How does your electric vehicle affect your electricity bill?

5 minutes reading

There are more and more plug-in electric vehicles on Québec roads—a sure sign that the transition to electromobility is well underway. By 2035, the transition will receive a further boost in the form of laws prohibiting the sale of gas-powered vehicles. Whether you plan to buy an electric vehicle in the short term or wait a little longer, it’s worthwhile asking the following question: How will it affect your electricity bill and your electricity use habits?

Say goodbye to gassing up!

When you opt for an electric vehicle, you no longer need to worry about oil changes or filling up your tank. A welcome change! Of course, charging your EV at home will increase your electricity consumption. By how much, you wonder? Let’s take a look.

On average, it will cost you about $2.50 per 100 km travelled. Driving 20,000 km per year adds 4,200 kWh to your electricity bill, or about $500.

You’ll save about $2,875 per year on fuel and maintenance costs, or close to $240 per month. Although the monthly payments on a plug-in vehicle are often higher, the difference will be largely offset by the savings you’ll make on charging and maintaining your EV. You’ll even make a bit of a “profit”!

Total savings of 10% to 20% when you replace your gas-powered vehicle with a plug-in

On the road to 2035: A rapidly growing fleet of vehicles

Today, buildings and transportation represent over half of all GHG emissions in Québec. The major shift from gas-powered to electric transportation will change the game entirely.

By 2030, more than 1.5 million electric vehicles are expected to be on Québec roads, and as many as 3.5 million by 2035. This growth will lead to higher electricity demand.

Hydro‑Québec believes that 40% of the additional electricity required by 2035 will be for heating buildings and transportation electrification.

The good news is that progress made in this regard will reduce GHG emissions considerably. However, we will nevertheless have to face the unique challenges it raises.

Understanding power and power demand: Taking action

Not having enough electricity is not really the issue in Québec. The concern is not having enough electricity to supply all Québec households, companies and organizations at the same time.

During periods of high demand, particularly during winter peaks, the grid is under the greatest pressure. This is where power and power demand come into play. When everyone uses electricity at the same time, more power is required.

Hydro‑Québec once recorded an all-time peak of 43,124 MW. In moments like these, it is crucial that everyone take steps to reduce their electricity use. Why? Because the total capacity of Hydro‑Québec’s generating stations is about 40,000 MW. When demand exceeds that threshold, we have to buy electricity from outside Québec. This is not an ideal solution because not only is that electricity more expensive, but it is also likely to come from sources that are less green.

With transportation electrification and our decarbonization efforts, power demand will inevitably increase. To support the transition, Hydro‑Québec will add 8,000 to 9,000 MW of additional power to its grid by 2035. That’s on par with the combined capacity of three of our largest hydropower facilities—Robert-Bourassa (LG-2), Manic-5 and the Romaine complex.

Using electricity at the right time

For an efficient transition, all Quebecers have a critical role to play. One key habit is to charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours, such as overnight. Hydro‑Québec has even proposed rate incentives to encourage this practice.

Did you know?

Using electricity wisely can generate significant savings. Indeed, by signing up for Rate Flex D, you'll benefit from a lower price than that of the basic rate during the winter, except during peak demand periods, when the price is higher.

Have no fear—you don’t need to set your alarm clock and get up in the middle of the night to plug in your car! Thanks to the Hilo solution for electric vehicle charging, the owners of a compatible charging station (currently, Elmec’s EVduty model) can add the charging station to the mobile app. By doing so, they will automatically participate in challenges to reduce electricity use during high demand periods, which occur up to 30 times each winter.

By combining this habit with other small, simple actions, such as shifting the use of hot water and energy-intensive appliances and turning down the heat slightly, particularly during winter peaks, we can all “flatten” the peak and relieve pressure on the grid. Together, we can optimize our resources.

Negotiating the shift

To prepare for these challenges, Hydro‑Québec is investing in innovative solutions to make its grid more resilient. The future use of electric vehicles as mobile batteries could help stabilize the demand for energy and thereby provide greater flexibility and resilience.

The transition to electric vehicles supports a sustainable energy future. To ensure a successful transition, we must adopt responsible energy habits and manage power carefully. To build a future where clean and efficient energy is accessible to everyone, including future generations, all Quebecers need to move together in the same direction.