Manitoba Hydro has announced plans to build the province’s first publicly owned EV charging network, delivering fast-charging capability along the long stretch of Highway 6 between Winnipeg and Thompson—a route to the northern part of the province that until now has been one of the most challenging for EV travel anywhere in Canada.
The project marks a major milestone for the province’s transition to cleaner transportation. While private and commercial chargers already exist in southern Manitoba, almost none are located in the northern and remote regions. Hydro officials say this new buildout will directly address the single largest gap in the province’s charging network.
The first phase of the project will see six communities receive EV chargers. The exact sites within each community have not yet been finalized.
- Lundar
- St. Martin (Pinaymootang First Nation)
- Grand Rapids (Misipawistik Cree Nation)
- Ponton (Pimicikamak Cree Nation)
- Wabowden (Pimicikamak Cree Nation)
- Thompson (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation)
The locations are spread evenly along Highway 6, ensuring EV drivers will be able to travel the full 760-kilometre corridor with fast-charging support for the first time.
“We’re excited to launch this new EV charging network, which bridges a gap in EV charging coverage and supports the province’s Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan,” said Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Allan Danroth. “The initiative builds on our partnerships with First Nations and unlocks new economic and tourism opportunities for northern communities.”
Manitoba Hydro says that EV traffic along Highway 6 is nearly nonexistent today due to the total lack of charging options north of Winnipeg. Once operational, the network is expected to make EV ownership a viable alternative in northern Manitoba for the first time.
A public procurement process began earlier this summer, with implementation planned for this month, and a target for the first site to be energized by October or November 2026. The full corridor is expected to go live by April 2027.
