Image: CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation
Toronto Hydro is introducing a pilot program intended to accelerate the development of public EV fast-charging infrastructure by simplifying grid connections.
The initiative, announced in April, will allow select projects to connect directly to 480-volt service — the standard required for most direct current fast chargers, rather than the 600-volt supply typically delivered by the utility. The change is designed to eliminate the need for customer-installed step-down transformers.
“Toronto Hydro is proud to explore utility-owned 480-volt transformation as part of our ongoing efforts to support the growth of electric vehicle charging,” said Dan Smart, Interim Chief Operating Officer, in a statement.
By removing that equipment, Toronto Hydro says the program could reduce upfront costs, lower space requirements and shorten construction timelines, helping bring charging stations online more quickly. The pilot will support up to 10 projects across the city. Under the model, Toronto Hydro will own and maintain the transformers, while customers will be responsible for installation and connection costs.
The utility said the program will run until the end of 2027, with results used to assess whether the approach could be adopted more broadly. Toronto Hydro said demand for EV charging continues to grow, with more than 3,200 public chargers already in operation across the city.
