—about 3-5 months of average driving.
How do I get paid for charging at home?
Once you accumulate $100 worth of credits, a payment is issued via direct deposit to your bank account.
Are there any annual costs?
No, there are no annual fees or subscription costs associated with the charger or membership in the home charging program.
Which app do I need?
You must use the SWTCH Home Charging Program app. This is a dedicated app for this program and is different from the public SWTCH app used for public-facing charging.
About The Charger
How long is the charger cable?
The charger comes with an 18-foot (5.486 metre) cable.
Do you send an electrician for installation?
Installation is up to you to complete. If you have an existing NEMA 14-50 plug, installation of a NEMA 14-50 version is as simple as mounting the unit and plugging it in. Otherwise, you will need to hire a local electrician.
What size breaker do I need for my charger?
The general rule is that your charger's amperage should be only 80% of your breaker's.
For the 40A charger: We recommend at least a 50A breaker.
For the 48A charger: We recommend at least a 60A breaker.
What is the difference between NEMA 14-50 and hardwiring?
The difference is the installation method and charging speed. The 9.6kW model uses a NEMA 14-50 plug for easy installation and to share an outlet with other devices (like RVs).
The 11.5kW model must be hardwired by an electrician but offers faster charging speeds.
Which model should I choose?
If you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet or intend to move and want to bring your charger with you, choose the Plug-In model.
If you are installing a new circuit and want the fastest possible charge, choose the Hardwired model.
Do I need to use the app every time I charge?
No. Once set up, the charger will start charging your vehicle as soon as it is plugged in.
Will I be able to view my charging history?
Yes. Today, the app provides weekly energy consumption monitoring so you can track your general usage. Over time, we will be adding historical data and per-session charging information as well.
Can I move my charger to a different network?
No. These chargers are pre-configured specifically for the SWTCH Home Charging Program and cannot be moved to a different OCPP network.
About SWTCH
What is SWTCH?
SWTCH is one of the leading EV charging networks in North America. We have more than 20,000 chargers across the continent and provide solutions for companies like Google, Marriott, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Metro.
Where is SWTCH headquartered?
Our offices are in Toronto, which is where we were founded in 2016.
Where can I learn about your other charging technology and services?
Visit us at swtchenergy.com for everything we do in the multifamily, commercial, parking, and other spaces across North America.
