Need for chargers in N.S. grows with more electric vehicles on the road, experts say

Chad MacLean, a co-owner and operator of Garage EV in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, saw an opportunity in the growing trend of electric vehicles (EVs). Two years ago, he helped open a repair shop specifically for electric vehicles after noticing a shift away from gas-powered cars while working as a technician at a dealership. Now, half of his customers drive electric vehicles, reflecting the increasing popularity of EVs in the province.

However, MacLean highlighted a common challenge faced by EV owners in Nova Scotia – the lack of charging infrastructure. According to him, many customers express frustration over the limited availability of charging stations, which can hinder their ability to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power. This issue is a major concern for the EV community in the region.

Despite the growing number of electric vehicles registered in Nova Scotia, the charging infrastructure has not kept pace with the demand. Statistics from Statistics Canada show a significant increase in the number of electric battery vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in electrics in the province. However, there is a clear need for more charging stations to support this growing fleet of electric vehicles.

Nova Scotia Power reported that there were over 200 public electric vehicle chargers in the province as of January 2023, with the number expected to reach close to 300. The federal government also announced plans to invest over $3 million to install 660 electric chargers across the province, aiming to improve the charging infrastructure for EV owners.

Kurt Sampson, co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada, emphasized the importance of continued investment in charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles in Nova Scotia. He noted that the province lags behind other provinces like Quebec and Ontario in terms of EV adoption and charger availability.

Sampson also highlighted the role that businesses like hotels and restaurants can play in expanding the charging network, providing more options for EV owners to charge their vehicles while on the go. He stressed the need for a robust network of charging infrastructure to support both current EV owners and potential buyers considering making the switch to electric vehicles.

To improve the charging network in Nova Scotia, Sampson suggested focusing on rural areas when installing new chargers to ensure that residents and visitors have access to charging stations on longer trips. By addressing these challenges and expanding the charging infrastructure, Nova Scotia can make significant progress in supporting the growing number of electric vehicles on its roads.