FAQ
Will the new chargers affect electricity rates?
No. All funding for the cost of building the first phase of the charging network was provided by Hydro, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Government of Canada.
Can the electricity system handle increased electricity use?
Yes. As part of our responsibility to manage the province’s electricity system, Hydro monitors the electrical system 24/7, ensuring reliable service for all customers. Once the Muskrat Falls project is commissioned, Hydro will have access to a surplus of clean, renewable energy to meet the expected increase in electricity consumption from EVs. Increasing the number of EVs in the province will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide rate mitigation benefits for all electricity customers.
Are there any rebates available for customers who buy an EV or install a charger at home?
Yes. The Government of Canada has some great incentives in place for EV owners at this time:
- Transport Canada has a national purchase incentive program for electric vehicles called the ZEV Purchase Incentive. Canadians who buy EVs or plug-in hybrids are eligible for an incentive of $2,500 to $5,000. Learn more about the program by visiting Transport Canada or click here to view a list of eligible vehicles.
- Budget 2019 proposed a 100% tax write-off for zero-emission vehicles to support business adoption (available March 19, 2019 to January 1, 2024). This program allows for the capital costs for eligible zero-emission passenger vehicles (e.g., cars and SUVs) when the cost exceeds $55,000. For more information, businesses and self-employed individuals may contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.
How were the charging station locations selected?
The first phase of the charging network included 14 sites from St. John’s to Port Aux Basques, with an average distance of 70 km between chargers. General site selection was guided by practices seen in other areas and included:
- Minimizing the average distance between chargers on major highways to ensure all EVs can travel along the network;
- Access to three-phase commercial power with at least 350 kW of available capacity; and
- Nearby amenities for travellers like restaurants, malls, etc. so EV drivers could find natural stops along the way. Hydro conducted detailed site assessments at various locations across the island to identify the most suitable sites.
The final locations for each site were based on a public request for proposals. Through that process, various businesses expressed interest in installing a charging site at their location, and submitted proposals to Hydro for consideration.
What is fast charging? How is it different from other chargers?
Direct Current fast chargers, also known as DCFC or Level 3 chargers, typically provide about 100 km of range for every 15 minutes of charging. That’s enough power to charge most EVs to 80% in less than an hour.
Level 2 chargers are generally used for longer stops and typically provide about 40 km of vehicle range per hour of charge. These chargers are often found at malls, hospitals, and corporate parking lots.
Each charging location along Hydro’s network offers both types of chargers for use. Learn more about the chargers here.
How much does it cost to charge my EV at one of the stations?
For Level 3 chargers (62.5 kW) the cost to charge is $15/hour. For Level 2 chargers (7.2 kW) the cost to charge is $1.50/hour. Partial hours are billed per minute (on a prorated basis). These rates are comparable to the cost to charge on other networks in Atlantic Canada.
You will receive a notification from the ChargePoint App when your vehicle is charged, and you will then have 10 minutes to unplug and move your vehicle. After the 10-minute period, users will continue to be charged at the same price until they disconnect from the charger. To help ensure chargers are available for other users, we encourage you to move your EV as soon as charging is complete.
What are the environmental benefits of electric vehicles?
EVs are the way of the future–a future that leverages our province’s already environmentally–friendly power generation and propels us to a greener way of living.
According to CAA, transportation is the second–largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada. In our province, the transportation sector represents 34% of provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By increasing the number of EVs and zero-emission vehicles on the road, we’re contributing to a greener future for our province and country.
To learn more about the environmental benefits of EVs, check out the carbon reduction calculator at takeChargeNL!
How much will my electricity bill increase if I own an EV?
Just like your gasoline powered car, how much electricity you use will vary based on a number of factors, including the type of EV you have as well as how and how much you drive. Regardless of those factors, it costs less per kilometer to drive an EV.
Will there be a special electricity rate for charging at home?
At this time, there is no specific electricity rate for charging your EV at home. The rate for charging your EV at home would be he same as the rate for the electricity you use throughout your home.
Assuming your EV has a 65kWh battery, it would cost less than $8 to charge your EV at home at todays electricity rates!