Electric vehicles (EVs)

Knowledge is power.

From lower price points and faster charging speeds to increased driving ranges, EVs sure have come a long way. Before you hit the dealership, here’s some information to help you steer clear of any roadblocks.

Why buy an EV?

  1. Less expensive than gas

    Save hundreds of dollars a year on fuel while reducing maintenance costs too.

  2. Better for the environment

    EVs produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-fuelled cars.

  3. No more range anxiety

    Drive 140-450 km on a single charge. That’s like driving from Toronto to Peterborough.

  4. Enjoy green benefits

    Green licence plates provide access to certain HOV lanes to help get you to your destination faster.

  5. Easy and convenient

    Quick chargers can provide a full battery charge in less than an hour – and if you need a boost, public charging stations are available province-wide.

Compare the costs

Source: Plug'n Drive Corporation

Battery EV[1]

  • $530 per year to charge
  • $1.45 per day (charging at night)

Plug-In Hybrid EV[2]

  • $925 per year to fuel/charge
  • $2.50 per day (both gasoline and electricity)

Gas vehicles[3]

  • $1,000 - $2,800 per year on fuel
  • Up to five times more per day to fuel up!

Note: The values listed above are subject to change and are based on the following assumptions:

  • 20,000 km driven per year
  • $1.99 / L for gas
  • $0.1471 / kWh for electricity

[1] Based on a Chevrolet Bolt EV

[2] Based on a Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid

[3] Based on a Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Customer Choice is an Ontario Energy Board initiative that allows customers on the Regulated Price Plan to choose the price plan that works best for them. The cost of charging your EV may vary based on your electricity price plan. Our new Ultra-Low Overnight price plan may benefit EV owners who charge their vehicle overnight.

Learn more about Customer Choice

Charging requirements

If you live in a house

Having a garage or private driveway is the easiest way to enable your at-home charger installation since having an interior/external wall next to where your vehicle is parked is ideal. If you don’t have a garage or private driveway, you’ll need to find another way to charge your vehicle.

If you live in an apartment or condo

Charging requirements will vary from building-to-building based on the building policies and infrastructure. Toronto Hydro encourages prospective EV owners to work with the condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet your EV charging needs before you purchase your vehicle. Please find additional resources in the links section of this page.

EV on-street charging stations

Toronto Hydro and the City of Toronto installed EV charging stations on several streets across the city.

Learn more

Electricity rates

Can your home handle the electrical load?

An EV can add significant electrical load to your home. They have similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove. Sometimes, your electrical service has to be upgraded or a new meter has to be installed to charge your EV. We recommend that you work with a licensed electrical contractor to assess your home, determine your charging options and understand the costs of installation.

Need some help finding the right contractor? Find a list of credible electricians on the Electrical Safety Authority’s website.

Does Toronto Hydro have to get involved?

If your contractor determines that you need to upgrade your electrical service, please submit a service connection request. If necessary, Toronto Hydro will schedule a site visit at your home and will provide a list of requirements necessary to complete the installation.

Choose an EV charger

The amount of time it takes to charge your vehicle will depend on your charger and vehicle. There are different charging speeds available at different price points.

Level 1

Your EV will come with a 120-volt charging cord that can easily be plugged into a typical wall-socket. This type of charging takes the longest but requires the least amount of work to get you charging.

Level 2

These 240-volt chargers use a similar outlet as stoves and dryers, and are available at various locations for around $200. These are the same type of chargers that are found at workplaces and public charging locations. These are the most effective for home charging.

Level 3

These fast chargers can charge your vehicle in 25-30 minutes. Generally, level three chargers are only found at public charging stations because of the high load and significant infrastructure upgrades that are required.