Clean Energy Accelerates EV Travel in Newfoundland and Labrador

Electricity Canada: The Grid 2022

Janine McCarthy

Senior Communications Specialist, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

In Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 85% of all electricity is generated from renewable sources such as hydroelectricity. As jurisdictions worldwide look to clean energy solutions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change, our province is well-positioned to contribute to established targets and support a greener future.

Despite an abundance of clean energy to help power the transportation sector, until recently Newfoundland and Labrador was the only province in Canada without a fast-charging network for electric vehicles. Although they have been on the market for some time, a lack of charging infrastructure has been a key barrier for consumers who are considering making the switch from a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle to an electric one. Purchasing a vehicle that could not be conveniently and quickly recharged for travel across our vast province was a major barrier for consumers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Taking the Critical First Steps to EV Adoption

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has been operating our province’s electricity system for more than 50 years. As the provincial Crown utility, we’re focused on meeting customer needs today, while also planning for the future of our sector. Our mandate is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, and we believe electric vehicles have an important role to play in our electricity future.

That is why in 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro led the charge to increase electric vehicle use in the province. In partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, we established the province’s first fast-charging network.

Electricity Canada: The Grid 2022

Supporting a Greener Future in Newfoundland and Labrador

Construction of the network was a critical first step toward making electric vehicle ownership a viable option for drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Taking this step also links our province with an established network of fast-charging stations throughout Canada, completing a coast-to-coast network and contributing to the country’s overall climate change targets and commitments.

Since construction of the first 14 provincial charging locations was completed in summer 2021, the network has delivered 45.9 MWh of energy through more than 2,000 charging sessions, displacing close to 50 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions through direct charging alone.

In addition to environment benefits, the fast-charging network also allows customers to use the clean, abundant and renewable power generated here at home, while contributing to our province’s electrification and rate mitigation efforts. Indirectly, the network has opened the door to opportunities for electric vehicle education, awareness, purchase incentives and rebates, as well as EV-related tourism. Businesses and charging site hosts at locations along the network also benefit, not to mention, the fuel and maintenance savings for electric vehicle owners.

Development of this essential charging infrastructure has already helped pave the way for increased accessibility to more chargers in other regions of the province, with additional locations expected in 2022 and beyond. As we look to the evolution of electric vehicles in our province, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is proud of the role that we play to support a more sustainable future that is powered by clean, abundant and renewable energy.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is the province’s Crown utility. We are a company of people who work hard behind the scenes because we know our customers are counting on us. Through our generation, transmission and distribution operations, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our customers and providing residents, businesses and communities across the province with safe, reliable power. For more information, visit www.nlhydro.com.

Electricity Canada: The Grid 2022