How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in Alberta and BC?

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is not just an environmentally friendly decision — it’s also a financially smart one. While gas prices remain volatile across Canada, EV drivers benefit from lower, more predictable electricity rates.

But how much does it really cost to charge an EV in Alberta or British Columbia? Let’s break it down.

Home vs Public Charging: What’s the Difference?

There are two main ways to charge your EV:

At home (most convenient and affordable)
At public stations (sometimes free, often more expensive)

We’ll focus mostly on home charging, since that’s where the majority of EV owners charge their vehicles.

Electricity Rates in Alberta

Electricity prices in Alberta can vary depending on your provider and whether you’re on a regulated rate or a contracted fixed rate.

Average electricity cost: 13 to 18 cents per kWh (2024 data)
Example:
A Tesla Model 3 with a 60 kWh battery = 60 × $0.15 = $9.00 for a full charge
That gives ~400 km of range
Cost per 100 km: Around $2.25

Electricity Rates in British Columbia

BC Hydro offers some of the lowest electricity rates in Canada.

Average cost: 11 to 13 cents per kWh
Example:
60 kWh battery × $0.12 = $7.20 for a full charge
Range ~400 km
Cost per 100 km: Around $1.80

Comparing to Gasoline Vehicles

Let’s compare:

Vehicle Type Cost per 100 km

EV (Alberta) ~ $2.25

EV (BC) ~ $1.80

Gas vehicle (avg) ~ $12-$15

Savings:

By driving an EV, you could save $10+ per 100 km — that’s $1,500+ per year, depending on your mileage.

What Affects Charging Cost?

Time of day – Some areas have time-of-use rates (cheaper at night).
Charger type – Level 2 at home is most efficient.
Battery size – Larger batteries cost more to charge but may go further.

Public Charging in AB & BC

Free stations exist, but are limited.
Fast chargers (DCFC):
~$0.30–$0.50 per minute or ~$15 per session.
Networks: FLO, ChargePoint, Petro-Canada, Tesla Superchargers

Charging at home remains 3–5x cheaper than fast charging.

Can You Reduce Costs Even More?

Yes!

Use a smart charger to schedule charging at night
Consider solar panels for additional savings
Look into provincial rebates on home charger installation

Conclusion: EV Charging Is Extremely Affordable

Whether you’re in Alberta or BC, charging an EV at home can cost less than a cup of coffee per 100 km. It’s one of the best ways to cut your

transportation costs while also helping the planet.

Want help choosing the right charger or calculating savings for your situation?

— we’ll help you every step of the way.

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