EV charger rebates and rates in Markham

Programs change often, and a lot of online advice is out of date or written for another province. Here is what we can say reliably for Markham homeowners, and what we check at quote time.

Federal: EVAP applies to the vehicle

The federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program takes money off an eligible new vehicle at the point of sale. It does not pay for a home charger or its installation. Be cautious of any ad that implies a federal rebate on the charger itself. Check eligibility on the Transport Canada vehicle list before you buy.

Alectra Utilities programs

Most of Markham is served by Alectra Utilities. Alectra has run EV programs such as SmartCharge, a pilot that offers a Level 2 charger with installation on a monthly fee to eligible single-family customers. At the time of writing its main recruitment phase had closed and new applicants were being waitlisted, so it is not something to count on. Availability and amounts change, so we check what is open when we quote and tell you honestly if nothing applies. Verify details directly with Alectra before you rely on any program.

Where the real savings are: overnight rates

Ontario's time-of-use price plans include an ultra-low overnight rate that makes charging between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. far cheaper than daytime electricity. Households that shift charging overnight commonly save hundreds of dollars a year versus charging at peak, depending on mileage. Your savings depend on your driving and your plan, so compare plans for your own usage. Rates are set by the Ontario Energy Board and updated each year.

Note: Alectra's separate "Electric Vehicle Charging rate" is a commercial rate for public fast-charging stations and does not apply to a home charger.

What we handle for you

• ESA Notification of Work, inspection and Certificate of Acceptance
• Checking which utility or government programs are currently open for your address
• Paperwork for any program that does apply

Not on a time-of-use plan yet? Charging at home overnight beats public rates. See the public chargers in Markham for comparison, or what a home installation costs.