Many Canadians are enjoying the benefits of driving electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are less expensive to operate and maintain than gas vehicles, are better for the environment, and now have faster charging speeds and increased driving ranges. With a network of public charging stations in Ontario and across the country, you can rest assured that you’ll always reach your destination.
If you have an EV or are thinking about buying one, here are some tips on electricity pricing, EV purchase incentives and rebates, how to charge your EV at home, and other frequently asked questions.
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Pricing
If you have an electric vehicle that you charge at home overnight, the Ultra-Low Overnight rate option may be of interest to you, because you’ll be able to take advantage of the very low-priced overnight period.
The ULO price plan offers a new option to residential and small business customers in addition to the Time-of-Use and Tiered price plans. ULO has four price periods, one of which is a very low-priced overnight period between 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day. ULO price periods are the same all year round.
The best rate plan for you depends on your electricity consumption patterns. Don’t worry – there is no requirement or deadline to choose, and you can change rate plans at any time. To learn more about the ULO rate option and how to choose the electricity price plan that's right for you, visit Choose Your Rate Option.
Buying an EV
Here are a few purchase incentives and rebates that may benefit you. We’ll keep this section updated as other incentives become available.
Federal Incentives
You can qualify for up to $5,000 towards the purchase of a fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The incentive will be applied at the point-of-sale by the dealership. It will appear directly on the bill of sale or lease agreement of eligible zero emission vehicles on, or after, the eligibility date.
Eligibility: Battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and longer-range plug-in hybrid vehicles are eligible for up to $5,000, but shorter-range vehicles with range under 50 km (such as some plug-in hybrids) are eligible for up to $2,500.
For more information, please visit: Government of Canada – Zero Emission Vehicles.
Want to know more about different EV types? Visit: Electric Vehicle Technology & Types.
Company Incentives
Check with the Human Resources team at your place of employment. Some employers offer EV benefits such as workplace charging or preferred pricing at automotive dealerships that offer electric vehicles.
Charging an EV
Types of chargers and how to charge your EV at home. For more information, visit Electric Vehicle Charging 101.
If you live in a single-family home
A Level 2 EV charger can add significant electrical load (generally, 40 amps) to your home. 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 you park your EV is ideal. You’ll need a professional electrician to install a Level 2 charger.
To find a list of licensed electrical contractors in your area, use this handy tool provided by the Electrical Safety Authority at findacontractor.esasafe.com.
If your electrical contractor determines that you need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate a Level 2 charger, visit Make a Service Request to submit your request to Alectra Utilities.
If you live in an apartment or condo
Charging requirements will vary from building to building based on the building policies and infrastructure. Alectra Utilities encourages prospective EV owners to work with their condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet their EV charging needs before purchasing the EV. Provincial regulations provide a process for both owners and condominium corporations seeking to install EV charging stations, but it is the responsibility of each condo corporation to implement this process.
Contact Alectra
If you drive an EV and would like to share your EV driving experience, share your story with us.