Choosing electric vehicle (EV) instead of a gas or diesel powered one has many benefits for the driver, the broader community, and the environment. Charging an EV is cheaper than fueling up at the gas pump, EV’s require less maintenance, and they reduce GHG emissions which contribute to air quality issues and climate change.
New technology, designs, charging stations, rebates and incentives are quickly making EV’s a more desirable and mainstream option for individuals looking to purchase a vehicle. It has never been easier than it is right now to make the environmentally responsible choice to go electric!
Charlottetown’s EV Charging Station Locations
*map is sourced through Charge Hub Map and is not maintained by the City of Charlottetown*
The City of Charlottetown has installed nineteen (19) Level 2 chargers in Charlottetown in the following locations:
• City Hall (2) - Kent Street, premium - no grace period
($4/h Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM, $3/h Evenings and Weekends)
• new Public Library (2) - Queen Street, premium - no grace period
($4/h Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM, $3/h Evenings and Weekends)
• Great George street (2), premium - no grace period
($4/h Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM, $3/h Evenings and Weekends)
• Peakes Quay (2) - CADC Parking Lot ($3/h)
• Cody Banks Arena (2) - Maple Ave ($3/h)
• Fitzroy Parkade (2) ($3/h)
• Pownal Parkade (2) ($3/h)
• Simmons Arena (2) ($3/h)
• West Royalty Community Center (2) - Kirkdale Road ($3/h)
• Hillsborough Community Center (1) - Patterson Drive ($3/h)
The government of PEI also has chargers installed in Charlottetown, as do private businesses and other institutions located in the City.
A note on parking violations for the EV public charging station spaces at the following locations - Peakes Quay, Cody Banks Arena, Fitzroy Parkade, Pownal Parkade, Simmons Arena, West Royalty Community Center, and Hillsborough Community Center:
The connector for these chargers are only disengaged if a payment method is presented. Once the vehicle is fully charged a 30 min grace period is given to the user to move their vehicle. If they leave their vehicle connected beyond the grace period to the charger they will automatically start incurring a parking fees for as long as they are connected to the vehicle.
Any car parked in any EV public charging space that is not physically connected to the charger shall be ticketed and treated similar to a handicap parking space violation with a minimum $50.00 fine.
Considering an EV?
The following rebate & loan programs are available for Charlottetown residents:
- Provincial Universal EV Incentive - $5,000 for a new or used electric vehicle and a FREE level 2 Charger. No application needed, rebates are applied at point-of-sale for eligible vehicles.
- Free vehicle registration at the provincial Department of Motor Vehicles for all EV’s
- Federal iZEV Program – up to $5,000 in rebates for new vehicles automatically applied at point-of-sale for eligible vehicles
Range anxiety?
Research shows that a big concern Canadian’s have around EV’s is that they will not be able to complete their regular commutes or longer-range trips on a full charge. With advancements in EV and charging technology, and increasingly readily available and conveniently located charging infrastructure there is no need to worry!
Types of Chargers
Level 1: AKA Trickle Chargers can be used by plugging one end into any standard 120V outlet, and the other end directly into the car. They take about 20 hours to provide a charge of 200 kilometers (124 miles) .
Level 2: These are the most common chargers you will find to charge your electric vehicle on PEI. The City has installed a number of these chargers across Charlottetown in 2021. They require a 240V outlet which allows charging 3 to 7 times faster than a Level 1 depending on the electric car and the charger.
Level 3: AKA Fast Chargers provide a direct current of power directly to the battery. Exact charging times are dependent on a number of factors but many vehicles are capable of getting an 80% charge in about 1 hour with most Level 3 chargers. Not all electric vehicles are compatible with these chargers.