Home Efficiency Tools
EV Charger Payback Calculator Canada — Electric vs Gas Fuel Savings
Calculate how much you'll save switching from gas to electric, and how fast your Level 2 home charger pays back. Uses Canadian electricity rates and federal rebates.
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Common questions
How much does a Level 2 EV charger cost to install in Canada?
A Level 2 home EV charger (240V, 32–48 amp) typically costs $500–$1,200 for the unit, plus $500–$2,000 for installation depending on panel capacity and distance from the panel. If your electrical panel needs upgrading (100A to 200A), add $2,000–$5,000. Total installed cost usually ranges from $1,500–$4,000. The federal government offers a rebate of up to $1,000 (50% of equipment cost) for home EV chargers.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Canada per km?
At average Canadian electricity rates ($0.10–$0.18/kWh), charging an EV costs roughly $0.02–$0.05 per km, depending on the vehicle's efficiency. A typical EV uses 20 kWh/100 km, so at $0.13/kWh that's $0.026/km — compared to roughly $0.15–$0.18/km for a gas vehicle at current prices. EVs are 4–6× cheaper per kilometre to fuel.
What is the federal EV charger rebate in Canada?
The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) and the federal EV charger rebate offer up to $1,000 for home Level 2 charger installation — covering 50% of equipment and installation costs. Eligibility requires a Canadian primary residence and a qualifying Level 2 charger. Some provinces stack additional rebates on top: BC (CleanBC up to $350), Quebec (Roulez Vert), and others.
How long does a home EV charger take to pay back?
With average Canadian driving of 20,000 km/year, fuel savings of $2,500–$3,000 annually are typical when switching from a 10 L/100km gas car. After a $1,000 federal rebate, a $1,500 Level 2 charger installation pays back in 6–8 months purely on fuel savings. The real investment question is the EV itself — not the charger, which is a minor cost relative to the total switch.