If you’re thinking about going electric—or you already have—one of the first questions you’ll ask is: what’s this going to do to my electricity bill? It’s a fair question, and the answer is more manageable than most people expect. Here’s what you actually need to know about EV charging and energy use in Alberta.
The Basics: How EV Charging Works
Electric vehicles are charged using one of three levels of charger, each with a very different power draw:
- Level 1 (Standard 120V outlet): Uses about 1.4 kWh per hour. This is the slowest option—think overnight charging for a short-range top-up.
- Level 2 (240V home charger): Uses between 7.2 and 19.2 kWh per hour. This is what most EV owners install at home. A full charge on a mid-size EV typically takes 6–10 hours.
- Level 3 / DC Fast Charger (commercial): Uses 50–350 kWh per hour. These are the public fast chargers you’d use on a road trip—not something installed at home.
For the average Alberta household, a Level 2 home charger is the standard setup. If you drive a typical EV like a Tesla Model 3 (which has a 75 kWh battery), a full charge from near-empty pulls roughly 75 kWh—sometimes a bit more due to charging inefficiency.
What Does That Actually Cost in Alberta?
At Peace Power’s variable rate (averaging 5.46¢/kWh over the past year), charging that same 75 kWh battery costs approximately $4.10 per full charge. On a fixed rate of 8.19¢/kWh, that same charge comes to about $6.14. Either way, you’re looking at pennies per kilometre compared to gasoline.
Here’s a straightforward comparison to put it in perspective:
- Average Alberta gasoline price (2026): ~$1.60/litre
- Average fuel economy (gas vehicle): ~10L/100km
- Cost to drive 100km on gas: ~$15.50
- Average EV efficiency: ~20 kWh/100km
- Cost to drive 100km on Peace Power variable rate: ~$1.09
- Cost to drive 100km on Peace Power fixed rate (8.19¢): ~$1.64
Even at the higher fixed rate, you’re paying about one-tenth the fuel cost of a comparable gas vehicle. Over a year of driving 15,000 km, that’s a saving of roughly $1,000–$2,000, depending on actual gas prices.
How Much Will It Add to Your Monthly Bill?
The average Canadian drives about 15,000 km per year—roughly 1,250 km per month. At 20 kWh per 100 km, that’s 250 kWh of charging per month.
- On Peace Power variable rate (avg. 5.46¢/kWh): ~$13.65/month
- On Peace Power 1-year fixed rate (8.99¢/kWh): ~$22.48/month
- On Peace Power 3-year fixed rate (8.19¢/kWh): ~$20.48/month
That’s a very predictable addition to your bill—especially on a fixed rate plan, where you know exactly what you’ll pay no matter what the market does.
Did You Know?
“Funding for smaller EV charging projects with under 20 level 2 connectors or 2 fast-chargers can be found through organizations authorized to redistribute a component of the ZEVIP funding.”
— Natural Resources Canada, Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Tips for Keeping EV Charging Costs Low in Alberta
- Charge overnight when possible — electricity demand (and spot pricing) tends to be lower in off-peak hours.
- If you’re on a variable rate plan, keep an eye on the AESO pool price during extreme weather events when prices spike.
- Consider locking in a fixed rate before winter — Alberta’s grid sees high demand in cold snaps, which can push variable rates up.
- A Level 2 charger pays for itself quickly through fuel savings — most Albertans recoup the installation cost within 1–2 years.
Ready to Charge Smarter? Peace Power Has Your Rate.
Whether you’re already driving electric or just planning ahead, Peace Power makes it easy to know exactly what you’re paying. Our variable rate sits just $0.01 over spot price—currently averaging 5.46¢/kWh over the past year—and our fixed rates start as low as 8.19¢/kWh for a 3-year term. No sign-up fee, no deposit, no cancellation fee on variable plans. Just straightforward, affordable electricity for your home and your EV. Getting started takes minutes—and we’d love to welcome you to the Peace Power community.
Thanks for reading! Whether you’re charging an EV or just trying to keep your utility bill under control, we’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about switching or finding the right plan for your home.