Electric vs Gas: Fuel Costs Compared for Canadian Drivers

Is an EV actually cheaper to run than a gas car in Canada? Here's a real-world comparison of fuel, charging, and electricity costs across provinces.

Electric vehicles are marketed as cheaper to run — but is that actually true for Canadian drivers? The answer depends on your province, your driving habits, and how you charge. Here's a real-world comparison of fuel and charging costs across Canada.

The Cost of Gasoline in Canada

As of 2025, regular gasoline in Canada averages:

• British Columbia: $1.70–$1.90/L
• Ontario: $1.50–$1.70/L
• Alberta: $1.30–$1.50/L
• Quebec: $1.60–$1.80/L
• Atlantic Canada: $1.60–$1.80/L

A typical gas vehicle consuming 8 L/100 km costs:

• 15,000 km/year: ~1,200 L of fuel = $1,800–$2,280/year
• Monthly: $150–$190

The Cost of Electricity in Canada

Electricity rates vary widely by province:

• Quebec: $0.07–$0.10/kWh (cheapest in Canada)
• Manitoba: $0.08–$0.10/kWh
• British Columbia: $0.10–$0.13/kWh
• Ontario: $0.12–$0.18/kWh (time-of-use pricing)
• Alberta: $0.15–$0.25/kWh (most expensive)

A typical EV consuming 18 kWh/100 km costs:

• 15,000 km/year: ~2,700 kWh = $216–$675/year
• Monthly: $18–$56

Province-by-Province Comparison

Even in Alberta, where electricity is expensive, an EV saves over $1,000/year on fuel.

Home Charging vs Public Charging

The savings above assume home charging. Public charging is more expensive:

• Level 2 public: $1.50–$3.00/hour
• DC fast charge: $0.30–$0.60/kWh

If you can't charge at home, your EV fuel savings shrink significantly. Fast charging can cost as much as gasoline in some provinces.

Winter Impact on EV Range

Canadian winters reduce EV range by 20–35%, which means more charging and higher electricity costs in winter. Heated seats, steering wheels, and cabin heating all draw significant power in cold weather.

Gas vehicles also lose 10–15% efficiency in winter, but the impact is less severe.

Total Cost of Ownership: EV vs Gas

Fuel is just one factor. A complete comparison includes:

1. Purchase price — EVs typically cost $10,000–$15,000 more upfront
2. Fuel/energy — EVs save $1,000–$1,800/year
3. Maintenance — EVs save $400–$600/year (no oil changes, fewer brake repairs)
4. Insurance — EVs often cost 10–20% more to insure
5. Depreciation — EVs currently depreciate faster than gas vehicles
6. Battery replacement — Potential $5,000–$15,000 cost after 8–10 years

Over 5 years, an EV can save $5,000–$9,000 on fuel and maintenance, but the higher purchase price and faster depreciation can offset those savings.

Is an EV Right for You?

An EV makes the most financial sense if you:

• Live in Quebec, Manitoba, or BC (cheap electricity)
• Can charge at home
• Drive 15,000+ km/year
• Plan to keep the vehicle 8+ years
• Live in a mild climate (less winter range loss)

An EV makes less sense if you:

• Live in Alberta (expensive electricity)
• Can't charge at home
• Drive under 10,000 km/year
• Need long-range capability in extreme cold

The Bottom Line

For most Canadian drivers, an EV is cheaper to fuel — but the total cost of ownership depends heavily on your province and charging situation. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to compare your specific situation, and our Total Cost of Ownership calculator to see the full picture including depreciation and maintenance.