Ontario · Public charging · Cost
Public EV Charging Cost in Ontario: How You’re Billed and How to Compare
If you live in a condo or apartment without a charging outlet, public chargers are your fuel station. They don’t all bill the same way. Here is how Measurement Canada says public chargers can bill you, how to turn any price into cents per kWh, and how it compares with charging at home overnight. Not legal advice.
How public chargers bill you
Source: Measurement Canada: electric vehicle charging stations.
| Billing method | How it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Time-based | You pay per minute or hour connected or charging | Does the clock run after your car is full? How fast does your car charge on this charger? |
| Flat fee | One price per session | Is there a time limit? Short top-ups cost the same as long ones |
| Per kWh | You pay for energy delivered (allowed under a temporary dispensation for Level 1 and 2 put in service before Jan 1, 2028) | Price per kWh shown before you start |
| Extra fees | Some networks add idle or parking fees | Read the price screen in the app |
Measurement Canada says the billing method must be transparent and clearly indicated at the time of the charge. We don’t list network prices because they change; read the price in the app or on the screen each time.
Turn any public price into cents per kWh
- Note the session cost Including any idle or session fee.
- Note the kWh added Most apps and cars show energy added.
- Divide Cost ÷ kWh = your real price per kWh. Compare it with your home bill.
Compare with home charging in Ontario
The OEB’s Ultra-Low Overnight price is 3.9¢ per kWh (11 p.m. – 7 a.m., until October 31, 2026) on the Electricity line; delivery, regulatory charges and HST are extra. If you can get a home or stall outlet on your own meter, overnight charging is usually the cheapest option. See Ontario Ultra-Low Overnight for condos.
To estimate your cost per 100 km, multiply your car’s kWh per 100 km (listed in NRCan’s fuel consumption ratings search tool) by your price per kWh. Winter driving uses more energy.
Make public charging cheaper
- Prefer per-kWh or flat-fee chargers for long Level 2 sessions if your car charges slowly.
- Move the car when it is done; idle fees add up.
- Ask your employer about workplace charging. See workplace EV charging.
- Keep asking your building for a proper outlet: landlord letter · Ontario condo request.
FAQ
How are public EV chargers billed in Canada?
Measurement Canada says time-based and flat-fee billing are the most common methods. Billing by kWh is allowed under a temporary dispensation for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers put in service before January 1, 2028.
How do I know what a public charger will cost before I plug in?
Measurement Canada requires the billing method to be transparent and clearly indicated at the time of the charge. Check the price in the network app or on the charger screen before you start.
Why can time-based charging cost more for my car?
You pay for minutes, not energy. If your car charges slowly on Level 2, you get fewer kWh per hour than a faster car at the same price. Check your car’s onboard charger rating.
Is home charging cheaper than public charging in Ontario?
Often, especially on the OEB Ultra-Low Overnight price of 3.9¢ per kWh, but it depends on your price plan, delivery charges and the public price you compare. Work it out per kWh using your own bill.
Safety non-negotiables
- No balcony cords or window drops to the parking stall
- No household extension cords for EV charging
- Block-heater plugs are not automatic EV approval
- CSA, cUL, or ETL-C listed EVSE only
- Licensed electrician for new receptacles or circuits — confirm your province’s permit rules
- Stop if a plug or cable is hot, discoloured, or tripping the breaker
Disclosure & not-advice note
Affiliate disclosure: NoGarageEV links to Amazon.ca and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices, ratings, and stock change — confirm on the live listing.
Not legal or electrical advice. Rates, rules and program notes change; confirm with the official source linked on this page, your lease or condo documents, and a licensed electrician before you rely on anything here.