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Electric Vehicles

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Electric Vehicles



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Topics:

Electric Vehicles

  1. Why is the province encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles?

    2. Supporting the move to electric vehicles is part of the province's plan to create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    The government's vision is for one of every 20 vehicles on our roads to be an electric vehicle by 2020.

    The intent of the electric vehicle program is to reward early adopters and make it easier for people to buy and drive electric vehicles.

  2. What is a battery electric vehicle?

    3. For the purposes of this program a battery electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that is powered by electricity and contains a battery to store energy. There are two main types of EVs: conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and grid-connected vehicles that include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

    Unlike HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs have larger capacity batteries that can be recharged by plugging them in to the electricity grid. Only PHEVs and BEVs are eligible for the incentive program and green licence plates.

  3. What's the difference between respective electric vehicles?

    4. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on the road today can have two complementary drive systems: a gasoline engine and fuel tank; and an electric motor, battery and controls. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time, and the transmission then turns the wheels. HEVs cannot be recharged from the electricity grid – all their energy comes from gasoline.

    Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) runs on a battery and electric drive train but also has the support of an internal combustion engine that may be used to recharge the vehicle’s battery and/or to replace the electric drive train when the battery is low and more power is required.

    A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs entirely on a battery and electric drive train, without the support of a traditional internal combustion engine and must be plugged into an external source of electricity to recharge its battery.

  4. What is a low speed electric vehicle?

    5. In addition to highway-capable electric vehicles, a number of electric low speed vehicles (LSVs) are available in the North American market. LSVs belong to a federal vehicle class with significantly fewer federal safety equipment requirements than other passenger vehicles on the road. An LSV is powered by an electric motor, designed to travel on four wheels, and must have an attainable speed of 32 km/h, but not exceed 40 km/h, on a paved level surface.

    Ontario allows LSVs to operate on 50 km/h or less roads in certain controlled environments, and province-wide if the LSV meets prescribed optional equipment requirements and Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

    For further information on low speed electric vehicles in Ontario, please consult MTO's Emerging Vehicles website.

  5. What are the benefits of driving an electric vehicle?

    6. Electric vehicles have a number of benefits compared to conventional vehicles including:

    • Lower operating costs
    • Lower maintenance costs
    • Less susceptibility to volatile fuel prices and reduced oil dependency
    • Quieter ride and reduced vehicle noise
    • Convenience (home charging for all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles)
    • Opportunity to make a "green" choice
    • Reduced emissions of harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases
    • Increased energy efficiency

  6. How far can an electric vehicle travel on a fully-charged battery?

    7. The distance an electric vehicle can travel on a fully charged battery is a function of vehicle technology (PHEV versus BEV), battery size, weight carried, what vehicle functions are being used and an individual's driving style. Initially, plug-in electric vehicles are expected to able to travel a minimum of 100 kilometres on a single charge.

  7. Can electric vehicles travel at the same speed as a conventional vehicle?

    8. Yes, highway-capable electric vehicles can travel at the same speed of conventional vehicles. In addition, their acceleration is comparable to that of similar conventional vehicles. Please note that low-speed electric vehicles are not highway capable.

  8. Are electric vehicles safe?

    9. All electric vehicle manufacturers must meet stringent federal safety standards. In apition, manufacturers have a strong incentive to produce safe and reliable vehicles, as their reputation and the future viability of the electric vehicle industry depend on the quality of the cars they produce. Manufacturers have spent years developing the new technologies that make these vehicles possible.

  9. Can I charge an electric vehicle at home or at work?

    10. Yes, provided that the electrical system in the home or workplace has sufficient capacity to supply the vehicle at the voltage and rate of recharging that it requires. A small vehicle may only require a conventional 120 volt outlet, already available in most home garages. Larger vehicles may need a 220 volt outlet (like those used for home clothes dryers) with adequate amperage rating.

    Electric vehicle re-charging standards are currently being developed by industry and the relevant professional standards associations. Ontario's Building Code and Electrical Safety Code already provide for the safe integration of EV recharging capacity in homes and other buildings on a voluntary basis.

  10. Where else can I charge an electric vehicle?

    11. Public re-charging infrastructure will emerge gradually as the market for electric vehicles grows. Various innovative recharging concepts are being developed.

    Beginning in 2011, select GO Transit stations will have public recharging capacity in their public parking lots. In the future, Ontario government-owned lots in the Greater Toronto Area will have recharging facilities.

    Private sector companies and municipal parking authorities are also being encouraged to explore opportunities for recharging in their parking facilities.

  11. When will I see recharging points in GO Transit parking lots?

    12. To date four GO Transit stations, Aurora, Lincolnville, Centennial and Whitby have conduit and cables installed in preparation for recharging facility installation. Additionally, the design of new parking structures or the expansion of parking at Oakville, Clarkson, Pickering, Ajax and Erindale stations will accommodate EV recharging facilities.

    Please consult the GO Transit EV charging station map.

  12. Will the recharging points in Ontario government parking facilities, including GO Transit lots offer free parking or free recharging?

    13. That is yet to be determined. Vehicle owners may still be required to pay the posted rates for parking their vehicle and will be charged for the electricity they consume.

    Incentive Program

  13. Which cars are eligible for Ontario's Electric Vehicle Incentive Program?

    14. Eligible Vehicles:

    The Electric Vehicle Incentive Program applies to new, highway-capable PHEVs and BEVs purchased or leased on or after July 1, 2010. The value of the incentive is based on the vehicle's battery capacity and, if applicable the lease term, and ranges from $5,000 for a 4 kWh battery to $8,500 for a battery of 17kWh or more.

    New BEVs and PHEVs purchased or leased outside of Ontario and imported into the province by the original purchaser/lessee are eligible for the program provided they meet all the criteria, were not registered or plated in the originating jurisdiction and were not the recipient of incentives from those jurisdictions.

    Demonstrator vehicles (demos) are eligible under the program provided that, at the time of purchase, the vehicle's mileage does not exceed 2000 km and it has not been previously registered.

    Please consult the official list of vehicles that currently qualify for the incentive program.

    Ineligible Vehicles:

    Conventional hybrids, that run on a combination of a standard internal combustion engine and battery electric technology but are not capable of being recharged by plugging into the electricity grid, are not eligible for the incentive.

    Vehicles that are converted to plug-in electric capability are not eligible for the incentive.

    Previously owned (i.e., ‘used’ 2010 or later model year) plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are not eligible for the incentive but can apply for a green plate.

    Low-speed electric vehicles, off-road vehicles, plug-in electric vehicle conversions, electric motorcycles, electric bikes ("e-bikes"), and vehicles with fewer than four wheels are not eligible for the incentive. BEVs and PHEVs for which applicants intend to apply for, or have already received incentives/grants from other Canadian provinces, or US federal or US state governments are not eligible for the incentive.

  14. When will electric vehicles be available for purchase in Ontario?

    15. Most major automobile manufacturers have announced plans to offer electric vehicle models over the next five years. There are already battery electric vehicles eligible for the incentive for purchase in Ontario. The first PHEV models available to purchase in Ontario and eligible for the incentive are expected to be available in Ontario in late 2011.

    Low speed vehicles (LSVs) are not eligible.

    A list of eligible vehicles available for purchase in Ontario is updated regularly. Please consult the official list to determine which vehicles currently qualify for the incentive program.

  15. What is the value of the incentive, and how was it derived?

    16. The values of the incentive are based on the vehicle's battery capacity and if applicable, on the lease term. The incentives range from $5,000 for a 4kWh battery to $8,500 for a battery of 17kWh or more.

    The approach to the scaled incentive is similar to that applied in other jurisdictions. The maximum benefit of $8,500 exceeds similar electric vehicle incentives from the U.S., Quebec or upcoming U.K. programs.

    Please consult the official list of eligible vehicles for specific incentive values.

  16. Who can apply for the incentive?

    17. The Electric Vehicle Incentive Program is open to persons, businesses, municipalities, non-government organizations, and non-profit organizations for the purchase or lease of vehicles registered and plated in Ontario. Applicants are eligible for incentives to support the purchase of five vehicles or less per calendar year.

    Direct purchases by the provincial or federal government, or their agencies and entities are ineligible for incentives.

  17. Are there special requirements or restrictions for EVs purchased for fleet use?

    18. Yes, electric vehicles purchased for fleets are subject to additional eligibility criteria. Fleets are defined as any applicant that leases or purchases 3 to 5 vehicles per calendar year. Vehicles purchased or leased for fleet use must be registered and plated in Ontario by the applicant for a minimum of 36 months to qualify for the incentive. Fleets are limited to a maximum of five incentives per calendar year per applicant.

    If an applicant purchases two vehicles as personal use vehicles and subsequently acquires additional vehicles in the same calendar year, all vehicles will be considered fleet vehicles and the following applies:

    • The first two vehicles must be plated and registered for 36 months in Ontario by the applicant; and
    • If leased, the third, fourth and fifth vehicles must be leased for a minimum of 36 month; both purchased and leased fleet vehicles must remain registered and plated in Ontario by the applicant for a minimum of 36 months.

  18. How many incentives can one qualify per year?

    19. As per individuals, businesses, municipalities, non-government organizations and non-profit organizations can only qualify for five incentives per year as well. MTO reserves the right to review business applicants to ensure the intent of this restriction is met.

  19. Are there residency requirements that must be met to qualify for the incentive?

    20. As the vehicles are not to be acquired for immediate resale, to qualify for the incentive, vehicles must be registered and plated in Ontario by the applicant for a minimum of:

    • 12 months for an individual purchase/lease
    • 36 months for a fleet purchase/lease

    Note that purchasing three or more vehicles in a calendar year constitutes a fleet purchase for this program.

    Eligible electric vehicles purchased in another jurisdiction can qualify for the incentive only if the registration of the vehicle in Ontario is the first time the vehicle has been registered or plated in any jurisdiction. Vehicles that have been registered in other jurisdictions prior to Ontario do not qualify for the incentive.

    These requirements ensure the environmental and economic benefits of these vehicles will accrue to Ontario and the financial incentive will benefit Ontario residents.

  20. Are leased vehicles eligible for the incentive?

    21. Leased vehicles are eligible for an incentive depending on the term of the lease and whether the vehicle is used for personal or fleet purposes. To qualify for the full incentive, a minimum 36-month lease term is required. For vehicles leased for shorter terms, the incentive will be applied according to the following schedule.

    Term of Lease (months) Applicable Incentive for Personal Vehicles (% of full incentive) Applicable Incentive for Fleet Vehicles (% of full incentive)
    12 33.3% 0%
    24 66.7% 0%
    36 100% 100%

    If incentive conditions on lease and registration periods are not met, the province has the right to rescind the incentive in full. For individual applicants, if the lease term is changed after the incentive has been received to a shorter period, part of the incentive must be returned. For example, from a 3-year term to a 2-year term, the applicant must return 33.3% of the incentive; from a 2-year to a 1-year term, 50% of the incentive must be returned, and from a 3-year to a 1-year term, 66.7% of the incentive must be returned.


  21. Is there a limit to the number of vehicles that can be purchased for fleet use?

    22. To ensure an appropriate balance between encouraging vehicle uptake by Ontario residents and fleet companies, fleets will be subject to an incentive cap of five vehicles per business/applicant, per calendar year.

  22. How do I receive my incentive?

    23. There are two ways to receive the incentive. An applicant can apply directly to the Ministry of Finance for the incentive or the applicant can assign the incentive entitlement to the dealership or leasing agent (lessor) who will in turn apply to the Ministry of Finance for the incentive. The grant is applied to the pre-incentive value of the vehicle.

    To be eligible for the incentive, applications must be received within six months of the date the vehicle was purchased or leased.

    To be considered for an incentive, an applicant must provide:

    1. A completed and signed incentive application form
    2. The sales or lease agreement for the vehicle that indicates the vehicles has been paid for and received by the applicant
    3. Proof of registration and plating in Ontario

    Where the application relates to a vehicle with dual registrants, the form must identify, and be signed by, both registered owners.

  23. Can one application form be used for multiple vehicle purchases/leases?

    24. If you purchase more than one vehicle in a calendar year, you must complete and submit a separate application form for each vehicle (along with all necessary supporting documentation) to receive an incentive for each vehicle.

    Completed applications and supporting documents should be sent by mail or fax to:

    Ministry of Finance

    33 King Street West
    PO Box 646
    Oshawa, Ontario
    L1H 8X2
    Fax: 905 435-3543

    Download the incentive application form and guide.

  24. Can I also receive incentives/grants from other jurisdictions?

    25. Applicants may not apply for or receive incentives for their electric vehicle from other Canadian provincial or US federal or US state jurisdictions and will have to certify such.

  25. Will automobile dealerships be reimbursed for the processing of the application of the incentive at the point of sale?

    26. No. The dealer acts as an agent on behalf of the customer and is not allowed to charge a fee for this service. Nor is it a condition of the program that applicants must use dealer financing in order to have point of sale discounts. Please inform the Ministry of Transportation if such misrepresentation occurs.

  26. How can new electric vehicle models become eligible for incentives?

    27. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must fill out the following form to submit new vehicle models for consideration.  Note: a form must be completed for each model year 45 days in advance of the vehicle being available.

  27. How will my personal information being collected on the application form be used?

    28. Any personal information provided to the Ministry of Transportation in connection with this application is subject to disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario). Collecting your personal information is established under subsection 118(2) of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act and will be used solely for the purpose of administering and ensuring compliance with the Program.

  28. What happens if I am in non-compliance with the program conditions?

    29. Dealerships not in compliance with the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program conditions can no longer act as an agent under the program. Applicants/registered owners not in compliance with the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program are ineligible for future incentives and may be required to return any incentive payment or part there of as a debt due to the Crown. Please review (with your agent if one is used) and understand the declarations on the application form before signing it.

    Green Licence Plates

  29. What are green licence plates?

    30. Ontario has released new green licence plates for plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles. Customers can choose to acquire these plates through the regular vehicle plating and registration process. As with the purchase of any new licence plates, the regular fee of $20 applies ($10 for the plate and $10 for the new vehicle permit).

  30. Which cars are eligible for a green licence plate?

    31. Only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that are eligible for an Electric Vehicle Incentive Program incentive are eligible for the green licence plate.

    All registrant types (e.g., individuals, companies, joint and fleet) are eligible for the green plate. Used PHEVs and BEVs are also eligible for the green plates, but not for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program.

    Commercial vehicles (weighing 3,000 kg or more), low-speed vehicles, e-bikes, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, current market hybrids and EV conversions are not eligible for a green plate.

    Please consult the official list of vehicles that currently qualify for the green plates.

  31. What are the benefits of a green plate?

    32. Electric vehicles with green plates have access to the province's high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes on 400-series highways until June 30, 2015, even if only one person is in the vehicle. HOV lanes are otherwise currently reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people.

  32. How do I get my green plate?

    33. Green plates can be acquired through the normal vehicle plating process. Only passenger vehicles are eligible for green plates. As with the purchase of any new licence plates, the regular fee of $20 applies ($10 for the plate and $10 for a new vehicle permit).

    High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

  33. What is a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane?

    34. High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are lanes reserved for the use of passenger vehicles carrying at least two people and buses. They are designed to help move more people through congested areas. Effective July 1, 2010, drivers with a green plate can use HOV lanes, even with only one person in the vehicle.

    Refer to MTO's HOV lane website for information about where HOV lanes can be found in Ontario.

  34. Where can I find HOV lanes in Ontario?

    35. There are currently HOV lanes on the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highways 403 and 404 in the Greater Toronto Area and on Highway 417 in Ottawa. Apitional HOV lanes are planned on Highway 417 in Ottawa.

    Refer to MTO's HOV lane website for information about where HOV lanes can be found in Ontario.

  35. How will I know where I can access the HOV lanes?

    36. Informational signage located at the entry and exit points where drivers make decisions to move into or out of provincial HOV lanes. The signs indicate that access is permitted for drivers with green plates, even if there is only one individual in the car.

  36. Will allowing electric vehicle access to the province's HOV lane network cause congestion in these lanes?

    37. It is important not to overload the capacity of the HOV lanes or reduce their primary function in managing congestion, which is why access to HOV lanes will be granted to drivers of vehicles with green plates for a limited five-year window. MTO will continue to monitor capacity in the HOV lanes during the program.

    Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program

  37. Who is eligible for the rebate?

    38. Individuals, businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations who are legal entities and have purchased an electric vehicle and have applied for and received a rebate under the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program.

    The federal government and its agencies along with all Ontario government ministries and agencies will not be eligible.

  38. Will people who have already purchased a charging station or electric vehicle be eligible for the rebate?

    39. Anyone who has received an electric vehicle rebate and purchased and installed a home charging station between July 1, 2010 and the launch of the Charging Incentive Program will be eligible to apply for the rebate.

    If you purchased a charging station before the launch of the program you need to provide proper documentation showing proof of purchase and proper installation in order to be eligible for the full rebate amount. If your charging station purchase and installation receipts are not provided the value of the rebate will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Installation costs will only be reimbursed if all required documentation, including the electrical certificate of inspection issued by an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), is provided. If you have purchased or are thinking about purchasing a charging station we recommend that you keep all your receipts.

  39. How many charging station rebates can an electric vehicle owner apply for?

    40. You are eligible for one charging station rebate for every electric vehicle rebate you received. Note that you must have already received an electric vehicle rebate before you can apply for the charging station rebate. 

  40. When can consumers apply for the rebate?

    41. The program is scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2013. Please visit Ontario.ca/electricvehicles for updates.

  41. What is Level 2 charging and why are you promoting it?

    42. Level 2 charging stations allow for a shorter time to charge making it more convenient to drive electric vehicles.

    Level 1 charging stations are not eligible for the rebate because this equipment is included with the purchase of an electric vehicle; whereas Level 3 charging stations are prohibitively expensive and require significant voltage, making them less appropriate for home or business fleet use.

    It takes about one to four hours for a plug-in hybrid vehicle (e.g., GM Volt or Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid) to become fully charged on Level 2.

    It takes about four to seven hours for a battery electric vehicle (e.g., Nissan Leaf) to become fully charged on Level 2.

  42. What is the value of the rebate?

    43. 50% of the purchase and installation costs for a home charging station; to a maximum of $1,000 (whichever value is lower).

  43. Does the rebate cover the cost of installation?

    44. Eligible expenses include:

      • The purchase price of the charging station;
      • The costs associated with installing the unit; 
        • Note:  anyone other than a homeowner or employee of an industrial establishment must be licensed in order to undertake electrical work. Only costs related to using a third party to install a charging unit and the cost of the electrical inspection will be eligible under this program.  Material costs associated with an employee or home owner installing the unit themselves will not be covered.
        • To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in your area, please visit ESA’s website at: http://applications.dmtispatial.com/esa/
      • The cost associated with an electrical inspection undertaken by ESA;
        • Proof of installation must be in the form of a certificate of inspection issued by the ESA (this can be obtained from the electrical contractor who undertook the work or by the ESA if the work was undertaken by an employee or a homeowner).

  44. What documentation will be needed to apply for the rebate?

    45. It is recommended that you retain as much documentation as possible at this time, namely

    • the receipt for the purchase of the charging station,
    • the invoice for the station installation if undertaken by a licensed electrical contractor
    • the invoice or receipt for the electrical inspection cost (this can be obtained either as part of the invoice for the installation if undertaken by an electrical contractor or by ESA if the installation was undertaken by a homeowner or employee); and
    • the certificate of inspection issued by ESA.

  45. Why is Ontario doing this?

    46. We’ve had our Electric Vehicle Incentive Program in place for about two years. This is a critical next step in encouraging the growth of this emerging market in Ontario.

    Electric vehicles reduce harmful emissions in our communities. And they also create job in the new and emerging green economy.

    By helping Ontario drivers install home charging stations, we’re encouraging off-peak charging. These stations contribute to grid reliability, boost vehicle driving time and help ensure the proper installation of third party certified home charging stations.