Cost per km to charge an EV vs gas in NB?

Electric vehicles cost significantly less to "fuel" than gas vehicles in New Brunswick - typically 3-4 times cheaper per kilometer. With NB Power's current residential rates around 12-13 cents per kWh, you'll pay roughly 3-4 cents per kilometer for an efficient EV compared to 12-15 cents per kilometer for a gas vehicle.

Here's the New Brunswick breakdown for 2025:

For a typical efficient EV (like a Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf) consuming about 20 kWh per 100km, you'll pay approximately $2.50 to drive 100 kilometers on NB Power electricity. A comparable gas vehicle averaging 8L/100km would cost around $12-14 for the same distance at current New Brunswick gas prices ($1.50-1.75 per liter).

Annual savings are substantial. If you drive 20,000 km per year (typical for NB with longer commutes), you'd spend about $500 annually on electricity versus $2,400-2,800 on gasoline - saving $1,900-2,300 per year just on fuel costs. Over five years, that's nearly $10,000 in savings.

NB Power's time-of-use rates can increase savings further. If you charge overnight during off-peak hours, your costs drop even more. Many EV owners in New Brunswick schedule charging for late evening or early morning when rates are lowest.

Winter considerations matter in our Maritime climate. Cold weather reduces EV efficiency by 20-30%, so your winter costs might be 4-5 cents per kilometer instead of 3-4 cents. However, gas vehicles also lose efficiency in winter, and you're still saving significantly. Plus, you can pre-heat your EV while plugged in, using grid power instead of battery power.

Home charging setup affects your savings. Most NB homeowners install a Level 2 (240V) charger for faster, more efficient charging. Installation typically costs $1,200-1,800 if your panel has capacity, or $3,000-5,000 if you need a panel upgrade. Even with installation costs, the fuel savings pay for the charger within 1-2 years.

The savings math gets better over time as gas prices tend to rise faster than electricity rates. NB Power's rates have remained relatively stable, while gas prices fluctuate significantly. Many New Brunswick EV owners report their total transportation costs (including car payments) are lower than what they previously spent just on gas and maintenance for their conventional vehicles.

Need help finding an electrician to install your EV charger? New Brunswick Electrical can match you with licensed professionals who specialize in EV charging installations throughout the province.