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Close-up of an electric vehicle being charged at a charging station in an EV parking bay.

EV Charging

Home Energy Planning Systems & Solutions EV Charging

Electric Vehicle Range and Charging on the Road

Today’s electric vehicles (EVs) can travel 400 kilometres or more on a single charge, with many models capable of reaching over 500 kilometres.

Each EV includes a range display that estimates remaining driving distance based on recent driving conditions and patterns. For example, extended uphill driving may temporarily reduce the estimated range.

With reliable charging now available at home, at work, and along major travel routes, EVsare well-suited for everyday use as well as longer trips. Understanding your daily driving needs and the different charging options available can help you determine the best way to charge, both on the road and at home.

Your Daily Commute

Most Canadians drive 40–50 kilometres per day, well within the range of today’s EVs.

Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric motors use no energy when stopped, helping you reduce overall energy use while lowering emissions.

Types of Charging Stations

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging comes standard with every EV and uses a regular household outlet (110 volts). A full charge can take 20 – 40+ hours, adding approximately eight kilometres of range per hour.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to a dryer or stove. It can fully charge most EVs in four – eight hours, adding about 30–35 kilometres of range per hour. Installing a Level 2 charger at home may require an electrical upgrade. If you have questions, you can apply for a Service Layout to review your options.

Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging)

DC fast charging can add 200–300+ kilometres of range in about 30 minutes, with one hour delivering 250+ kilometres or more, making it ideal for road trips and quick stops.

Charge Smart at Home

Charging during off-peak hours (from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays) is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option. For even greater savings, Ontario’s Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) price plan offers lower electricity rates between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Learn more about the Ultra-Low Overnight plan

Helpful Resources for EV Owners

Natural Resources Canada Charging Station Locator

Federal Incentives

Plug’n Drive

Electrical Safety Authority

Installing an EV Charging Station

Installing an EV Charging Station

For Homeowners

Considering an electric vehicle (EV) charger for your hHome? Installing an EV charger at home is a straightforward process when you start with the right information. Homeowners are encouraged to follow Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) guidelines to ensure proper installation and compliance.

Visit the ESA’s resource page to learn what’s required to safely connect an EV charger at your home

For Businesses, Multi-Unit Buildings, and Fleet Operators

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has introduced a streamlined process to make it easier for organizations to connect public EV charging stations and fleet charging facilities. These updates help speed up installation for locations like highway service centres, workplaces, commercial fleets, and multi-unit buildings.

Who This Applies To

This process is designed for non-residential EV charging installations, including:

  • Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations
  • Publicly accessible DC fast chargers
  • Workplace charging setups
  • Commercial EV fleet charging stations
  • Multi-unit residential or commercial buildings where chargers are owned or operated by the building owner or a third-party provider

Important: The main purpose of the new or expanded connection must be for EV charging.

A person plugs an electric vehicle charging cable into a white vehicle with a Canadian flag sticker.

Steps to Connect Your EV Charging Infrastructure

Thinking about an EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) project? Here’s how to begin:

  1. Review the OEB’s EV Charging Connection Procedures.
  2. Complete the EV Preliminary Consultation Information Request (EVPCIR) form.
  3. Attach the following:
    • Single Line Diagram (required)
    • Plan View or Sketch (required)
    • Operation Philosophy and Site Specifications (as applicable)
  4. Email the items from steps 2 and 3 to [email protected] with the subject line: “EV Preliminary Consultation Information Request.

This first step helps us provide high-level feasibility details for your proposed connection point.

Once we receive your EVPCIR, we’ll send you an Electric Vehicle Preliminary Consultation Report (EVPCR). This report gives an overview of available capacity and any potential challenges.

Please note: This is an initial snapshot and does not reserve capacity or replace the full connection assessment process.

When you’re ready to proceed, submit an EVSE Connection Request by email to [email protected], with the subject line, “EVSE Connection Request”.

Flowchart illustrating the high-level process for EV supply equipment, from consultation to project completion.

High-Level Process for EV Supply Equipment

Commercial Customers: Electric Vehicle Charging Rate

If you own or operate a commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging station, you may be eligible to opt-in to the new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Rate.

Learn more about the Electric Vehicle Charging Rate.

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions or need guidance, our team is available to support you throughout the process. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (905) 332-2251.