Public EV Charging in Canada: Evolving Pricing Practices and User Experience
As Canada accelerates its electric vehicle adoption, the availability, affordability, and transparency of public charging infrastructure are becoming more important than ever. While the network continues to expand rapidly, drivers are encountering a variety of pricing models, fees, and regulations that can make the charging experience inconsistent across regions.
In partnership with Mobility Futures Lab, Pollution Probe’s new report, Public EV Charging in Canada: Evolving Pricing Practices and User Experience, provides an in-depth examination of the current state of public charging pricing across the country. This report unpacks the key factors influencing what Canadians pay to charge their vehicles and offers a clear path forward.
Inside the report, you will find:
- A National Snapshot: An overview of public Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure, including a breakdown of port distribution by province.
- Operator Landscape: A detailed analysis of the four main types of charging network operators—from centralized utility-backed systems like Québec’s Circuit Électrique to the non-centralized site-host models that dominate in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
- Pricing Models Unpacked: A clear explanation of different billing methods (per-kWh vs. per-minute), how provincial regulations influence pricing strategies, and how consumers navigate this environment.
- Economic Realities: An exploration of the capital and operating costs, electricity tariffs, and demand charges that create financial challenges for charging station operators.
- Stakeholder Perspectives: Insights gathered from charging network operators, government bodies, and EV owners.
- Actionable Recommendations: Five key recommendations to improve pricing consistency, address regulatory fragmentation, and support the sustainable deployment of charging infrastructure nationwide.
This report is an essential resource for policymakers, utilities, charging network operators, automakers, EV advocacy groups, and consumers seeking to understand the evolving landscape of public EV charging in Canada.
ChargeCompare: Your Interactive Companion
Alongside the report, ChargeCompare provides an interactive way to explore the charging landscape in your own province. With ChargeCompare, you can:
- Select your province and locate charging stations by power level.
- Explore the different types of charging networks active in your area for both L2 and L3 charging.
- Learn how pricing approaches vary across regions and operators.
- Review a summary table comparing networks, pricing models, and roaming arrangements.
Download the full report and explore ChargeCompare to see how Canada’s charging network pricing is evolving — and what it means for drivers, operators, and policymakers.