What Halifax’s New EV Charger Bylaw Means for Home Prices and Developers
August 14, 2025
Halifax is charging into a greener future with a new bylaw that requires EV-ready infrastructure in all new residential and commercial developments. At Electric Avenue, we believe this move is not a challenge but an opportunity for developers, builders, and homeowners to future-proof their properties and boost long-term value.
Lessons from History
Building code changes have always faced resistance at first. Upgrades like electrical outlets for dryers, mandatory smoke detectors, and GFCI outlets were once controversial. Today, they’re standard, expected, and add value and safety to every home. EV infrastructure is the next evolution in building standards.
Investment in Property Value
Some critics refer to this bylaw as an added cost, but it’s more accurate to view it as an investment. Adding EV charging infrastructure is similar to a kitchen renovation or installing energy-efficient windows. It transfers money directly into your property’s equity and boosts its long-term market appeal.
EV Charging as a Strategic Revenue Stream
For commercial developers, EV charging isn’t just a checkbox for bylaw compliance—it’s a long-term revenue strategy. When you own and operate the infrastructure, you control the pricing, user access, and monetization model. This allows you to:
- Set usage-based pricing tailored to tenants, employees, or the public
- Offer premium monthly subscriptions or bundled parking perks
- Build loyalty through branded access programs or corporate partnerships
Unlike traditional amenities, EV chargers can deliver measurable returns. A one-time installation investment can evolve into a predictable revenue stream that increases asset value, improves NOI, and enhances tenant retention—especially in buildings where green infrastructure is now a leasing advantage.
Smarter, More Affordable Technology
Thanks to modern electrical innovations, complying with the new bylaw doesn’t need to break the budget. The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) now allows:
- EV Energy Management Systems (EVEMS) to intelligently balance existing electrical loads.
- Smart chargers and load-sharing or load balancing strategies that reduce or eliminate the need for costly service upgrades.
These solutions make it easier and more affordable than ever to prepare buildings for EV charging.
Savings for Homeowners
Home charging saves money every year. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Example EV battery size: 100 kWh (like a Tesla Model S)
- Electricity cost in Nova Scotia: around $0.10 to $0.20 per kWh
- Full charge cost: $10 off-peak, $20 peak
- Gas fill-up equivalent: $100 to $130
If you drive 20,000 km per year, you’ll use roughly 4,000 kWh, costing $400 off-peak versus $2,500 in gasoline. That’s a savings of over $2,000 every year. An installation cost of $5,000 pays for itself in just over two years.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Halifax’s bylaw is part of a bigger push across Canada to support EV adoption. Mandates are rolling out at federal and provincial levels, and the demand for EV-ready homes is growing fast. Developers who prepare now won’t have to retrofit later and will keep their properties relevant in a changing market.
Tools and Support from Electric Avenue
To help you take advantage of these opportunities, we offer:
- A free EV Charging ROI Calculator to estimate costs, forecast revenue, and calculate payback periods.
- Full turnkey solutions from site assessments and permitting to installation and support.
- A free download outlining various load balancing strategies.
Conclusion
This bylaw is more than just a regulatory change. It’s a strategic move that benefits homeowners, developers, and the environment. By acting now, you are not just staying compliant. You are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of your projects.