Electric vehicles at home
Supporting your switch to electric, safely and smartly.
Whether you’re plugging in for the first time or upgrading your home charger, we’re here to help. Discover how to power your EV safely, manage your energy costs, and support a reliable grid.
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Questions?
For more details on how to install a home charger or manage your energy use, contact us or visit our FAQs page.
Charging your EV at home
Most EVs come with a standard cord set that plugs into a regular 120-volt wall outlet. This is called Level 1 charging. With Level 1 charging, it takes:
- Up to 50 hours to charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) from empty to 80 per cent
- Five to six hours to fully charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
There are also Level 2 chargers, which use a 240-volt outlet (like a clothes dryer or stove). With Level 2 charging, it takes:
- Four to 10 hours to fully charge a BEV
- One to two hours to fully charge a PHEV
Charging your EV will increase your home’s electricity use. Monitor your usage through MyAccount or speak with our team if you’re unsure how this may affect your bill.
Installing an EV charger at home
Planning to install a Level 2 charger at home? Here’s what you need to know to keep it safe and compliant:
- Hire a licensed electrical contractor. They’ll ensure the installation meets all the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
- Confirm the contractor gets a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before starting any work.
- Use certified equipment. Look for markings such as CSA, cUL, or cETL, or other certifications approved by the ESA.
- Have the installation inspected. Once the work is complete, the ESA will issue you or your contractor a Certificate of Inspection confirming the installation is safe and code-compliant.
- Check with Hydro Ottawa if your service needs an upgrade. If your installation requires changes to your home’s electrical service (for example, increasing capacity to handle the additional load), your contractor must submit an Electrical Service Request under "Existing residential customer or energy account customer" to Hydro Ottawa before work begins.
For more details on electrical permits and inspections, visit esasafe.com.
Charge smart and consider your rate plan
When you charge your EV matters just as much as how much you charge it.
- Time-of-Use pricing gives you lower rates during evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Ultra-Low Overnight pricing offers deep discounts for overnight charging between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
As EV adoption grows, so does the electricity demand that comes with it. By charging during off-peak hours, you’ll not only reduce your own electricity bill but also the strain on the grid.
Explore your rate plan options and switch anytime through MyAccount.
Finding a public charging station
There are thousands of public EV charging stations across Canada. To find a public station near you or along your travel route, visit:
