Rates and rebates make EVs in B.C. even more affordable
If you're like most electric vehicle (EV) owners, you'll do the majority of your charging at home or at work.
The rest, you'll likely supplement with charging at public charging sites, where fast chargers are often available.
With rebates available for the purchase and installation of Level 2 chargers in single-family homes, apartment buildings and workplaces, the overall cost of charging can be an accessible option for many people.
Estimating charging costs
To get an idea of the total costs of EV ownership, take into consideration the higher purchase price of EVs, the available purchase rebates to offset that purchase cost, the lower fuel and maintenance costs for EVs, and the prospect of battery replacement down the road.
You can estimate your BC Hydro electricity cost of charging different EVs with the CAA's Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator.
Save on EV charging with our upcoming rate plan
Want to manage home electricity consumption as an EV owner?
Keep an eye out for our new optional time-of-day rate plan for residential customers, available as early as June 1, 2024.
If you opt in, you'll get 5 cents off per kWh for electricity use between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., such as for:
- Charging your EV at home
- Running your dishwasher
- Charging other electronics, etc.
A 5 cent surcharge per kWh will also be added for usage between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. which tends to be a period of higher electricity demand. During off-peak periods, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., no discount or surcharge will apply.
With just a few tweaks to your lifestyle, opting into the new rate plan could help you save money, and help us reduce demand on our electrical grid during busier times of day.
Learn more about the new rate plan and find out how to opt in.