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Drivers of electric vehicles in the Canadian Arctic now have 34 public charging stations for seven vehicles, according to the Natural Resources Department.
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In fact, the 3.9 million square kilometres incorporating the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut is the first area in Canada to achieve 100% charging capacity, reported Blacklock’s Reporter.
“The department understands the importance of ensuring there is sufficient public charging infrastructure and is taking steps to understand and address needs, including in northern and remote areas,” the department wrote to the Senate national finance committee.
“There are currently 34 public electric vehicle chargers in the territories to service the seven electric vehicles, representing a ratio of less than one electric vehicle to charger.”
The department didn’t say where the 34 charging stations are located or who is driving electric cars.
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The lack of public charging stations was identified as one reason for Canada’s slow uptake of electric cars in a 2022 natural resources department study.
“Half of respondents are unsure whether repair and maintenance costs for a zero emission vehicle are lower than for a gas or diesel powered vehicle (46% said they do not know) or whether zero emission vehicles have the same towing ability as conventional vehicles,” said the study, “Canadians’ Awareness, Knowledge And Attitudes Related To Zero Emission Vehicles.”
“Only 5% of Canadians said they currently own or lease a vehicle that runs on electricity,” said the report. “The vast majority, 95%, do not.”
Statistics Canada reported in March that Canadians registered 1.7 million new vehicles in 2023 and, of those, 1.2 million use gasoline.
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