Frequently Asked Questions

Logging into your account allows you to access personalized information (automatically selecting your existing rate plan), save your data between sessions, manage your favourite charging stations, save routes, and store details about your EV (such as make and model). This makes it easier to plan trips and find charging stations customized to your EV.

When you are logged in, the site saves your data, such as search history, favourite stations, and saved routes, to your account. This means you can pick up where you left off, making your experience seamless and efficient. If you are not logged in, these details will not be saved, and you will have to manually re-enter your search data each time you use the site.

Saving your favourite stations allows you to quickly find and navigate to the charging stations you use most often. This can save you time and make your charging experience more convenient.

You can also save up to 3 routes. This means you can quickly access your most frequently used routes and search criteria without having to re-enter them each time you visit the site. Refer to the EV Charging section below for how to save and delete favourite stations and routes.

Yes, we take your privacy and security very seriously in accordance with our Privacy Policy. All your data is stored securely, and we use encryption to protect your information.

If multiple locations are linked to your account, you can select any of them from the drop-down list. The rate plan associated with the selected location will then be displayed in Your Rate Plan section. This is the default rate plan that will be used for your calculations when you initially log in. You can try out different Rate plans in the EV Calculator.

The EV Calculator tool enables you to compare electric vehicles (EVs) with gasoline vehicles based on various vehicle models, rate plans, and EV charging schedules. To use the tool, simply follow the process by clicking EV Calculator. You can select your current vehicle and then the EV/PHEV models you're interested in. Next, enter your rate plan and charging schedule.

Use the tool to explore potential savings and better understand how to optimize your charging parameter to reduce your emissions and save you money. Please note switching rate plans to optimize EV charging savings may not always lead to accurate savings as your base load during peak hours is a key driver behind your total energy bill costs.

Yes! The tool will save your inputs in the same window. Once you are on the results page of the EV Calculator , you can make adjustments to your selections using the input panel on the left-hand side. If you are logged in to your profile while using the site, data from your last session is always saved. If you are not logged in, when you close the window, your inputs will not be saved.

To use the tool, you will need to provide make and model details for your current vehicle and the EV you are considering. You will also need to provide information about your current driving patterns (e.g. annual range and local gas price) as well as your anticipated charging parameters (e.g. charging days and times, plus your electricity rate plan).

Please note this tool provides an estimate of potential fuel and emissions savings. Actual results may vary, and individual customers may not achieve the same savings or reductions. Savings and emissions estimates depend on factors like driving habits (e.g. City vs highway driving, winter vs summer driving), vehicle models, and the power level the EV charges at since EVs charge slower as the battery approaches a full charge. Customers should not rely solely on these estimates when making decisions.

Vehicle data is subject to change, and Alectra Utilities does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. This tool is for general reference only. For accurate and personalized details, consult a sales representative or visit the manufacturer’s website.

The EV models available for selection are sourced from Natural Resources Canada's Fuel Consumption Tool. This tool provides comprehensive data on various vehicle models, including their fuel consumption ratings, energy efficiency, and emissions. We utilize this information to calculate potential savings by analyzing how each model performs in terms of energy use and costs.

At the moment our tool does not currently factor in government rebates and incentives for electric vehicles. We understand that these can make a significant difference in your overall savings, so we recommend checking Alectra’ Emobility resource for the latest information on available incentives. We are always looking to improve our tool, and this is an area we're hoping to incorporate into the calculator in the future.

Our platform allows you to customize local fuel prices to accurately reflect personal usage and local market conditions. However, electricity costs are fixed based on your rate plan selection and charging preference. On the EV Calculator page, you have the option to make additional adjustments as needed to tailor the results to your specific situation.

While EVs currently cost more at point of purchase, over time, they’re more affordable to run than gas/diesel powered vehicles. The following factors make EVs an attractive financial proposition:

• Low maintenance costs: EVs are cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes.
• Purchase incentives: You can make use of federal incentive of between $2,500 and $5,000 when you buy or lease a new EV. Consult Transport Canada for more information on incentives.
• Green discount on insurance: Some Canadian banks offer “green vehicle discount” on car insurance for electric or hybrid cars.
• Variety at different price points: There are over 35 different models of EVs and Plug-in Hybrids available in Canada, some as low as $35,000.

Click here to learn more about different types of EVs or use our EV Calculator tool to explore potential savings and better understand when EVs become more advantageous for your wallet.

One persistent misconception about EVs is the fear of "range anxiety," the worry of unexpectedly running out of power without the possibility of recharging. Here's why you can put those concerns to rest:

• For most Canadians, daily driving distances are 60 km or less, well within the range of all EVs available in Canada.
• Ongoing advancements in battery technology mean that modern EV batteries are three to six times larger than those in earlier models. Coupled with enhanced efficiency, these cars can cover greater distances on a single charge. For everyday use, an occasional overnight charge is typically sufficient. Plug-in hybrids provide added flexibility and extended range for longer journeys.
• The public charging infrastructure is expanding. With over 5,000 public charging stations in Canada, including 250 Level 3 DC-Quick chargers, you can charge an EV battery from empty to 80% in just 30 to 45 minutes.

Check out the public charging map to plan your trip and find public charging opportunities along your route.

Your Green Vehicle license plate is a sign of your commitment to a cleaner Ontario. Vehicles with these plates have ongoing access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and no-cost access to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on Ontario’s 400-series highways and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), even if there is only one person in the car. HOV lanes are otherwise reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people. HOV lanes are otherwise reserved for single-occupant vehicles with a permit or vehicles carrying two or more people.

To check if your EV qualifies for a Green Vehicle license plate, click here.

Electricity Price

Regulated Pricing: Electricity prices in Ontario are regulated by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), which sets rates annually. This regulation helps maintain a level of stability and predictability.
Government Rebates: Programs like the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) provide consistent support to help manage costs for consumers.
Predictable Adjustments: While electricity rates can change seasonally (e.g., Time-of-Use pricing), these adjustments are predictable and scheduled.

Gasoline Prices

Market Volatility: Gasoline prices are highly influenced by global oil markets, which can be volatile due to geopolitical events, supply and demand fluctuations, and other factors.
Tax Changes: Federal and provincial taxes, including carbon taxes, can cause significant changes in gasoline prices.
Seasonal Demand: Gasoline prices can also fluctuate seasonally, often rising in the summer due to increased travel demand.

Yes! There is a rate specifically designed for EV drivers that want to save money on their bills by charging overnight. This rate plan is called the ultra-low overnight (ULO price plan. It has four price periods: On-peak (when demand for electricity is high), Mid-peak, Weekend Off-peak, and Ultra-Low Overnight (when demand for electricity is typically the lowest). The ULO price periods are the same all year round.

With ULO pricing, you can help manage your electricity costs by shifting high usage activities, like electric vehicle charging, to lower price periods when possible. Please note that switching rate plans to optimize EV charging savings may not always lead to accurate savings as your base load during peak hours is a key driver behind your total energy bill costs. Learn more for more information on Alectra’s rate plans.

Residential charging uses level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. Click here to learn about different types of EV chargers and a step by step process for what you need to consider before installing an EV charger at home.

If you have a 100-amp electrical panel and are planning to install an EV charger, it's essential to assess your current electrical capacity. Upgrading your electrical panel or electrical service may be necessary if your existing system cannot adequately support the additional load from the EV charger.

The cost of upgrading a 100-amp electrical panel for an EV charger can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the installation, local labor rates, and the specific requirements of your home. On average, the cost for an electrical panel upgrade can range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more. It's important to obtain multiple quotes from licensed electricians to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your situation. Investing in a proper panel upgrade ensures the safe and efficient charging of your electric vehicle while maintaining the overall integrity of your home's electrical system.

Remember safety first! Installations of Level 2 EV chargers and/or panel upgrades must be done by a licensed electrical contractor in compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The licensed contractor will provide you with the ESA Certificate of Acceptance once the work has been completed and accepted as compliant with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Looking into EVs and finding that you are encountering some new terms that describe electric vehicle battery size, power output and efficiency, and need help understanding what that means?

The following are some of the specifications that might be new to you matched with their equivalent gas vehicle term.

EV or charger power (kW, not horsepower) As you read about EVs, you will see kW, or kilowatts. This means power output. For EVs, kW represents the amount of power that the drivetrain can deliver to the wheels to propel the vehicle. For EV chargers, kW represents the amount of power that the charger can deliver to the EV to charge the battery.

EV efficiency (kWh or Le per 100km, not liters)
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a way to measure energy. In EVs, kWh is used to show how much energy a battery can store, and how much energy is required to propel the vehicle for 100 km (kWh/100 km).


Electric vehicle battery size (kWh, not liters)
Electric vehicle battery size is expressed in terms of how much power the battery will hold, just like the liters in a fuel tank. the bigger the battery, the further an EV can go on a single charge.


Data source: Electric Autonomy

This feature is only available once you are logged in on the site. You can see your favourited stations in the 'Find a Station' tab by clicking on the heart symbol next to the search bar.

To save a station - Click on a charging station and click the heart icon in the station information popup. Once favourited, the station icon should change colour to green.

You can favourite as many stations as you want, but only the most recent 10 stations will be displayed in the list.

To delete a station - You can click on the station in the map and click on the favourite station you want to delete. Clicking on the heart symbol in the station info popup will unfavourite a station. Alternatively, you can go to the favourite stations list and click on the heart symbol to unfavourite a station.

The trip planning feature is only available when you are logged in to the site. To see your saved trips, click on Plan a Trip and find the Saved Trips drop-down. Clicking on the dropdown will allow you to see all saved trips.

To save a trip - First, search for a route with the Plan a Trip. Then enter a trip name in the text box and click 'save trip'. You can save up to 3 trips. To save additional new trips, you will have to remove one of the existing trips.

To delete a saved trip - In the saved trips dropdown, you have a trash icon next to each trip, which you can click to delete a saved trip.

If you encounter any technical issues with the tool, we encourage you to first check out the help and support page for potential solutions. If you're unable to resolve the issue, don't hesitate to contact our support team at EV@alectrautilities.com. We're here to assist you and ensure you have the best experience possible!

We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for improvement! Feel free to share your thoughts with us by reaching out at EV@alectrautilities.com. Your input is incredibly valuable and helps us enhance our services.