July 23 2025
Charging an electric vehicle at home is often the most economical, practical and stable option for Quebec drivers . On average, it costs between $2.50 and $5.00 per 100 km, depending on the type of vehicle and your electricity rate. In comparison, filling up with gasoline for the same distance can easily cost $15 or more; up to 5 times as expensive!
| Type of Charging Station | Cost per 100 km | Approximate Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
|
120 V outlet (level 1) |
$4.50 to $6.00 |
12 to 20 hours |
|
240 V charging station (level 2) |
$2.50 to $3.50 |
4 to 8 hours |
|
Fast public charger |
$5.00 to $12.00 |
30 to 60 minutes |
| Type of Charging Station | Cost per 100 km | Approximate Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
|
120 V outlet (level 1) |
$4.50 to $6.00 |
12 to 20 hours |
|
240 V charging station (level 2) |
$2.50 to $3.50 |
4 to 8 hours |
|
Fast public charger |
$5.00 to $12.00 |
30 to 60 minutes |
*Source: Hydro-Québec, BEQ Technology
Several factors influence the actual cost of charging your electric vehicle at home.
|
Charger type |
Estimated cost/ 100 km |
Charging time |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
120 V (level 1) |
$4.80 |
~20 h |
Slow charging, but feasible for short trips |
|
240 V (level 2) |
$2.70 |
~7 h |
Optimal solution for daily use |
|
Fast public charger (DCFC) |
$10.00 |
~40 min |
Practical, but more expensive |
|
Charger type |
Estimated cost/ 100 km |
Charging time |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
120 V (level 1) |
$4.80 |
~20 h |
Slow charging, but feasible for short trips |
|
240 V (level 2) |
$2.70 |
~7 h |
Optimal solution for daily use |
|
Fast public charger (DCFC) |
$10.00 |
~40 min |
Practical, but more expensive |
*Calculations based on a consumption of 18 kWh/100 km
Advantages:
✅ Economical in the long term
✅ Overnight charging
✅ Stable pricing
Disadvantage:
❌ Initial cost for the charging station (~$1,000 to $2,000)
Advantage:
✅ Quick access while on the go
Disadvantages:
❌ More expensive (~$0.25 to $0.50/kWh)
❌ Less predictable, sometimes crowded
Acquiring a level 2 charging station is now straightforward and accessible, whether for a single-family home or a multi-residential building.
Pro-Tips:
Key steps:
|
Item |
Approximate price |
|---|---|
|
Residential charging station |
$1,000 |
|
Electrical installation |
$800 |
|
Government rebate |
-$600 |
|
Net Total Cost |
≈ $1,200 |
|
Item |
Approximate price |
|---|---|
|
Residential charging station |
$1,000 |
|
Electrical installation |
$800 |
|
Government rebate |
-$600 |
|
Net Total Cost |
≈ $1,200 |
One of the main advantages of home charging is the substantial savings compared to the cost of a traditional fuel vehicle.
|
Type of powertrain |
Average consumption |
Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Gasoline (8 L/100 km at $1.75/L) |
1,600 L |
≈ $2,800 |
|
Electric (18 kWh/100 km at $0.10/kWh) |
3,600 kWh |
≈ $360 |
|
Type of powertrain |
Average consumption |
Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Gasoline (8 L/100 km at $1.75/L) |
1,600 L |
≈ $2,800 |
|
Electric (18 kWh/100 km at $0.10/kWh) |
3,600 kWh |
≈ $360 |
Annual savings: approximately $2,400
Over a 5-year period, an average driver can save up to $12,000 on fuel costs alone; this does not even take into account the typically lower maintenance expenses for electric vehicles (no oil changes, less brake wear, etc.).
In Summary:
In addition to low charging costs, electric vehicles provide significant savings on routine maintenance. Why? Because an electric motor has fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, considerably reducing maintenance needs.
|
Maintenance item |
Gasoline vehicle |
Electric vehicle |
|---|---|---|
|
Oil changes |
3 to 4 times/year |
None |
|
Fuel filter |
Yes |
None |
|
Exhaust system |
Yes |
None |
|
Transmission |
Complex (often requires servicing) |
Simpler or non-existent |
|
Brakes |
Frequent replacement |
Less wear due to regenerative braking |
|
Maintenance item |
Gasoline vehicle |
Electric vehicle |
|---|---|---|
|
Oil changes |
3 to 4 times/year |
None |
|
Fuel filter |
Yes |
None |
|
Exhaust system |
Yes |
None |
|
Transmission |
Complex (often requires servicing) |
Simpler or non-existent |
|
Brakes |
Frequent replacement |
Less wear due to regenerative braking |
Over a 5-year period, an electric vehicle owner could save between $2,500 and $4,500 solely on maintenance costs.
Other advantages:
These savings add to the fuel savings, reinforcing the overall cost effectiveness of an electric vehicle over the long term.
Charging your electric vehicle at home represents a smart investment for Quebec drivers. With a per-kilometer cost that is 3 to 5 times lower than gasoline, unparalleled price stability, and attractive rebates, home charging is a sustainable, practical, and economical solution.
Before having your charging station installed, make sure that you:
And most importantly, do the math: depending on your driving habits, you could save between $1,200 and $2,000 per year on fuel!
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