Electric Vehicles
Driving electric is more than just a trend — it’s a smarter, cleaner and more cost-effective way to get around. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands or planning a road trip, electric vehicles (EVs) offer real benefits for you, your wallet, and the environment.
How do EVs work?
Battery-electric vehicles (or BEVs) run 100 percent on electricity with a battery pack that powers an electric drivetrain. When depleted, the battery is recharged from a wall socket or a dedicated charging unit. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (or PHEVs) also have an electric motor and battery but use a gas engine when the battery runs low.
What should I consider when installing a charger?
When installing an EV charger, consider your electrical service size and panel space. Consult an electrician to assess your current panel capacity—many older homes have 100 Amp panels that may require upgrading to 200 Amps for optimal performance and safety. Verify if your panel can accommodate a double pole circuit breaker for the EV charger; if not, the electrician may need to install space-saving breakers or add a sub-panel with a 50-60 Amp breaker.
How will my EV handle in the winter?
EVs use grid electricity overnight to warm and condition their batteries for reliable starts in cold weather. At extreme temperatures (-20°C or below), range can decrease by 40% to 50% due to power used for battery and cabin heating. Despite this, most EVs still provide sufficient daily range for typical Canadian driving. EVs meet the same safety standards as gas vehicles and offer comparable winter comfort features like heated seats and steering wheels.
How far can an EV run on one charge?
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) typically travel 350 to 450 km per charge, while plug-in hybrids and extended-range EVs can exceed 500 km using both battery and gasoline power. Since most Canadians drive under 50 km daily, these ranges comfortably meet typical needs. EVs display remaining charge and estimated range on the dashboard, preventing unexpected depletion. Additionally, EVs are more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, as their motors do not consume energy when stopped, unlike gas engines.
Charging at home?
All EVs come standard with a cord set that lets you charge the battery using a regular wall socket, also known as Level 1 or 120V charging. At Level 1, BEVs can take up to 50 hours to charge from empty to 80%, whereas PHEVs can be charged in 5 to 6 hours.
Level 2 charging stations use a 240V system (similar to a clothes dryer or stove plug) and can fully charge a battery electric vehicle in about 4 to 10 hours and a plug-in hybrid in about 1 to 2 hours.
Charging in public?
In addition to home charging, EVs can be recharged at over 7,000 public stations across Canada, including a growing number of fast Level 3 chargers in Ontario. Level 3 stations can charge a battery to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes—over eight times faster than Level 2.
Through the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) program, Ontario has added over 140 Level 3 and nearly 200 Level 2 stations. Charging stations are commonly found near attractions, malls, businesses, and municipal sites for local travel, while fast chargers are positioned along highways for convenient inter-city travel.
How do I find a place to charge up?
Across Canada, there are almost 7,000 public charging stations, many of which are Level 3 fast-chargers. To find a public charging station in Renfrew, other cities or along your route, visit: