Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in response to rising demand, with plans to install 11 new ultra-fast charging stations along the Trans-Canada Highway by the end of 2025.
The 11 new stations will feature ultra-fast chargers capable of significantly reducing charging times. While no specifications for the new chargers were provided, ultra-fast chargers are typically rated for between 150kW to 350kW. It was said that the new units will reduce charging times to under 20 minutes for compatible vehicles.
The announcement came during the utility’s annual general meeting in St. John’s on Tuesday. CEO Jennifer Williams emphasized that the shift toward electric vehicles in the province is not slowing down—in fact, it’s accelerating.
“There is a fallacy, I think, that some folks really think that the demand is dropping off, but we are seeing an increase in demand,” said Williams. (via CBC)
According to N.L. Hydro, usage of its EV charging network increased by 40 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The majority of charging sessions were recorded along the Trans-Canada Highway, indicating the importance of reliable, fast-charging infrastructure for long-distance travel.
The expansion is part of N.L. Hydro’s broader efforts to support the province’s transition to cleaner transportation. As more drivers make the switch from gas-powered vehicles to EVs, access to fast, reliable charging has become a key focus for governments and utilities alike.
Newfoundland and Labrador currently has no Tesla Supercharger stations, although two are planned for St. John’s. One is a site earned through the Supercharger Voting program in Q4 2023, while the second is a regular “in development” site on Tesla’s Find Us map.
