The first DC fast charger in Hay River is now operational, marking a significant milestone for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
The Hay River location is equipped with two 100kW DC chargers capable of charging a battery from 0 to 80% within 20–30 minutes, and two Level 2 chargers. The chargers are operated on the FLO network and are located in front of Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) headquarters at 4 Capital Drive.
The chargers were Installed by NT Energy and supported by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and is the first step to developing a zero-emission transportation network. The government plans to create an EV charging corridor, with 22 planned fast chargers to link communities from Yellowknife to the Alberta border.
This corridor is set to make driving EVs over long distances more accessible, bridging the remote distances within the territory and reducing dependency on traditional fuel sources.
“This installation represents a step toward establishing an EV corridor and encouraging EV adoption in the North,” said Cory Strang, President and CEO of NTPC. The development also aligns with GNWT’s target to reduce vehicle emissions by 10% per capita by 2030.
The GNWT has allocated significant funding for these installations, drawing from both territorial and federal programs. Contributions include $1.76 million from the GNWT’s 2022-2025 Energy Action Plan and additional grants from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
NT Energy plans to open additional DC fast charging stations in Fort Smith and Behchokǫ̀ by late fall. Buffalo Junction on Highway 5 is also slated to receive a charger by early 2025.
