With sales of EVs growing quickly, you might have wondered how much does charging an EV cost when compared to the ever-rising gas prices. Other than being fuel efficient, electric vehicles are also 70% greener than gas-powered cars, require less maintenance, and are more responsive and faster. In Ontario, EV car owners can get a licence plate, which allows you to drive in provincial high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, even if it’s only you in the car.
How far can EVs go on one charge?
Most EVs today last up to 120 to 200 kilometres on a single charge. Hybrids and long range EVs can go up to 500 kilometres. The driving range is lower in winters because electricity is directed towards heating. EVs work better during traffic hours as the battery doesn’t use energy when stopped, unlike gas-powered cars.
How much does charging an EV cost in Ontario?
When it comes to Ontario Hydro, you could be charged three different rates depending on your time of use. During off-peak hours on weekdays between 7 pm – 7 am, you’ll be charged ¢8.2/kWh. Mid-peak hours cost ¢11.3/kWh and on-peak hours cost ¢17/kWh. Check the table here for exact timings during summers and winters.
Where can I charge my EV in Ontario?
To charge at home, you’ll need to install either a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. The Level 1 or 110 volts takes eight to 20 hours to fully charge the car and add around 8 km range per hour of charging. The Level 2 or 240-volt system is a lot faster and can completely charge your battery-powered car in four to eight hours and add roughly 35 km range per hour of charging. Keeping the Ontario Hydro rates in mind, you can charge the car during off-peak hours and save more money.
Most public EV charging stations are Level 3 or Direct Current, which are the fastest chargers currently and only need 20 to 30 minutes for a full charge and adds approximately 250 km range per hour of charging.
Is charging an EV at home safe?
Electric vehicles are completely safe to charge at home. It’s just like charging any other electronics or appliances at home. However, make sure you follow these precautions:
- Charge your EV only with the charger provided by the manufacturer
- Don’t modify the charger equipment, use only whatever is provided
- Don’t use household adapters between the socket outlet and electric supply equipment
Are EVs environmentally safe?
While EVs don’t emit gases when you’re driving, they still contribute to pollution. That depends on how the electricity you’re using was generated. The key is finding electricity that’s generated using clean fuel. Electric car batteries also last longer. They lose only 1-2% functionality every year and would last 10 to 20 years until they need to be replaced.
Always keep your car’s battery charged up to 60 to 80% as depleting it to zero will damage it faster. Avoid fast charging regularly as that can also deplete the battery faster.
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