Electric vehicles (EVs) and charging

Navigating the EV and charging experience.

From lower price points and faster charging speeds to increased driving ranges, EVs have made significant strides in recent years. Before you hit the dealership or purchase an EV charger for your home, here’s some information to help you steer clear of any roadblocks.

Why buy an EV?

  1. Less expensive than gas

    Save hundreds of dollars a year on fuel while reducing maintenance costs. Charging an EV battery costs significantly less than fuelling a gas vehicle.

    Did you know that the cost of charging your EV may vary based on your electricity price plan? Our Ultra-Low Overnight price plan may benefit EV owners who charge their vehicle overnight. Visit our Customer Choice web page to learn more about your price plan options.

  2. Better for the environment

    EVs produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-fuelled cars.

  3. No more range anxiety

    Depending on the vehicle, you can travel 400 kilometres or more on a single full charge.

  4. Enjoy green benefits

    EVs are eligible to access certain High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, helping you get to your destination faster.

  5. Easy and convenient

    The standard 120-volt outlet that may already be in your garage or on the outside of your house can power a Level 1 EV charger. If you need a quicker charge, fast chargers can provide a full battery in less than an hour, with many public charging stations available across the city.

Explore the EV experience! Visit Plug’n Drive’s website to book an appointment to test drive an EV at their Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre located at Yonge and Bloor.

Public EV charging stations

You don’t need a garage or private driveway to charge your EV. We’re working closely with the City of Toronto and Toronto Parking Authority to install public charging stations.

Learn more

EV charging options

The amount of time it takes to charge your EV will depend on your charger and vehicle. There are different charging options available at various price points.

Level 1 charging

Most EVs come with a 120-volt charging cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet. This level of charging has electrical requirements similar to a hairdryer or kettle.

  • Range: Adds approximately 8 kilometres of driving range per hour of charging
  • Setup: Typically the easiest and most affordable way to start charging
  • Best suited for: Light daily driving and overnight charging

Level 2 charging

These 240-volt chargers use outlets similar to those for stoves and dryers, and are available at many retailers.

  • Range: Adds about 35 kilometres of driving range per hour of charging
  • Setup: May require electrical upgrades depending on your home's existing capacity
  • Best suited for: Longer drives and faster charging needs

Level 3 charging

Also known as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), Level 3 chargers are typically found at public stations or used commercially.

  • Range: Rapid charging in minutes
  • Setup: Not available for home use, as it requires high power and significant infrastructure upgrades, making it unsuitable for residential installation
  • Best suited for: Road trips and quick top-ups

Tip: Before you buy, look for a recognized certification mark that indicates the product has been independently assessed for safety.

EV charging at home

Charging requirements

If you live in a house

Having a garage or private driveway is the easiest way to enable your at-home charger installation. If you have access to a 120-volt outlet near your parking spot, you may be ready to start charging right away — just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your EV and charging equipment. If you don’t have a 120-volt outlet nearby, a Licensed Electrical Contractor can help by installing a Level 1 or Level 2 charging station in your parking area tailored to your needs.

No garage or driveway? No problem. There are plenty of public charging stations available across Toronto, including on-street charging. The City of Toronto has a map of publicly accessible EV charging stations to help find a charger near you.

If you live in an apartment or condo

Charging requirements will vary from building to building based on the policies and infrastructure. Toronto Hydro encourages prospective EV owners to work with their condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet your EV charging needs before purchasing your vehicle.

Planning your installation

Before you buy and install an at-home EV charger, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Work with a Licensed Electrical Contractor to plan your EV charging installation

New electrical equipment such as an EV charger can increase your home's electricity use. This might mean you need an electrical service upgrade or new meter installed — but not always. We recommend that you work with a Licensed Electrical Contractor to assess your home's existing electrical capacity, determine your charging options and understand the costs of installation.

Need some help finding the right contractor? Check out our Cleantech Services Directory and narrow your search using the "services" filter for a list of qualified contractors specializing in EV equipment and installations.

Check if your home can handle the electrical load with our NEW peak demand tool

To help you and your Licensed Electrical Contractor determine whether an electrical upgrade is necessary to accommodate new EV charging equipment, we have a peak demand tool available in our self-serve portal that checks the highest amount of electricity your home has used at one time.

If you and your contractor determine that an electrical service upgrade is required, please submit a service connection request. If necessary, Toronto Hydro will schedule a site visit at your home and provide a list of requirements to complete the installation.

File an electrical permit

Submit the required permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before installation begins.

Home EV charging safety

Learn more about safe EV charging systems and installations on the ESA's website.

Visit the ESA's website