How It Works
You Charge at Home
Every kWh you use to charge your EV displaces gasoline and reduces emissions.
Credits Are Generated
Under Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), your charging creates carbon credits.
You Get Paid
Oil and gas companies must buy these credits to comply with regulations. Programs share this revenue with you.
Not Government Money: This isn't a tax rebate or subsidy. Under Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), oil and gas companies must lower the carbon intensity of their fuels. When they can't, they're required to purchase carbon credits from EV charging operators. These programs let you participate in this market — the money comes directly from fossil fuel companies paying for compliance credits, not from taxpayers.
Available Programs
Pion Power GreenMiles
by Pion Power J1772 + adapterThe highest advertised rate at ~10¢/kWh. Rewards are paid in "GreenMiles" points which are converted to cash annually.
Points-Based Rewards
The value of each GreenMile is set by Pion Power. So far they've paid ~10¢ per point, but this could change. Your effective rate depends on how points are valued when converted to cash.
Annual Payout Process
- • Points tracked Jan 1 – Dec 31
- • Need 1,000+ points to redeem (otherwise rolls over)
- • Submit info in January/February
- • Cheque mailed in March
SWTCH Home Charging
by SWTCH Energy J1772 + adapterSWTCH offers two different approaches, which gives you flexibility depending on your budget and goals. Both options pay out via direct deposit once you accumulate $100.
💰 Option A: Purchase the Charger
Pay upfront for a higher ongoing rate. Better long-term value if you charge a lot.
- Rate: 5¢/kWh
- Upfront: $499 + shipping
🆓 Option B: Free Charger
Lower rate, but minimal financial risk. Great way to try the program.
- Rate: 3¢/kWh
- Upfront: $300 deposit (refunded after 1,500 kWh) + $30 shipping
ChargeLab Rewards
by ChargeLab NACS availableUse your existing compatible charger (Autel or Lite-On) — no new hardware purchase required. Includes $25 sign-up bonus.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Rate | Upfront Cost | Reward Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pion Power GreenMiles | ~10¢/kWh | ~$290-$350 (charger) | Points |
| SWTCH (purchased) | 5¢/kWh | $499 (charger) | Cash |
| SWTCH (free charger) | 3¢/kWh | $300 deposit (refundable) | Cash |
| ChargeLab | 3¢/kWh | None (use existing charger) | Gift cards |
🤔 Which program is best?
It depends on your situation:
- 🥇 Highest rate: If you're comfortable with an annual payout in March, and with Pion's points-based system continuing to pay ~10¢ per point, GreenMiles offers the highest rate.
- 💰 Best cash rate: SWTCH (purchased) offers 5¢/kWh paid in cash via direct deposit.
- 🔌 Easiest setup: If you already have a compatible charger and want the simplest option, ChargeLab requires no hardware changes.
Estimate Your Earnings
Typical: 3,500-5,000 kWh/year for average EV driver
Estimated Annual Earnings
Based on 4,000 kWh of annual home charging.
Key Limitations
Eligibility Requirements
- Programs are typically limited to single-family homeowners in Canada
- You need a dedicated home EV charger (Level 2) connected to your electrical panel
- Some programs require their specific charger hardware
- Condos, apartments, and multi-unit dwellings may not qualify
- Check each program's specific requirements before signing up
For Tesla Drivers
Does Tesla Run a CFR Program?
No. Tesla does not currently operate its own Clean Fuel Regulations home charging program in Canada. To earn CFR credits, Tesla drivers must use a third-party program listed above.
Can I Use My Tesla Wall Connector?
Unfortunately, no. The Tesla Wall Connector uses a closed ecosystem and does not support OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol), which CFR programs require to track and report your charging data. Tesla has announced future OCPP support, but it's not yet available.
Important: If you already own a Tesla Wall Connector, you'll need to purchase a new OCPP-compatible charger to participate in CFR programs.
Your Options as a Tesla Driver
J1772 Charger + Adapter
Buy any program charger with J1772 connector and use the J1772 adapter that came with your Tesla (or buy one that's CSA or cUL certified).
Works with all listed programs