As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across Ontario, access to reliable and cost-effective charging infrastructure is more important than ever.
To support this growth, Hydro One now offers utility-supplied and owned pad-mounted transformers that provide Three-Phase 277/480 V, 4-wire service directly to EV charging customers. This offering is available at sites where the required transformation can be served by a 500 kVA or 1000 kVA pad-mounted transformer and where Hydro One's primary feeder voltage is between 4.8/8.32 kV and 16/27.6 kV. A 1500 kVA transformer supplied from Hydro One's 16/27.6 kV feeder is also available.
Many DC fast chargers are designed to operate at 480 volts, while traditional utility service configurations may require customers to install and maintain their own step-down transformers to achieve the required utilization voltage.
By providing utility-owned transformers that supply 277/480 V service directly, Hydro One can help simplify project design, reduce infrastructure requirements, and streamline project implementation.
Key Benefits
Lower project costs
Eliminates the need for a customer-owned step-down transformer and reduces upfront capital and ongoing maintenance costs.
Reduced site footprint
Removes the need for additional transformer equipment and frees up valuable site space for more charging stations, parking areas, or customer amenities.
Optimized for DC fast charging
Direct delivery of 277/480 V service aligns with the operating requirements of most commercially available DC fast charging systems.
Utility-owned equipment
Hydro One owns and maintains the transformer, helping reduce long-term operational and maintenance responsibilities for customers.
Planning your project
If you're considering new EV charging installations, please engage with Hydro One early in the planning process. Early collaboration can help identify the appropriate service configuration and support efficient project development.
If your project is already underway, please contact your Hydro One representative to discuss whether this offering may be applicable to your installation.
For more information about connecting EV charging infrastructure to Hydro One's distribution system, please contact your Hydro One representative.
