Electric vehicle chargers in Alberta are becoming more popular with people and organizations recognizing the need to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and contribute to a cleaner future. They also save on gas costs, and have many other benefits, such as being able to use them while travelling.
Charging stations for electric vehicles are now available in most areas of the country, and there is an increase in demand as more and more people purchase EVs. Some cities are even offering free charging, as well as rebates and incentives for EV owners.
There are currently more than 200 public charging stations Learn more here located throughout the province. These include level 1 and 2 chargers, as well as fast-charging stations.
One of the most exciting developments in electric-vehicle charging is that more and more businesses are installing EV charging stations in their stores or restaurants. Some even offer the option for customers to complete a charge while they are shopping.
For example, the IKEA Calgary store features a charger that allows electric-vehicle drivers to recharge their cars while completing their errands.
In addition to a growing number of public charging stations, there are also more and more residential EV chargers available in the province. For instance, in the City of Calgary there are more than 260 EV chargers available for home and business owners.
If you want to install an EV charger at your home, make sure it is installed by a qualified electrician who follows Alberta government guidelines and regulations. A faulty charging station can cause serious damage to your car and could also lead to a fire.
Whether you are a resident or an organization, there are various incentive programs and grants available to help you install an electric vehicle charger. These can be funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) or through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Budget 2022 also announced an additional $1.7 billion to the Electric Vehicles for Municipal Fleet Program until March 2025. This funding will support a larger range of municipal EVs, including more vans and trucks, as well as the installation of charging stations at municipal locations.
The Government of Alberta is also making it easier for municipalities to install EV chargers. Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced a $2-million investment to Alberta Municipalities through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre to support the installation of up to 260 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the province.
If your municipality is considering installing an EV charger, contact us to learn about the incentives and support offered by the Action Centre. The program will offset the cost of the charger and support installation in public places, on-street locations, municipal workplaces, or for your municipal vehicle fleet.
There are a variety of EV charging options for home and business owners to choose from, including level 1 and 2 chargers as well as DC fast-chargers. The level of EV charging you require will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, how often you travel and how long it takes to fully charge your battery.