The provincial and federal governments are investing a combined $1.4 million to install nine additional charging sites around the province for electric vehicles. This will nearly double the number of fast-charging stations in NB Power's eCharge Network.
The investments include $774,500 from the provincial government, which includes $577,000 from NB Power and $197,500 from the Regional Development Corporation, and $647,500 from the federal government, which includes $450,000 from Natural Resources Canada and $197,500 from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
"The climate change action plan calls for a collaborative approach to creating the strategic infrastructure to support electric vehicles, and we are proud to be a partner in such a progressive plan to build greener infrastructure and support the low-carbon economy," said Environment and Local Government Minister Serge Rousselle. "Today's (January 15) announcement is exciting news and shows that, by working together, we have positioned New Brunswick as a leader in supporting electric transportation."
The new fast chargers will be accompanied by a level-2 charger at each location.
Since last summer, 10 fast-charge sites have been installed in New Brunswick. The new sites announced nearly double the capacity and include many rural communities.
"Expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations, in New Brunswick and across the country, will give Canadians more transportation options and help put more clean vehicles on our roads and highways", said Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier. "Congratulations to NB Power and its partners for helping to advance our federal and provincial efforts to build a clean economy, create well-paying jobs, and realize our climate change goals."
Cormier attended for federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr.
Electric vehicle owners can reduce their fuel-related costs by about 80 per cent while reducing their carbon footprint by 80 per cent, according to NB Power.
"We are very proud to spearhead this first in Canada," said NB Power president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas. "By having a network of fast chargers throughout our province, it will give electric vehicle owners the peace of mind they need when they are travelling from one point to another. It will reduce range anxiety."
The new chargers will be in the following locations:
- Saint-Quentin
- Eel River Bar
- Bathurst
- Tracadie
- Miramichi
- Doaktown
- Richibucto
- Rothesay
- southwestern New Brunswick
Other chargers have been installed since last summer in the following locations:
- Edmundston
- Saint-André
- Perth-Andover
- Woodstock
- Prince William
- Waasis
- Youngs Cove
- Salisbury
- Moncton
- Aulac
About the eCharge Network
The eCharge Network is NB Power's public charging program for electric vehicles. It consists of standard level-2 (240 volt) charging stations throughout the province and will result in 19 fast-charging stations (400 volt), not only along the Trans-Canada Highway from Edmundston to Aulac, but throughout the province.
Quick facts
- It takes several hours to recharge completely at a standard level-2 charging station.
- Both plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles can charge at a 120-volt outlet or standard level-2 charging stations (240 volt).
- An all-electric vehicle can recharge up to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes at a fast-charging (level 3 / 400 volt) station.
