Prior to 2023, there were three charging rate options for EV drivers:
• Billing based on charging time
• Flat rate
• Free charging
Now, a temporary dispensation issued by Measurement Canada gives you the option to charge a compound rate at your level 2 charging stations that includes a price per kilowatthour (kWh), which will be automatically indexed on an annual basis to adjust for inflation and an hourly rate for connection time (charging and non-charging).
Important notice : This concerns only level 2 stations.
The tables below provide more information on the new rate.
New compound rate
| Price per kWh | Price while connected to charging station (at partner’s discretion) |
| Fixed price | During charging | After charging is completed |
| $0.1236/kWh | $0/h to $3/hr | $0/h à $5/hr |
Example – Electric vehicles able to charge at a power level of 7 kW
| Price per kWh ($0.1236/kWh) |
During charging ($0.50/hr)* |
Subtotal | After charging is completed ($1/hr)* | TOTAL |
| 7 kW × 1 hour × $0.1236/kWh | $0.50 × 1 hour | - | $1.00 × 2 hours | - |
| $0.84 | $0.50 | $1.34 | $2.00 | $3.34 |
*suggested prices
Advantages and drawbacks of hourly and flat rates
| Rates in effect |
| Hourly rate (price per hour) $0/hr to $3/hr The most popular |
Flat fee (price per charging session) $0 to $10 |
| Advantages | Drawbacks | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|
A rate that’s easy to understand and bill. The price applies if the vehicle remains plugged in once it is fully charged ($0 to $3), which means the charging station remains profitable. Partners can set a night rate that is in line with members’ needs. You don’t have to do anything. |
High charging cost for EVs with a lower charging power (3 kW). These vehicles represent a very small portion of all EVs. |
A rate that’s easy to understand and bill. You don’t have to do anything. |
There is a risk that EV drivers will leave their vehicle plugged in once it has been fully charged, thereby monopolizing the charging station. |
Advantages and drawbacks of the new rate
| New rate (optional) |
| Compound rate (price per kWh + price per hour) |
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|
The possibility of billing the exact amount of energy delivered to an EV. A price that applies if the vehicle remains plugged in once it is fully charged ($0 to $5), which means the charging station remains profitable. |
A rate that’s difficult to understand and bill. The application form, as well as all the Measurement Canada documents and authorizations, must be filled out. Partners must commit to comply with the terms and conditions of the temporary dispensation issued by Measurement Canada, in particular the following: • Managing complaints regarding kWh measurement errors at a charging station; • Financial compensation in the event of billing errors; • A charging station must be made available for testing by Measurement Canada. See chapter 4.8 of the Measurement Canada guidelines; • Validation of a charging station’s reliability by Measurement Canada; • Corrective action is required if there are problems with a charging station’s measurements (timeframe stipulated by Measurement Canada to be respected). |
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