Electric Vehicle Charging Costs in Ontario – What to Expect
Updated 2026‑04‑22
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home in Ontario is usually far cheaper than buying gasoline, but the exact cost depends on your electricity pricing plan, driving habits, vehicle efficiency, and the time of day you charge. This guide explains how EV charging costs work in Ontario and what you can realistically expect to pay each month.
Home charging: the lowest‑cost option
Most Ontario EV owners charge at home because residential electricity rates are significantly lower than public charging rates. According to Ontario‑based EV charging data, home charging costs depend on:
- your electricity price (TOU, Tiered, or ULO)
- your EV’s efficiency (kWh per 100 km)
- how many kilometres you drive per month
- charging losses (typically 5–15%)
For many households, EV charging remains cheaper per kilometre than gasoline, especially when charging overnight at off‑peak or ULO rates.
Why time of charging matters
Ontario’s electricity pricing varies by time of day. Charging during off‑peak or ultra‑low overnight periods can significantly reduce your cost per kilometre. Overnight charging is especially beneficial for drivers who travel many kilometres each month.
Typical home charging cost examples
Here are approximate home‑charging scenarios based on common Ontario rates:
- Off‑peak (TOU): ~10–12¢/kWh
- Mid‑peak (TOU): ~15–18¢/kWh
- On‑peak (TOU): ~20–25¢/kWh
- ULO overnight: ~2–3¢/kWh
At 15¢/kWh, a typical 60 kWh battery costs about $9 to fully charge; at 25¢/kWh, about $15. Larger batteries scale proportionally.
Winter charging costs are higher
Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency and increase energy use per kilometre. Winter EV charging costs can be noticeably higher than summer estimates.
Public charging: more expensive but necessary for travel
Public charging in Ontario varies widely by operator and station type. Many public DC fast chargers charge around 50¢/kWh when power supplied is above 20 kW. Some stations use hourly pricing or higher rates above 90% battery charge to encourage turnover.
Public charging is more expensive because operators must cover equipment, installation, maintenance, software, and land‑use costs.
Types of public charging fees
- Per kWh: pay for energy delivered
- Per minute: common at older stations
- Idle fees: charged when staying plugged in after charging
- Session or membership fees: flat or subscription‑based
Public charging is convenient for long trips but rarely the cheapest option. Home charging remains the most economical for daily use.
How EV charging affects your electricity bill
Charging an EV increases your household electricity usage, but the total cost depends on:
- your pricing plan (TOU, Tiered, ULO)
- how much you drive
- your EV’s efficiency
- charging losses
- seasonal temperature changes
Even with these factors, EV charging is typically cheaper per kilometre than gasoline.
Tips to reduce EV charging costs
- Charge overnight using ULO or off‑peak rates
- Pre‑condition your EV while plugged in during winter
- Avoid charging to 100% unless needed for long trips
- Use public fast charging only when necessary
- Track your EV’s efficiency (kWh/100 km)