Federal NRCan funding paves the way for Newfoundland EV fast-charging network

The 14-station network is to be completed by year-end, removing a major barrier to electric vehicle adoption in the province

With federal funding confirmed, Newfoundland and Labrador is now on track to start construction of a 14-station fast-charging network, first announced last year, with all stations slated for completion by the end of 2020.

Last week, the federal minister of natural resources, Seamus O’Regan, announced $770,000 in federal funding for Newfoundland Hydro to complete the network, which also includes a Level 2 charger at every station.

The network will cross all of Newfoundland along the Trans-Canada Highway, from Greater St. John’s in the east to Port Aux Basques in the west.

The province is providing additional project funding of almost $1.3 million through its Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative and Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

Lifts barrier to EV adoption

In an e-mail to Electric Autonomy Canada, Jennifer Williams, president of Newfoundland Labrador Hydro, says the project will help Newfoundland move toward a cleaner future.

“We’re excited about the project for many reasons, but most importantly, it’s about increasing EV use in the province while contributing to lower emissions and helping protect our environment for future generations,” says Williams. “The best part about driving electric here in Newfoundland and Labrador is that most of our power comes from clean, renewable sources such as hydroelectricity and wind. By making the switch, you can support a more sustainable future in our province.”

Until now, the lack of a fast-charging network has been seen as a barrier to EV adoption in the province.

“The development of the province’s first electric vehicle fast-charging network will enable electric vehicle owners to travel long distances,” said Siobhan Coady, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minister of natural resources in a statement that accompanied the federal announcement..

Gros Morne on list of sites

Specific station sites have not yet been announced, but the parameters for each location were spelled out in last year’s tender for bids on land leases. This includes a site in Gros Morne National Park.

Williams says future network expansion is also anticipated.