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Calculate Your Savings

Select your preferences to calculate your potential fuel cost, environmental, and charging time and cost impacts.

You can update your selections at any time, and the results will adjust accordingly on the results page. Feel free to engage with the tool and experiment with different options to personalize your results. Share your feedback.

Step 1: Select vehicles you want to compare 1/3
Gasoline Vehicle
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Battery Electric/ Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
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This tool is for general reference only, providing estimates of potential fuel emissions and savings. Actual results may vary, and individual customers may not achieve the same savings/reductions. The results depend on driving habits and vehicle models. Customers should not rely solely on these estimates when making decisions.

Vehicle data is subject to change. Alectra Utilities does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and will not be liable for failure to achieve anticipated cost savings. For accurate and personalized details, consult a sales representative or manufacturer’s website.
TOU is the most popular plan for consumers and small businesses and the default in our calculator.

If you have - or plan to get - one electric vehicle, this plan is likely your best choice. Simply schedule your charging for off-peak periods Monday to Friday, and/or anytime on weekends. Learn more about this plan.

Don’t know your plan? Visit My Alectra to verify your rate plan.
Tiered Pricing is typically not ideal for EV drivers. The price for electricity doesn’t vary during the day like with the other rate plans, but it does switch to a higher rate once your monthly usage exceeds a minimum threshold.

This plan is ideal for low usage customers, such as those with small homes and limited EV charging needs. Learn more about this plan.

Not sure how much you use in a month? Visit My Alectra to verify.
The ULO plan offers the lowest nightly rates but also the highest daytime rates.

ULO is ideal for households or small businesses that can shift heavy usage away from the afternoon peak pricing period or for those with multiple EVs charging overnight. Customers with battery storage and/or solar systems that can power their home or business during the day when rates are high can also benefit. Learn more about this plan.

Don’t know your Plan? Visit My Alectra to verify your rate plan.

Weekday Summer (May  1 - October 31)

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plan for summer weekdays. Infographic shows on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak electricity rates with corresponding time slots.

Weekend & Statutory Holidays (ALL YEAR)

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plan for summer weekends/statutory holidays. Infographic shows on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak electricity rates with corresponding time slots.
TOU On-Peak
($ 0.158 per kWh)
TOU Mid-Peak
($ 0.122 per kWh)
TOU Off-Peak
($ 0.076 per kWh)

Residential Summer (May 1 - October 31)

Infographic shows Tiered electricity pricing thresholds for residential customers during winter (May 1 - October 31). Teir 2 is the higher rate applied once the usage threshold for Tier 1 pricing is reached.

Small Business (ALL YEAR)

Infographic shows Tiered electricity pricing thresholds for residential customers for small business (all year). Teir 2 is the higher rate applied once the usage threshold for Tier 1 pricing is reached.
Tier 1
($ 0.093 per kWh)
Tier 2
($ 0.110 per kWh)

Weekday (ALL YEAR)

The ULO rate plan. Infographic illustrates different electricity pricing periods for weekdays, highlighting off-peak (green), mid-peak (yellow), on-peak (purple) and ultra-low (blue) rates and corresponding time slots.

Weekend & Statutory Holidays (ALL YEAR)

The ULO rate plan. Infographic illustrates different electricity pricing periods for weekends/holidays, highlighting off-peak (green), mid-peak (yellow), on-peak (purple) and ultra-low (blue) rates and corresponding time slots.
ULO On-Peak
($ 0.284 per kWh)
ULO Mid-Peak
($ 0.122 per kWh)
ULO Off-Peak
($ 0.076 per kWh)
ULO Ultra-Low Overnight
($ 0.028 per kWh)
Select Weekday Charging Day All weekdays selected by default
Select Weekday Charging Time
Select Weekend Charging Day All weekend days selected by default
Select Weekend Charging Time
Note:
All days have been selected by default. Review "EV Charging Trends" below for tips that may help you save money.

Enter your preferred 'Start Time' for charging in the options above. The estimated 'End Time' will be automatically calculated based on the selected EV's battery size and the rated power level of the charger you choose in the next step. The higher the power level of the charger, the faster your selected EV will charge, up to your vehicle's maximum charging rate.
Charging habits vary, depending on average daily travel distance and your vehicle’s range. Most EV drivers charge every other day rather than daily, typically overnight when vehicles are idle for longer periods and electricity rates are lower. The rate plan that you choose affects your whole home’s electricity cost, not just your EV’s. For example, Alectra’s Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan offers very low nighttime rates, but higher rates in the afternoon. As you pick a rate plan, keep in mind your existing electricity usage patterns, not just when you’ll charge your EV.

Customize your inputs and calculate your potential savings 

Your Inputs 

Kilometres Driven Per Year The average annual kilometres driven is 16,000 km. You can adjust the input to meet your needs.  
km
L1 EV Charger Rated Power (kW) Required Panel Circuit Breaker Ratings (A) Maximum Output (A)
1.2 kW 10 A 8 A
1.4 kW 15 A 12 A
1.9 kW 20 A 16 A

It will take approximately to charge the EV based on your daily usage.

L2 EV Charger Rated Power (kW) Required Panel Circuit Breaker Ratings (A) Maximum Output (A)
3.8 kW 20 A 16 A
5.8 kW 30 A 24 A
7.7 kW 40 A 32 A
9.6 kW 50 A 40 A
11.5 kW 60 A 48 A
15.4 kW 80 A 64 A
19.2 kW 100 A 80 A

It will take approximately to charge the EV based on your daily usage.

Gas Car Icon arrow_drop_down
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$
EV Car Icon arrow_drop_down
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Select Weekday Charging Day All weekdays selected by default

Select Weekend Charging Day All weekend days selected by default

Charging habits vary, depending on average daily travel distance and your vehicle’s range. Most EV drivers charge every other day rather than daily, typically overnight when vehicles are idle for longer periods and electricity rates are lower. The rate plan that you choose affects your whole home’s electricity cost, not just your EV’s. For example, Alectra’s Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan offers very low nighttime rates, but higher rates in the afternoon. As you pick a rate plan, keep in mind your existing electricity usage patterns, not just when you’ll charge your EV.

Weekday Summer (May  1 - October 31)

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plan for summer weekdays. Infographic shows on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak electricity rates with corresponding time slots.

Weekend & Statutory Holidays (ALL YEAR)

Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plan for winter weekends/statutory holidays. Infographic shows on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak electricity rates with corresponding time slots.
TOU On-Peak
($ 0.158 per kWh)
TOU Mid-Peak
($ 0.122 per kWh)
TOU Off-Peak
($ 0.076 per kWh)

Residential Summer (May 1 - October 31)

Infographic shows Tiered electricity pricing thresholds for residential customers during winter (November 1 - April 30). Teir 2 is the higher rate applied once the usage threshold for Tier 1 pricing is reached.

Small Business (ALL YEAR)

Infographic shows Tiered electricity pricing thresholds for residential customers for small business (all year). Teir 2 is the higher rate applied once the usage threshold for Tier 1 pricing is reached.
Tier 1
($ 0.093 per kWh)
Tier 2
($ 0.110 per kWh)

Weekday (ALL YEAR)

The ULO rate plan. Infographic illustrates different electricity pricing periods for weekdays, highlighting off-peak (green), mid-peak (yellow), on-peak (purple) and ultra-low (blue) rates and corresponding time slots.

Weekend & Statutory Holidays (ALL YEAR)

The ULO rate plan. Infographic illustrates different electricity pricing periods for weekends/holidays, highlighting off-peak (green), mid-peak (yellow), on-peak (purple) and ultra-low (blue) rates and corresponding time slots.
ULO On-Peak
($ 0.284 per kWh)
ULO Mid-Peak
($ 0.122 per kWh)
ULO Off-Peak
($ 0.076 per kWh)
ULO Ultra-Low Overnight
($ 0.028 per kWh)

TOU is the most popular plan for consumers and small businesses and the default in our calculator.

If you have - or plan to get - one electric vehicle, this plan is likely your best choice. Simply schedule your charging for off-peak periods Monday to Friday, and/or anytime on weekends. Learn more about this plan. 

Don’t know your plan? Visit My Alectra to verify your rate plan.

Tiered Pricing is typically not ideal for EV drivers. The price for electricity doesn’t vary during the day like with the other rate plans, but it does switch to a higher rate once your monthly usage exceeds a minimum threshold.

This plan is ideal for low usage customers, such as those with small homes and limited EV charging needs. Learn more about this plan.

Not sure how much you use in a month? Visit My Alectra to verify. 
The ULO plan offers the lowest nightly rates but also the highest daytime rates.

ULO is ideal for households or small businesses that can shift heavy usage away from the afternoon peak pricing period or for those with multiple EVs charging overnight. Customers with battery storage and/or solar systems that can power their home or business during the day when rates are high can also benefit. Learn more about this plan.

Don’t know your Plan? Visit My Alectra to verify your rate plan. 

To further personalize your results, enter your average annual kilometres driven on the left menu and press the Calculate button to see your impact. You can also adjust your EV and charging choices to explore different scenarios. 

You can potentially reduce your annual fueling costs by  

No Savings in Fueling Costs with Electric Vehicles.

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Note:
This tool estimates fuel savings, but actual results may vary based on factors such as driving habits (e.g. highway/city driving, or summer/winter driving) and electricity rate plan parameters. The calculations use pre-set values, which you can customize to forecast for different scenarios (e.g., annual mileage, gasoline price, electricity rate plan).

For PHEVs, we assume that the electric range of the battery is used first, then the gasoline engine for any additional range in your daily commute. How often you charge impacts how much electric range you have available. Learn more about the calculation.

Gas vs. Electric: Cost of Ownership Calculator

Discover how much you could save over 10 years of owning a vehicle by comparing purchase and fueling costs. If you're uncertain about the cost of an EV, check out Plug n' Drive and the CAA EV Buyers Guide. Our cost consideration guide also highlights key differences in maintenance costs between EVs and gasoline cars.

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Note:

The graph presents cumulative cost information to show you the point at which an EV becomes more cost-effective for you, based on the inputs you have selected. The calculation includes the initial vehicle price, annual maintenance costs, and fueling expenses.

For hybrids, the calculation assumes you use the full EV range on electricity, with the remaining range powered by gasoline. The calculations are based on pre-set values that approximate current electricity and gasoline rates. Learn more about the calculation methodology.

Gasoline Vehicle
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Battery Electric/ Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
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Compare the environmental impact of gasoline and electric vehicles (EVs) by selecting your car models to see how switching to an EV can reduce emissions and support a cleaner future. 

You can reduce tonnes of CO₂e   (or %) by switching to electric.

No Potential Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Switching to an EV.

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Note:
Switching to an electric vehicle provides the same annual reduction in GHGs as planting tree(s) annually and letting them grow to maturity (source).
This tool estimates emissions associated with fueling a gasoline vehicle vs an EV, but actual results may vary based on your charging schedule and equipment.

Calculations use emissions and fuel efficiency data specific to the make and model of the vehicle selected. Review data sources and assumption to learn more about the calculation. 

Why Charge At Night?

This graph shows the average GHG emissions from Ontario’s electricity system by hour, highlighting the carbon impact of each kWh generated. Charging your EV during low-emission periods (typically overnight) results in cleaner air and less carbon in the atmosphere compared to charging when the grid relies more on natural gas.

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Note:
The data for this graph comes from The Atmospheric Fund. 

Level 1 chargers have low upfront costs, using standard outlets. Ideal for short commutes or plug-in hybrids, but slower charging may push your EV charging into peak periods when rates are higher.

Level 2 chargers often have added features and offer greater flexibility with faster charging, but your EV’s onboard converter may limit your EVs maximum charging speed. Additionally, installation may require a home electrical service upgrade which adds to the upfront cost. Consult a licensed electrician to assess your panel capacity and discuss options.

Try different charging schedules and rate plans to see your impact below.

You can potentially save by switching to level 2 charging.

No Savings Potential with Level 2 Charging.

You can save up to  % of your charging time by switching to a Level 2 charger.

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Note:
These calculations are estimates. They're based on typical power use for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, and how much range your EV gets per hour of charging.

If you chose the Tiered pricing plan, it is assumed that all EV charging happens at a higher price. Since the price in this pricing plan is the same at any time of day, the cost of electricity will be the same for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

L1 vs L2 Charger: Cost of Ownership Calculator

Use the calculator below to compare the costs of a L2 charger versus a L1 charger. While L2 chargers may have a higher upfront cost, they are more efficient in terms of time and long-term savings. Be sure to review the “Charger Installation Costs and Upgrade Guide” below to understand the additional costs that may be required to install an L2 EV charger at home.

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Note:
The Level 1 (L1) vs a Level 2 (L2) charger cost of ownership calculator compares the financial implications of using a L1 vs a L2 charger by analyzing initial costs, electricity usage, and charging times. It helps users to see that L2 chargers come with an added cost in comparison to an L1 charger.

The costs shown are cumulative. You will see that L2 chargers are more expensive due to the upfront cost of the charger and installation, but can provide less expensive charging. Please consult the data sources & assumptions section below to better understand how the calculations are made. 
Level 1 Charger
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Level 2 Charger
$
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Cost considerations
Charger: Price of the charger + warranty plan
Installation: Must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, typically costing $100-$200/hr and taking 2-4 hrs depending on the installation complexity.
Software: Network plan (if applicable) for smart features like scheduled charging
Service/Panel upgrade: If applicable, this can cost $1,000 - $20,000+ based on existing infrastructure (e.g. cabling, distance from panel and capacity). Consult your utility for service upgrade wait times and use our public charging map tool in the meantime. Click here to learn about potential ways to avoid upgrade costs.

Data Sources:
Vehicle Data: Key vehicle attributes such as battery size, fuel efficiency, range, and emissions (for gasoline vehicles) are derived from NRCan’s Fuel Consumption Ratings datasheets for light-duty vehicles sold in Canada, covering models from 2012 to 2024.

Electricity Emissions: 24-hour average annual fuel mix for Ontario is sourced from The Atmospheric Fund.

Electricity Cost: Price is set up by the Ontario Electricity Board (OEB). The electricity price parameters used for this tool are available here. 

Last updated: 12-31-2024

Assumptions Used For Calculations:
To learn more, click here.