Newfoundland’s first electric vehicle fast-charging network is now operational, with the province’s main energy provider hoping that it will make road trips easier for electric car owners and inspire more people to switch to electric vehicles in the future.
With the construction of the final of the 14 charging stations at Corner Brook earlier this month, drivers now have a charging station every 70 kilometers along the Trans-Canada Highway from Port aux Basques to St. John’s, as well as one in Gros Morne National Park.
Many potential electric car buyers have been unwilling to give up gasoline due to a lack of fast chargers around the island, according to Jennifer Williams, president, and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
The charging network was first announced in October 2019, with all 14 chargers expected to be operational by the end of 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador was the only province in Canada without publicly accessible Level 3 chargers when development began.
After some delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the stations are now operational and can charge most EVs to 80% in less than an hour for $15 per hour. “The epidemic had an effect,” Williams added, “but we’re here now and we’re extremely thrilled, and this is only the beginning.”