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Electric vehicles: FAQs

  • How far can electric vehicles travel? +

    Electric vehicles can travel between 120 km to over 400 km on a single charge. The exact range of the EV varies by manufacturer, model, and driving conditions. For specific details, check with the auto manufacturer or visit Go Electric Drive.

  • How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle? +

    The time to fully charge an EV battery depends on the size of the battery and the type of charging station. With a DC Fast Charge, it can be as little as 30 minutes. A Level 1 or Level 2 charger can take between 4 and 14 hours.

  • Will an electric vehicle increase my electricity bill? +

    Yes. Charging an electric vehicle at home will increase your overall electricity consumption, which in turn will cause your bills to rise. However, if your EV has replaced a gasoline-powered vehicle, you will not have the cost associated with its operation and maintenance.

  • How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home? +

    The total cost for a single charge depends on the size of the battery. In most cases it should be under $2. To estimate your Hydro electricity costs, use CAA’s Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator.

  • What if I move, buy a second electric vehicle, or sell my EV? +

    A home charging station is like any other appliance. You can take it with you if you move, or sell it along with your EV. Depending on the kind of station you have, you may be able to simply unplug it. If the charging station is wired into your home's electrical system, you may need an electrician to disconnect it. If you buy a second electric vehicle, you can install a second charging station if you have sufficient capacity on your electrical panel, something an electrician can determine for you. Another alternative is to replace your existing station with a dual-port model. These are more expensive than standard stations because they manage the charging activity of two EVs within the power supply of a single charging station.

  • How do I install a charging station at home? +

    If you have decided to install a charging station at home, consult a licensed electrical contractor for an estimate and refer to the soon-to-be-released Charging Infrastructure Guidelines.

  • How much does a charging station cost? +

    A standard 120 Volt wall outlet can provide Level 1 charging. You can also install a faster home charging station (Level 2), which uses the same electricity as a clothes dryer. The cost of a Level 2 station itself starts at $500, but the total cost to install it varies greatly from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the amount of work needed to bring power to the parking area. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for an estimate and see the updated EV Infrastructure Installation Guidelines, which are to be released in the coming months.

  • Are there public charging stations? +

    There are many public charging stations located across the province, and more are being installed. To find a public charging station near you, use the PlugShare website or its associated mobile app.

  • How do public charging stations work? +

    Using a public charging station is similar to using a gas pump. Note that most public charging stations require drivers to use an access card or smartphone app to authorize their use of a station. We recommend pre-registering with charging service networks.
    1. Unplug the connector from the charging station.
    2. Plug the connector into your car's outlet.
    3. Charging begins when the indicator lights turn on.
    4. When charging is finished, plug the connector back into the charging station.
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