Ontario New Homes Must Be EV‑Ready

Summary#

• This Ontario bill would make most new low-rise houses “EV‑ready.” It does not require a charger, but it requires the wiring space and parts so a charger can be added later.

• It applies to new houses built after the law takes effect that have a garage, carport, or driveway and are connected to the electricity grid.

• Key changes:

  • Builders must install a 200‑amp electrical panel in covered homes.
  • Builders must run a conduit (a pipe for wires) at least 27 mm wide, with a pull line to make adding cables easier.
  • Builders must install a large square electrical box in the garage, carport, or next to the driveway.
  • The conduit and box must be sealed to block exhaust fumes and gases.
  • These steps are to allow future EV charging equipment that meets Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code.

What it means for you#

• Homebuyers of new houses

  • Your new home will be set up to add an EV charger later without major wall cutting or panel upgrades.
  • You are not required to install a charger. If you want one, you would still need to buy the charger and have an electrician connect it.
  • Upfront home costs may be somewhat higher because of the larger panel and extra materials, but future EV charger installation should be faster and cheaper.

• Current homeowners

  • No changes. Existing homes are not covered. The rules apply only to houses built after the law takes effect.

• Renters in new houses

  • If you rent a newly built house or townhouse, it should be easier for the owner to add a charger if both of you agree.

• Builders and contractors

  • Must include a 200‑amp panel, run the required conduit with a pull line, and install the larger electrical box at the parking area.
  • Must ensure the conduit and box are sealed against garage fumes.
  • Coordination with local building officials and electrical inspectors will be needed to show the home is EV‑ready.

• Who is covered and who is not

  • Covered: Most new single‑family, semi‑detached, and townhouse units with a garage, carport, or driveway and grid power.
  • Not covered: Seasonal cottages used only part of the year, off‑grid homes, apartments/high‑rises, and any house built before the law starts.

• Timing

  • The law takes effect on a date set by the provincial government. It does not apply until that date is announced.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• For government: Any costs would mainly be for updating codes and inspections; no estimate is provided.
• For builders/homebuyers: Likely adds some upfront construction cost (larger panel, conduit, electrical box), but reduces the cost and hassle of adding a charger later.
• For utilities: No immediate impact is required, since chargers are not mandated—only the readiness. Actual electricity demand would depend on whether owners install and use chargers.

Proponents' View#

• Makes new homes future‑ready as more people consider electric vehicles.
• Saves homeowners money later by avoiding expensive retrofits (opening walls, upgrading panels, or trenching).
• Improves safety by planning for proper wiring routes and sealed equipment, instead of ad‑hoc solutions like extension cords.
• Sets a simple, uniform standard so builders and inspectors know what “EV‑ready” means.
• Many new homes already use 200‑amp panels, so the change is manageable for builders.

Opponents' View#

• Increases the upfront cost of building a home at a time of housing affordability pressures.
• One‑size‑fits‑all rule may not match every buyer’s needs, especially in areas with low EV adoption.
• A 200‑amp panel may be more capacity than some small homes need if no EV charger is installed.
• Builders may face supply or scheduling challenges for electricians and materials, which could slow approvals or closings.
• Some argue local choice or market demand, not a provincial rule, should drive EV‑ready features.