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• EVs are very smooth to drive. One reason for this is the way EVs are manufactured. EVs tend to have a lower center of gravity than typical gasoline/diesel vehicles, allowing for a comfortable, smooth drive. 
• EVs match or compete with their gas/diesel powered counterparts when it comes to sizing, interior, exterior, safety features, and accessories. 
• EVs are very quiet due to not having an engine or exhaust – but don’t worry, more and more companies are implementing unique sounds when EVs drive or back up – improving safety and adding some familiarity back into the EV when compared to a traditional vehicle. 
• Electric motors offer impressive acceleration from a dead stop. Instant acceleration means you’ll have to watch your speed a bit more carefully than you would with a traditional car (EVs drivers can get speeding tickets too!). 

If you drive an EV and would like to share your EV driving experience, share your story with us.

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 $1,000 and $5,000 when you buy or lease a new EV. Consult the Government of 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 100 distinct models of EVs and plug-in hybrids available in Canada, some as low as $35,000.

One persistent misconception about electric vehicles (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.
• Use the Alectra Charger Map's Plan a Trip feature to plan your trips based on vehicle range, charging station location, and travel preferences. 

Your Green Vehicle licence 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 licence plate, click here.

Well-designed EVs can excel in cooler climates, although it's worth noting that battery performance tends to decrease during winter. Some energy is diverted to warm up the EV and heat the cabin and seats. To mitigate this, pre-warm the car while it's plugged in, utilize economy mode settings, and adhere to the speed limit.

For Canadians driving distances of 20 to 100 km daily with access to charging stations, an electric car can be a viable option even in winter. Alternatively, considering a plug-in hybrid EV or a battery-electric EV with an extended-range battery could be a solution, albeit with an associated higher cost.

Yes! There is a rate specifically designed for EV drivers that want to save money on their bills by charging overnight. The ultra-low overnight (ULO) period is between 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day, when demand for electricity is lowest on average, and there is a higher on-peak price for consumption between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, when demand is usually higher.

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. Learn more about Ultra-Low Overnight Pricing.

If you have one EV, the Time-of-Use (TOU) price plan may be right for you. If you have multiple EVs, you may want to consider the ULO price plan. It’s also a great option for homes with solar panels and battery storage, allowing you to use solar power or stored energy during the day when ULO rates are higher, and you can take advantage of ULO’s lower overnight rates for EV charging.

We have ongoing workplace charging pilot programs and can assist you with your charging needs. We encourage you email us for more information.

Alectra encourages prospective EV owners to work with their condo corporation or building manager to identify solutions to meet their EV charging needs before purchasing an 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. Learn more about electric vehicle charging requirements for multi-unit residences in Canada.

To facilitate the installation of EV charging stations in your multi-residential building, follow these steps:

1. Consult with Property Management: Initiate a conversation with your property management team to discuss the feasibility of installing EV charging infrastructure. They can provide insights into building regulations, potential challenges, and available resources.
2. Conduct a Site Assessment: Engage a qualified electrician or charging infrastructure provider to conduct a site assessment. This evaluation will help determine the most suitable locations for charging stations, assess electrical capacity, and estimate installation costs.
3. Collaborate with Alectra: Reach out to Alectra, your local electric utility, to ensure that the electrical capacity required for EV charging is available. Alectra can provide information on incentives, rebates, and support programs for EV charging infrastructure, as well as guidance on navigating the installation process.
4. Consider Charging Solutions: Choose an appropriate charging solution based on the needs of your residents. This may include Level 2 charging stations for overnight charging or a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 stations to cater to different usage patterns.
5. Obtain Necessary Approvals: Work closely with local authorities, including building management, municipal authorities, and Alectra representatives, to obtain the necessary approvals and permits for installing EV charging infrastructure.
6. Engage an Experienced Installer: Select a reputable and experienced EV charging station installer to ensure compliance with safety standards and a seamless installation process.
7. Educate Residents: Provide information and education to residents about the new EV charging infrastructure, including usage guidelines, access protocols, and any associated costs.

By following these steps and collaborating with Alectra and other relevant stakeholders, you can contribute to the successful implementation of EV charging in your multi-residential building, promoting sustainable transportation options for residents.

If you have a 100-amp electrical panel and are planning to install a Level 2 EV charger, have your home’s existing electrical capacity assessed by a licensed electrical contractor before installation.

You may not need to upgrade your electrical panel to charge an EV. Depending on your home’s electrical capacity and charging needs, you may be able to accommodate a charger as it is; or an Energy Management System for EV charging (EVEMS) may allow you to install a Level 2 charger without upgrading your electrical service.

Consider your options first

A licensed electrical contractor can assess your home’s electrical load and determine the most appropriate solution for EV charging. Options may include:

• EVEMS: An energy management system can monitor your home’s electrical demand and manage the EV charger’s power use to stay within your available electrical capacity. This may allow you to install a Level 2 charger without upgrading your electrical service. Read our case study.
• Electrical service upgrade: If your existing electrical capacity cannot support the EV charger, an electrical service or panel upgrade may be required.

Before investing in an electrical service upgrade, ask your licensed electrical contractor whether EVEMS or another load-management solution could meet your charging needs.

Learn more: Read our guide to installing a Level 2 EV charger at home.

Contact Alectra if a service upgrade is required

If your licensed electrical contractor determines that an electrical service upgrade is necessary, visit Make a Service Request to learn how to submit a service upgrade request to Alectra. 

If you have questions specific to capacity and expansion needs related to EV charger installations, please contact Customer Service by email or phone. Additionally, please refer to our service request page to request existing capacity information or to submit a design request. 

The vast majority of electric vehicle (EV) batteries from major automakers come with an eight-year/160,000 km warranty. Since these batteries have fewer mechanical components than an internal combustion engine, they are less likely to break down and need replacing. It should be noted that as with many other technologies, EV batteries do degrade over time, which may affect your total driving range over time.

The biggest threat to EV batteries is heat. That’s why manufacturers are doing more to protect them from heat. The latest batteries are generally better insulated and cooled. Read through the warranties carefully when making a purchase.

EV batteries have demonstrated long operational life in the field. A recent study of over 20,000 vehicles shows that EV batteries have a longer lifespan than expected (up to 20 years) and that performance continues to improve. (Source: How long do electric car batteries last? The updated guide to real-world EV battery health | Geotab).

An EV battery does not necessarily become unusable when it is no longer suitable for powering a vehicle. Depending on its condition, chemistry and remaining capacity, a battery may be repaired, refurbished, repurposed for a second-life application, or recycled.

Some batteries can be refurbished or have individual modules or components replaced so they can continue to be used in vehicles. Batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicle use can also be repurposed for stationary energy storage, backup power, renewable energy projects, microgrids, and other energy applications.

Canada has supported projects demonstrating how used automotive batteries can be given a second life as stationary energy storage. For example, a Natural Resources Canada-supported project (Utility Scale Electricity Storage Demonstration Using New and Re-purposed Lithium Ion Automotive Batteries) used repurposed lithium-ion automotive batteries to demonstrate energy storage and microgrid applications. These systems can store electricity when demand is low and provide it when needed, creating new uses for batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicle applications.

As EV adoption grows, second-life applications can help extend the useful life of EV batteries before they are recycled.

When a battery is no longer suitable for reuse, it can be sent to specialized recycling facilities. Recycling processes can recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and other metals, which can be returned to the supply chain and used in new products, including batteries.

The continued development of battery reuse and recycling can help extend battery life, reduce waste and support a more circular battery supply chain in Canada. 

Several factors contribute to the limited adoption of hydrogen cars in Ontario, Canada:

1. Infrastructure Development: The infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations is currently limited in Ontario. The availability of refueling stations is a critical factor influencing the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
2. Cost and Availability: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be more expensive to manufacture than their electric counterparts. Additionally, the availability of affordable hydrogen vehicles in the market is currently limited compared to conventional gasoline or electric vehicles.
3. Electric Vehicle Dominance: Ontario has seen significant growth in the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to government incentives, a well-established charging infrastructure, and increasing awareness. This has somewhat overshadowed the development and promotion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
4. Government Policies and Incentives: Current government policies and incentives in Ontario have primarily focused on promoting battery electric vehicles, with less emphasis on hydrogen infrastructure and incentives for hydrogen vehicles.
5. Technology and Market Maturity: Hydrogen fuel cell technology is still evolving, and the market for hydrogen vehicles is not as mature as that for electric vehicles. This affects consumer confidence and investment in the technology.

Despite the current challenges, there is ongoing research and development in hydrogen technology, and some regions, including Ontario, are exploring ways to expand hydrogen infrastructure. As technology advances and the infrastructure becomes more widespread, the adoption of hydrogen cars in Ontario may increase. Stay tuned for updates on advancements in both hydrogen and electric vehicle technologies.

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has a gasoline engine that has a small battery and electric motor to operate the vehicle while it’s idle or running at low speed. The battery is charged automatically while driving through the engine and consistent braking, so you do not plug it in. All the energy used by the vehicle is still provided by gasoline.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) also uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it has a much larger battery that can be charged by plugging it in. This allows the vehicle to drive on electricity alone for a certain distance (usually at least 30km, some more than 80km) before the gasoline engine is needed.