People may soon be able to drive from one end of the province to the other without having to worry about their vehicles running out of electricity.
Nova Scotia Power announced Tuesday that it is moving ahead with plans to install Nova Scotia’s first electric vehicle fast-charging network.
This spring, Nova Scotia Power will install a network of 12 Level 3 fast chargers from Yarmouth to Sydney, in an effort to make it a more viable option to drive an electric vehicle in Nova Scotia. These chargers will charge an electric vehicle in 15-30 minutes. The initiative will also enable NS Power to study the effects of electric vehicle fast chargers on the power system.
“We’re excited to move forward with installing this network. It’s absolutely a step in the right direction for our province and strongly aligns with our commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future.” says Karen Hutt, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “As we transition to cleaner energy, we’re also focused on enabling innovative solutions like this for our customers that meet today’s needs and those of future generations.”
Natural Resources Canada will provide funding towards the installation of this network.
“Our government is proud to support the installation of Nova Scotia’s first fast-charging network,” said Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr. “This network will provide more transportation options for drivers and help Canada meet its climate change goals. As we transition to a low-carbon economy, investments in electric vehicle infrastructure help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building cleaner communities.”
This network addresses the lack of high-speed charging stations, which has been flagged as a primary inhibitor to Nova Scotians adopting electric vehicles. Further contributing to the solution, the Government of Nova Scotia plans to include an additional 12 Level 2 chargers at the same locations. These chargers will provide a charging solution for plug-in hybrid vehicles that are unable to charge using the Level 3 chargers.
"Nova Scotia is a leader in reducing emissions, and electric vehicles have the potential to build on our successes as we achieve our climate change goals," said Nova Scotia Energy Minister Geoff MacLellan. "Research and innovation are key parts of our electricity plan, and as Nova Scotians look for ways to make cleaner choices it makes sense to invest in the infrastructure needed to support those options."
Last summer, a public request for proposals was issued to select location partners for the fast chargers. These partners have been chosen and will be announced next month.
