Electric vehicle (EV) charging

How to connect non-residential EV charging stations.

Bringing EV charging to your site starts with a reliable connection. We work with businesses like yours to make that process simple and predictable — so you can install and operate charging stations with confidence.

Our streamlined approach, outlined on this page, helps you connect non-residential EV chargers to our system simply and efficiently. Examples of non-residential EV charging station connections include:

  • Publicly accessible charging stations
  • Workplace charging stations
  • Commercial EV fleet charging stations
  • Apartment and condominium building charging stations (owned and operated by the building owner or by a third-party EV charging station provider)

New Toronto Hydro pilot program for direct current (DC) fast charging projects
We recently launched a pilot program that will give up to 10 EV charging providers direct access to 480-volt power — helping make public EV fast charging projects faster, easier and more cost-effective. Visit our EV fast charging pilot program web page for details.

Steps to connect non-residential EV charging stations

  1. Submit an EV consultation request (optional, but recommended)

    Start by sharing initial details with us about your EV charging project. Complete an Electric Vehicle Consultation Information Request (EVPCIR) (PDF, 117 KB) and email it to EV@torontohydro.com.

    A preliminary consultation is optional, but can be especially helpful if you’re:

    • Exploring the feasibility of a specific site before moving ahead
    • Comparing multiple locations for EV charger installation
     

    If you’ve already selected your charger location(s), you may choose to skip this step and move directly to submitting a service connection request (step 3).

    Note: If the EVPCIR is being submitted by a third party, an authorization letter signed by the Toronto Hydro account holder or property owner for the municipal address is required.

  2. Receive a feasibility assessment

    Within 15 calendar days of receiving your EVPCIR, we’ll assess your site’s compatibility and available capacity. You’ll receive an Electric Vehicle Preliminary Consultation Report (EVPCR) that includes:

    • A high-level capacity assessment at the connection point
    • Whether upgrades may be needed
    • Insights into project complexity
    • An estimated cost range of the connection
    • Additional feasibility details, if applicable
     

    Note: The EVPCR is provided for planning purposes only and is non-binding.

  3. Submit your service connection request

    Once you're ready to move forward, submit your EV charging station installation request through our Service Connections Hub. You’ll need to choose the appropriate request type depending on your project. If you're increasing the peak load on an existing service, please submit a service upgrade request, and if you're installing a new electrical service for EV charging, submit a new service installation request.

    As part of your request, you’ll need to provide a scaled site drawing that includes the following information:

    • Proposed EV charger location(s)
    • Scale (in metres)
    • Site orientation, including surrounding streets, street names and a north indicator
    • Property lines
    • Proposed pad-mounted transformer location (or customer-owned substation, if applicable)
    • Customer duct path on private property from the property line to the pad-mounted transformer (or customer-owned substation, if applicable)
    • Labelled customer duct path length (in metres) from the entrance at the property line to the pad-mounted transformer (or customer-owned substation, if applicable)
       

    A scaled site drawing sample (PDF, 198 KB) is available for reference as you prepare your submission. You can also use the City of Toronto Maps Tool to help create your scaled site drawing.

For more detailed information, please refer to our Conditions of Service (Reference 9 – Electric Vehicle Charging Connection Requirements for Toronto Hydro Customers).

Questions? We're here to help. Email your EV-related inquiries to EV@torontohydro.com.

New EV charging station rate available

If you own or operate a commercial EV charging station, you may be eligible for the new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) rate. With this rate, participating EV charging stations pay a reduced amount for transmission costs.

Learn more about the EVC rate

Resources to support your EV charging project

We have tools and resources available to help support your EV charging project from planning through connection.

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Explore electrical capacity in your area with our Load Capacity Map

Doing some early site planning? Our Load Capacity Map can help you identify areas with available electrical capacity before submitting a consultation request.

Visit our Load Capacity Map

 
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Find an EV contractor through our Cleantech Services Directory

Need help finding the right contractor? Explore our Cleantech Services Directory and use the “Services” filter to find qualified contractors specializing in commercial EV equipment and installations.

Check out our Cleantech Services Directory

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