Newfoundland and Labrador invests in fast-charging network

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) have announced CAD 3.8 million in funding to expand the Canadian province’s electric vehicle charging network. NL Hydro has contributed an additional CAD 463,000 to support the project.

Funding “is supported with $3.8 million announced in Budget 2025,” with CAD 1.9 million allocated for 2025-26 and a further CAD 1.9 million for 2026-27. The expansion will see the installation of four new fast charging stations, delivering up to 120 kW, in L’Anse-au-Loup and Port Hope Simpson in 2026—the first fast chargers in Southern Labrador. Alongside these, ten new ultra-fast chargers with up to 400 kW capacity will also be deployed in 2026.

The new chargers will be strategically located to manage demand at existing sites and enhance regional connectivity, with planned installations in St John’s East (2), Carbonear (2), Grand Falls-Windsor (2), Corner Brook (2) and Hawke’s Bay (2). NL Hydro is inviting local businesses to apply as site hosts to support the installation and operation of the chargers.

The project builds on the initial 11 ultra-fast chargers scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Once completed, the province will have 62 public fast chargers, including 21 ultra-fast units, alongside over 220 Level 2 charging ports across government, commercial and private sites.

“There are now 1,700 battery-electric vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador – a 1,400 per cent increase over the past decade,” said Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Increasing access to ultra-fast chargers across the province ensures we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the growing EV community and goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce our carbon footprint and work collaboratively with our partners to create a greener transport sector.”

“With 21 electric vehicles in our fleet, Hydro is proud to support electric vehicle ownership in our province, and with more than 90 per cent renewable electricity generated in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is a great place to drive electric,” added Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of NL Hydro. “Last month, our charging network set a record for monthly usage, reaching more than 2,800 sessions. The addition of these ultra-fast chargers is the next frontier for EV travel in our province—cutting charging time in half, reducing wait times, and contributing to a more sustainable future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

gov.nl.ca