As an electric vehicle owner in Canada, finding charging stations along your route is essential for any road trip. While public charging infrastructure continues to expand across the country, knowing where to charge up can still require some planning. The good news is that there are helpful resources available to locate EV charging stations near your current location or along your intended route.
The Growth of Electric Vehicles in Canada
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, over 68,000 plug-in electric vehicles were on Canadian roads in 2019, up from just over 50,000 the year before. This trend is projected to continue as more affordable and longer-range EVs enter the market.
For EV owners and prospective buyers, the Canada EV charging station availability is crucial. Fortunately, Canada’s charging network is also growing rapidly. As of 2019, there were over 12,000 public charging stations across the country, a 63% increase from 2018. The majority of these are level 2 charging stations, but fast charging and Tesla Superchargers are also becoming more common.
- Level 2 charging stations provide 6 to 7 kilowatts of power, adding about 30 to 50 kilometers of range per hour of charging. These are ideal for charging at home, work or public parking lots where vehicles are parked for longer periods.
- Fast charging stations, like those in the FLO and Ivy Charging networks, provide 50 to 350 kilowatts, adding up to 200 kilometers of range in under 30 minutes. These fast chargers allow for convenient long-distance travel.
- Tesla Superchargers provide 120 kilowatts of power and are exclusively for Tesla vehicles. Over 100 Supercharger stations are located along major routes across Canada.
For EV owners, the most convenient option is often to charge at home, taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates. However, the growing public charging infrastructure, including fast charging along major highways and in urban centers, provides more flexibility and range confidence for Canadian EV drivers. With more models, longer ranges and an expanding charging network, the future of EVs in Canada looks bright.
Types of EV Charging Stations in Canada
To charge your electric vehicle (EV) in Canada, Electrly offers a comprehensive charger map with several options to choose from. The major types of EV charging stations available across the country include:
- Level 1 charging stations: These provide charging through a standard 120V AC plug and are the slowest option, typically adding 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Nearly all EVs come with a Level 1 charger for at-home charging.
- Level 2 charging stations: These operate on a 240V AC plug and can charge most EVs in 3 to 8 hours. Many public charging locations, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings offer Level 2 charging.
- Fast charging stations: These DC fast charging stations can provide an 80% charge in 20 to 30 minutes. They operate on a 480V AC plug and are ideal for quick top-ups on long drives. Major networks like Electrify Canada, Petro-Canada and Flo have fast charging stations along major routes and in some urban areas.
- Tesla Superchargers: Tesla operates a nationwide network exclusively for Tesla EV owners. Fees apply for use. Superchargers can provide up to 250 miles of range in 30 minutes.
To locate EV charging stations near you, use the Government of Canada’s online search tool or one of the many third-party apps and services like PlugShare, ChargeHub or Electrly. Enter your location and charge to find available stations, compare rates and amenities, and get directions. With Canada’s growing charging infrastructure, you’ll be able to drive your EV with more confidence than ever before.
Finding Public EV Charging Stations Near You
Finding public EV charging stations near you is key to enjoying the benefits of electric vehicle ownership. There are several ways to locate charging points in your area so you can charge on the go.
Use an EV Charging Station Locator
The most comprehensive way to find EV charging stations is to use a locator website or mobile app. Some recommended options for Canadian EV owners include:
- PlugShare – This popular charging station locator provides information on over 200,000 charging points worldwide, including more than 6,000 in Canada. You can filter by connector type, network, and amenity to find compatible and convenient stations.
- ChargeHub – ChargeHub’s locator maps over 10,000 public charging stations across Canada. In addition to basic location and amenity details, ChargeHub provides real-time availability and pricing information for many charging points.
- Flo – Flo is a leading EV charging network operator in Canada with over 2,500 charging ports nationwide. Their mobile app and locator map allow you to find Flo stations as well as other public charging points. You can check real-time availability and even start and stop charging sessions directly in the Flo app.
Many automakers offer built-in EV navigation and charging station locators. If you have an EV from Chevrolet, Nissan, Tesla or other brands, check to see if their navigation system can locate nearby charging points and provide directions. These systems tap into some of the same data as third-party locators but may have additional details on compatible stations.
Look for Signage
As the number of EVs on the road grows, more businesses and public places are installing EV charging stations. Watch for signs indicating charging station locations at places you frequent like shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and parking garages. While signage alone won’t give you details on a station’s power level or availability, it can alert you to charging options in the area.
With various locator tools and resources at your disposal, finding an EV charging station when you need one should be convenient. Be sure to check details on a station’s power level, connector type and real-time availability before heading out to charge your electric vehicle.
Charging Your EV at Home
Charging at Home
As an EV owner, the most convenient place to charge your vehicle is at home. Installing a Level 2 charger in your garage or driveway allows you to charge your EV overnight while you sleep. Level 2 chargers can fully recharge most EVs in 3 to 8 hours.
To install a home charger, you’ll need to hire an electrician to assess your home’s electrical system and install the necessary wiring and charging unit. The average cost to install a Level 2 charger in Canada ranges from $500 to $2,000 depending on the charger type and complexity of the installation. Many utilities and governments offer rebates and incentives that can offset 50-100% of the installation cost.
Once installed, charging at home is very simple. Just plug your EV into the charger, select your desired charging speed or schedule using the charger controls or mobile app, and charging will begin automatically. Most EV owners charge their vehicles overnight when energy rates are lowest. Some utilities offer special EV charging rates and plans to make at-home charging even more affordable.
Home charging provides many benefits for EV owners including:
- Convenience: Charge while you sleep and wake up to a full battery every morning.
- Lower costs: Home energy rates are cheaper than public charging.
- Charge control: Select charging speeds and schedules that work for your needs.
- Energy insight: Many chargers provide details on your charging stats, costs and environmental impact.
- Future proofing: A Level 2 charger will work with any EV you may own now or in the future.
Installing an at-home charger is the best way to ensure you have a full battery whenever you need it and maximize the benefits of driving an electric vehicle. Check with your local utility to explore your home charging options and find available rebates to make the transition to an EV even more affordable. The open road awaits!
EV Charging Station FAQs: Answering Your Questions About Charging in Canada
How do I find EV charging stations near me in Canada?
To locate EV charging stations in your area, the best resource is Electrly’s EV Charging Stations Near Me page. On this site, you can enter your location or postal code and filter the results by connector type, network, and availability to find compatible and available charging options nearby. The site provides details for each station like the number of ports, port types, pricing, and amenities.
Are there different types of EV charging stations?
Yes, there are three main types of EV charging stations in Canada:
- Level 1: Provides charging through a standard 120V AC outlet. Typically charges at a rate of 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 2: Uses a 240V AC outlet to provide faster charging at a rate of 10 to 20 miles of range per hour. Level 2 is the most common public charging type.
- DC Fast Charging: Provides rapid charging using a 480V DC outlet. Can charge at a rate of 60 to 100 miles of range in 20 minutes. Ideal for long-distance travel.
The type of port your EV uses will determine which stations are compatible. The most common connectors in Canada are CHAdeMO, CCS, and Tesla.
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How much does it cost to charge an EV in Canada?
Charging costs will vary depending on the station and network. Many public Level 2 stations offer free charging for a limited time. For longer charges, fees are often less than $5 per session. Some networks like ChargePoint and FLO offer monthly membership plans with lower rates. DC fast charging typically starts around $10 to $15 per session. Many EV owners charge primarily at home to save on public station costs. Home charging rates will depend on your local utility’s EV charging programs and rates.
Do I need any special equipment to charge at home?
To charge your EV at home, you will need a Level 1 or Level 2 EV charging station installed. Level 2 stations require a 240V outlet and typically cost between $500 to $2,000 installed, depending on the amperage. You may be eligible for rebates on the cost of a Level 2 station through federal, provincial, and utility programs. Check with your local utility company about any special EV rates or charging programs they offer as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many resources available to help you locate EV charging stations throughout Canada. Whether you want to find stations along your route for a road trip or simply locate your nearest charging options, the tools and apps highlighted in this article make it easy. With the continued expansion of charging infrastructure across the country, more Canadians are able to consider an electric vehicle as their next vehicle purchase. The convenience of locating and accessing charging combined with the environmental benefits of driving an EV means the future of electric mobility in Canada looks very bright. The next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle, be sure to consider an EV – you may find it suits your needs perfectly.