The NWT government says level two and level three electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in Behchokǫ̀ and Fort Smith.
Each station includes two 100-kW chargers and two 19.2-kW chargers. Typically, level three chargers are bigger in size and offer speedier charging compared to level two chargers.
In a Tuesday news release, the Department of Infrastructure said the installation is part of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy and 2022-2025 Energy Action Plan, with the intent to reduce transportation emissions and bring the territory “closer to establishing a zero-emission vehicle corridor.”
“The GNWT is strategically investing in EV charging infrastructure in hydroelectric-powered communities to encourage electric vehicle adoption, promote energy affordability in the North, and address climate change,” the department wrote.
“This infrastructure supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, attracts new utility customers, and helps stabilize electricity rates across the NWT.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
In 2024, a level-three EV charging station was opened in Hay River. The year prior, NWT power firm Naka Power, formerly Northland Utilities, opened Yellowknife’s first level three electric vehicle charger.
NT Energy said the charging stations in Behchokǫ̀ and Fort Smith will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It said there will be a cost for idling in any of the charging spots to encourage drivers to move their vehicles once they are done charging.
NT Energy said the hourly cost for users to charge their vehicles will be $6 for level 2 charging and $33 for level 3 charging. It said it will review rates, usage and operating costs after two years.
The GNWT said it plans to add chargers in Fort Providence and Enterprise next year, aligning with its vision of creating “an EV charging corridor that will eventually span from Yellowknife to the NWT-Alberta border.”
The NWT government said earlier this year that it expected that EV charging corridor would be ready for use by the end of March.
