Charging an EV at home in Ontario costs roughly $2 to $5 per 100 km on the Ultra-Low Overnight plan, and roughly $3 to $7 per 100 km on regular time-of-use or tiered rates, once delivery charges are included. Public Level 2 charging and DC fast charging usually cost more, often similar to or more than home charging at peak times.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
One of the biggest advantages of an electric vehicle in Ontario is cheap overnight electricity. How much you actually pay depends on your price plan, when you charge, your utility’s delivery charges and how efficient your car is. Here is how to estimate it.
Ontario electricity price plans
Most Ontario households on the Regulated Price Plan can choose time-of-use (TOU), Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) or tiered pricing. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) sets these commodity prices, normally reviewing them each November. The prices below took effect November 1, 2025; check the OEB or your utility for the current figures.
| Plan | Period | Commodity price (effective Nov. 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Time-of-use (TOU) | Off-peak (overnight, weekends and holidays) | 9.8 ¢/kWh |
| Mid-peak | 15.7 ¢/kWh | |
| On-peak | 20.3 ¢/kWh | |
| Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) | Ultra-low overnight (11 p.m. to 7 a.m., every day) | 3.9 ¢/kWh |
| Weekend off-peak | 9.8 ¢/kWh | |
| Mid-peak | 15.7 ¢/kWh | |
| On-peak (weekday late afternoon and evening) | 39.1 ¢/kWh | |
| Tiered | Residential first tier | 12.0 ¢/kWh |
Commodity prices only. Your bill also includes delivery, regulatory charges and HST, minus the Ontario Electricity Rebate. Delivery charges vary by utility, which is why the all-in cost per kWh is higher than the commodity price.
How to calculate home charging costs
The formula is simple: energy used (kWh) × all-in price per kWh. EV efficiency is usually 15 to 22 kWh per 100 km, and more in winter. Add about 10% for charging losses.
| Scenario (20 kWh/100 km incl. losses, 20,000 km/year) | All-in price assumed | Per 100 km | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULO overnight charging | about 10 ¢/kWh | about $2.00 | about $400 |
| TOU off-peak charging | about 16 ¢/kWh | about $3.20 | about $640 |
| Charging on-peak (not recommended) | about 28 ¢/kWh or more | about $5.60 | about $1,120 |
These are illustrative estimates. The all-in prices assume roughly 6 to 8 cents per kWh in delivery and other charges plus HST; your utility may differ. Compare with fuel using our EV vs gas cost calculator.
Is the Ultra-Low Overnight plan worth it?
ULO is very attractive if you can schedule EV charging, laundry and dishwashing overnight. The trade-off is a much higher on-peak price on weekday late afternoons and evenings. If your household uses a lot of power during those hours (cooking, electric heating, air conditioning), compare your past bills before switching. Most EVs and chargers let you set a charging schedule so the car starts at 11 p.m.
Public charging in Ontario
Level 2 public chargers
Level 2 stations at malls, workplaces and municipal lots are often priced by the hour or by the kWh, and some are free. They suit topping up while you shop or work.
DC fast charging
DC fast chargers along highways can add a lot of range in 20 to 40 minutes, but they are the most expensive way to charge. Pricing varies by network and may be per kWh or per minute. Fast charging is best kept for road trips rather than daily use.
Home charger installation
A Level 2 charger needs a 240-volt circuit installed by a licensed electrician, with a permit and inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario. Total cost depends on your panel capacity and wiring distance; a simple install may cost around $1,000 to $2,500 including the charger, while panel upgrades can add much more. Get two or three written quotes.
A simple monthly example
Suppose you drive 1,500 km a month and your EV uses about 20 kWh per 100 km including charging losses. That is about 300 kWh a month. At an all-in overnight price of roughly 10 cents per kWh, home charging costs about $30 a month; at roughly 16 cents per kWh, about $48. A gas car using 8 L/100 km would burn 120 L for the same distance; at $1.50 per litre, that is $180. Your own numbers depend on your car, your plan and pump prices, but the gap explains why home charging is the main financial advantage of owning an EV in Ontario.
Does charging affect the Ontario Electricity Rebate or tiers?
On tiered pricing, EV charging can push your household above the tier threshold (1,000 kWh per month in winter for residential customers), after which a higher price applies. On TOU and ULO, there is no tier; the time of day is what matters. The Ontario Electricity Rebate is applied to your bill automatically and is not specific to EVs.
Winter charging tips
- Precondition the cabin and battery while plugged in.
- Park in a garage if possible; a warm battery charges faster.
- Expect higher kWh per 100 km in January than in July.
- Keep the charge between about 20% and 80% day to day unless you need full range.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV in Ontario?
For a 60 kWh battery charged from about 10% to 90%, you add roughly 50 kWh including losses. At an all-in overnight price of about 10 cents per kWh, that is about $5; at about 16 cents, about $8. Exact costs depend on your plan and utility.
What time is ultra-low overnight in Ontario?
On the Ultra-Low Overnight plan, the lowest price applies from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day. Confirm the current hours and prices with the Ontario Energy Board or your utility.
Is public fast charging cheaper than gas?
Often it is similar to or cheaper than gasoline per kilometre, but much more expensive than overnight home charging. Fast charging is best for road trips, while most savings come from charging at home.
More: car ownership guides and average car maintenance costs.
This guide is general information for Canadian drivers, not financial or mechanical advice. Prices are estimates that vary by province, shop, vehicle and season; always get a written quote and check your owner’s manual.
