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.
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.
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.
Yes! Installation and commissioning of the chargers was complete in August 2021, when the final charging location became available in Corner Brook. Learn more here.
Not at first. The first phase of our fast charging network enables EV users to drive across the island portion of the province, with 14 fast chargers generally along the Trans-Canada Highway from St. John’s to Port aux Basques. But, this is just the beginning. Establishing a fast-charging network on the island was an important first step toward making EVs a more viable option for drivers everywhere in our province – and one that will help pave the way to expanding the network in other regions over time.
In fact, we’re already planning to expand the network in other areas, including Labrador. Through takeCHARGE, a joint partnership between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power, we’re planning to install an additional 19 EV charging stations around the province. More details about the next phase of the charging network will be announced as final details and approval are known.
The first phase of the charging network includes 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 selected in 2020 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!