Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Ontario EV Rebate and Incentives Guide 2025

Ontario is Canada's most populous province and one of the largest EV markets in the country — yet it remains one of the only provinces without a dedicated provincial EV rebate program. This guide explains the full picture of EV incentives available to Ontario residents, including what the federal government provides, where utility and municipal programs fill the gap, and how to maximize your savings when buying an electric vehicle in Ontario.

Does Ontario Have a Provincial EV Rebate?

No — as of 2025, Ontario does not have a provincial EV purchase rebate. The Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Incentive Program (EHVIP) was cancelled by the provincial government in July 2018. Despite repeated calls to reinstate it — particularly as neighbouring Quebec and BC offer substantial rebates — no provincial EV rebate program has been reinstated as of this writing.

This is a significant disadvantage for Ontario EV buyers compared to Quebec residents, who can receive up to $7,000 provincially on top of the federal incentive.

Federal iZEV Rebate — Available to Ontario Residents

While Ontario has no provincial rebate, all Ontario residents purchasing or leasing an eligible EV can access the federal Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program:

• Battery electric vehicles (BEV): Up to $5,000
• Plug-in hybrids with 50+ km electric range: Up to $2,500
• Plug-in hybrids with under 50 km electric range: Up to $1,500

The rebate is applied by the dealer at the time of purchase — you do not need to file separately. The vehicle must have a base MSRP under $55,000 (up to $65,000 for higher-trim versions of eligible base models).

Ontario Electricity Rebate for EV Charging

Ontario's electricity rates are structured with time-of-use (TOU) pricing. EV owners can take advantage of overnight off-peak rates to reduce charging costs. Off-peak rates in Ontario are approximately 8.7 cents/kWh — one of the lowest overnight rates in Canada. Charging a long-range EV overnight in Ontario costs roughly $3–$5 for 300+ km of range.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has proposed EV-specific rate structures, and some utilities offer dedicated EV charging programs with reduced rates. Check with your local utility (Hydro Ottawa, Toronto Hydro, Ontario Hydro Networks, etc.) for local EV rate programs.

Home EV Charger Rebates in Ontario

While Ontario's provincial government doesn't currently offer home charger rebates, some options remain:

• Enbridge Gas: Has offered rebates on smart home charging equipment for natural gas customers transitioning to EV — check current offers
• Some municipalities: Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities have periodically offered pilot rebates for EV charging infrastructure
• Some utilities: Some Ontario utilities offer rebates on Level 2 smart chargers that allow demand management
• Federal programs: Natural Resources Canada has had programs for EV charger installation — check NRCan for current offerings

Ontario Employer and Condo EV Charging

Ontario has made some regulatory changes to make it easier for condo residents and renters to install EV charging in shared parking facilities. The Condominium Act was updated to address EV charging access. If you live in a condo or apartment, you have more options than before — work with your building management or condo corporation to explore Level 2 charging installation.

EV Incentives for Ontario Businesses

Ontario businesses can access:

• Federal iZEV rebate on eligible business-use vehicles (up to $5,000)
• CCA (Capital Cost Allowance) Class 54 for zero-emission passenger vehicles — 100% write-off in year of purchase (up to $61,000 cost limit per vehicle)
• CCA Class 55 for zero-emission vehicles other than passenger (100% write-off)
• HST input tax credits on the full purchase price for business use

Ontario EV Tax Credit on HST

Ontario charges 13% HST on new vehicle purchases. There is no HST exemption for EVs in Ontario. On a $50,000 EV, you pay $6,500 in HST — making Ontario one of the most expensive provinces for the tax component of an EV purchase.

Will Ontario Reinstate an EV Rebate?

There has been ongoing political discussion about reinstating Ontario's EV rebate. Given the federal government's EV mandate targets and growing competition from other provinces for EV manufacturing (e.g., the Stellantis/LG battery plant in Windsor), there is pressure on Ontario to offer provincial incentives. Watch announcements from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Energy for future program announcements.

Best Strategy for Ontario EV Buyers Today

• Use the federal iZEV rebate ($5,000 BEV)
• Choose a vehicle under the iZEV MSRP cap to qualify
• Charge at night during off-peak TOU hours to minimize electricity costs
• Look for manufacturer incentives and lease deals to offset the lack of provincial rebate
• Consider leasing — lower monthly payments and the EV landscape may improve by lease end