Short answer
Charging an EV at home in Canada typically costs about $1.40 to $5.30 per 100 km, depending on your province's electricity rate and your vehicle. A gasoline car using 8 L per 100 km at about $1.55 per litre costs around $12.40 for the same distance.
Key takeaways
- Most EVs use about 16 to 22 kWh per 100 km.
- Cost per 100 km = kWh per 100 km times your electricity rate.
- Quebec and Manitoba are cheapest to charge in. Alberta is highest.
- Home charging typically costs a fraction of gasoline in every province.
- Level 2 charging is faster but needs a 240 V circuit and installation.
To work out how much it costs to charge an EV at home in Canada, multiply your car's energy use by your electricity rate. Most EVs use about 16 to 22 kWh per 100 km, with smaller cars at the low end and larger SUVs and trucks at the high end. Winter driving pushes use higher.
At typical Canadian rates, home charging costs roughly $1.40 to $5.30 per 100 km. A gasoline car using 8 L per 100 km at about $1.55 per litre costs about $12.40 per 100 km. Even in Alberta, where electricity costs the most, home charging typically costs well under half as much as gasoline.
EV home charging cost by province
The table uses approximate all-in residential electricity rates, including delivery, and an EV using 16 to 22 kWh per 100 km. The gasoline comparison assumes 8 L per 100 km at $1.55 per litre. Rates are approximate and change over time.
| Province | Approx. rate ($/kWh) | EV cost per 100 km | Gasoline cost per 100 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | 0.085 | $1.40 to $1.90 | about $12.40 |
| Manitoba | 0.115 | $1.80 to $2.50 | about $12.40 |
| British Columbia | 0.135 | $2.20 to $3.00 | about $12.40 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 0.155 | $2.50 to $3.40 | about $12.40 |
| New Brunswick | 0.165 | $2.60 to $3.60 | about $12.40 |
| Ontario | 0.17 | $2.70 to $3.70 | about $12.40 |
| Prince Edward Island | 0.18 | $2.90 to $4.00 | about $12.40 |
| Nova Scotia | 0.195 | $3.10 to $4.30 | about $12.40 |
| Saskatchewan | 0.21 | $3.40 to $4.60 | about $12.40 |
| Alberta | 0.24 | $3.80 to $5.30 | about $12.40 |
Gasoline prices vary by province and week, so your own comparison may be wider or narrower. Our EV charging calculator lets you enter your rate, vehicle and fuel price.
What that means per year
If you drive 20,000 km a year in an EV using 19 kWh per 100 km, you use about 3,800 kWh. In Ontario at about $0.17/kWh, that is around $650 a year. The same distance in a gasoline car using 8 L per 100 km costs about $2,480. Some energy is lost while charging, typically around 10% to 15%, so add a little to your estimate.
Level 1 vs Level 2 home charging
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Standard 120 V outlet | 240 V circuit, like a dryer or range |
| Typical power | about 1.4 kW | about 7 to 11 kW |
| Range added per hour | roughly 6 to 8 km | roughly 30 to 50 km |
| Upfront cost | Usually included with the car | Charger plus electrician, often $1,000 to $2,500 total |
| Best for | Short commutes, plug-in hybrids | Daily driving, larger batteries, cold winters |
The cost per kWh is the same at either level. Level 1 tends to lose a bit more energy, and it can struggle in a Canadian winter, when the car uses power to warm the battery. If you drive under about 50 km a day and park for 10 hours or more overnight, Level 1 may be enough.
Can your panel handle a Level 2 charger?
A Level 2 charger usually needs a 40 or 50 amp circuit. Older homes with 100 amp service, electric heat or a heat pump may not have room. An electrician can do a load calculation. Load management devices can share capacity with another appliance and may save you a costly service upgrade. A permit and inspection are usually required.
How to lower your EV charging cost
- Charge overnight. In Ontario, the Time-of-Use and Ultra-Low Overnight plans make overnight power cheaper. Our Ontario price plans guide explains how to choose.
- Schedule charging. Most EVs and Level 2 chargers can start charging at a set time.
- Precondition while plugged in. Warming the cabin before you unplug uses grid power, not your battery.
- Pair with solar. If your export credit is low, daytime charging from your panels can add value. See our solar payback guide.
Will an EV raise your electricity bill a lot?
It will raise it, but by far less than you save on fuel. An extra 3,000 to 4,500 kWh a year is typical for average driving. That may be a noticeable increase if your home uses little electricity now. Check how it fits with your current use using our guide to reading your bill or the home energy estimator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Ontario?
At an approximate all-in rate of $0.17/kWh, typically about $2.70 to $3.70 per 100 km. Charging overnight on a Time-of-Use or Ultra-Low Overnight plan can lower that.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in Canada?
Yes, in every province. Home charging typically costs about $1.40 to $5.30 per 100 km, compared with about $12.40 for a car using 8 L per 100 km at $1.55 per litre.
Do I need a Level 2 charger at home?
Not always. Level 1 can work for short daily driving, but Level 2 is more practical for longer commutes, larger batteries and cold winters.
How much does it cost to install a Level 2 charger in Canada?
Often around $1,000 to $2,500 for the charger and electrical work. A panel upgrade, if needed, adds significantly more.
How many kWh does an EV use per 100 km?
Most EVs use about 16 to 22 kWh per 100 km. Use rises in winter and at highway speeds.
Want numbers for your own home?
Use the ev charging cost calculator with your province's prices and climate. It takes about two minutes.