Alectra, discover the possibilities

DC fast chargers are currently the most powerful electric vehicle (EV) chargers available. They can fully charge an EV in under an hour, depending on factors like the vehicle's battery size and the charger's power capacity. Typically found at public charging stations, Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, are strategically placed in areas where people spend short periods, such as restaurants, rest stops, and shopping centers. These locations are chosen due to the infrastructure demands of Level 3 chargers, which require significant upgrades because of their high-power requirements, making them more suitable for public installations than private ones.

A Level 2 EV charger can add significant electrical load to your home, typically drawing up to 40 amps. A garage or private driveway makes installation easier, with an interior or exterior wall near where you park your vehicle being ideal.

A professional electrician or contractor will need to install the charger, adding a 240-volt circuit similar to the electrical connection used for a clothes dryer.

You may not always need to upgrade your electrical panel from 100 amps to 200 amps to charge an EV. Before making that investment, explore alternative solutions that may allow you to charge your EV without a costly electrical service upgrade. Our helpful guide explains your options.

You can also read our case study about an EV driver who explored different options, including an Energy Management System (EVEMS), and avoided a costly electrical service upgrade, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installing an EV charger.

Depending on where you live and which programs are available, you may be able to earn rewards for eligible home EV charging. Some programs share a portion of the value generated through Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations with participating EV drivers.

If your licensed electrical contractor determines that you need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate a Level 2 EV charger, please follow the steps in the Service Upgrades section of the Make a Service Request page to submit your request to Alectra Utilities.

Charging requirements will vary from building to building based on the building policies and infrastructure. Alectra Utilities encourages prospective EV owners to work with their condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet their EV charging needs before purchasing the EV. Provincial regulations provide a process for both owners and condominium corporations seeking to install EV charging stations. Additionally, each municipality may have different rules regarding new and existing multi-residential building requirements for EV chargers – see here for more information. 

If you are part of a condominium corporation, you can access information and resources on the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) website.

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) at the workplace is increasingly viable for individuals facing limitations or inconveniences with residential charging. This is particularly beneficial for those residing in multi-unit residential buildings or having only on-street parking. Numerous employers in Ontario now provide charging stations, allowing their employees the convenience of charging their personal EVs while at work.

For information about installing an EV charger at your business, or to make a service request, please read the Electric Vehicle (EV) Connections section of the Make a Service Request page.

Charging “on the go” is becoming an increasingly viable option for EV drivers. A primary benefit associated with public EV charging stations is you are not paying for the purchasing or installation costs associated with the charger. You only pay for the electricity usage.  

You can use platforms like Alectra’s Public Charging Map (Charger Map), PlugShare, ChargeHub, and NRCan's Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator to locate available EV chargers in your area. 

Bidirectional charging (also known as Vehicle-to-Home or Vehicle-to-Grid) allows compatible EVs to both draw electricity from and send electricity back to your home. In Ontario, this emerging technology could allow EVs to act as a source of backup power or help manage household energy costs. As more compatible vehicles, chargers, and programs become available, homeowners may have new opportunities to use their EVs as energy resources.

Alectra’s V2X pilot is demonstrating how compatible electric school buses can not only draw electricity from the grid but also send stored energy back when needed.