Whether you’ve just purchased an EV or you’re planning to buy one soon, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make home charging easy, efficient, and cost-effective.
Charging your EV at home is the most convenient and affordable way to keep your vehicle powered.
Electricity is substantially cheaper than gasoline. In Ontario, charging an EV costs up to 75% less than fuelling a gas-powered car for the same distance. On average, it costs under $2 per 100 km when charged at home using off-peak electricity rates, compared to $8–$12 per 100 km for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Example: Charging a 60 kWh EV battery (400 km range) typically costs $6–$9 at home, while driving the same distance in a traditional vehicle could cost $50–$70 depending on gas prices.
Ontario uses a Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity billing structure, which means rates vary based on when electricity is used.
Off-peak hours (11 PM – 7 AM) have the lowest electricity rates—ideal for overnight charging.
Mid-peak and on-peak hours (during daytime and early evenings) are more expensive.
By using a smart charger that schedules your charging sessions during off-peak periods, you can dramatically reduce your electricity costs without lifting a finger.
Eligible homeowners can take advantage of federal, provincial, and local rebates to offset installation and equipment costs. For example:
Federal Incentives under the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) may offer rebates for multi-unit residential buildings.
Some utility providers and municipal programs offer additional rebates, such as partial refunds on Level 2 chargers and installation fees.
In some cases, tax incentives may apply for installing EV infrastructure in homes or rental properties.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you see how these two charging levels stack up in terms of speed, setup, and suitability for your daily needs.
Use a Smart Charger: Automate charging and track your usage.
Keep It Indoors or Weather-Proof: Use indoor garages or weather-rated chargers for outdoor setups.
Charge to 80–90%: Prolong battery life by avoiding frequent 100% charges.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Charging in very hot or cold conditions may reduce battery efficiency.
Regularly Inspect Equipment: Look for wear, damage, or loose cables.
Ready to move forward with one of our electrical services? Whether it’s for your electric vehicle station or your property, we’re always happy to help. Get in touch with us to get started.
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