Canada’s EV Charging Network Is Falling Short, Experts Warn

Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) adoption is gaining momentum — but its charging infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. Despite rising numbers of EV chargers along popular routes, experts say Canada remains far behind the targets needed to support future demand.

Right now, the country has just over 35,000 charging stations, far short of the 100,520 experts say is necessary to meet national climate goals and support commercial and residential EV use.

New Targets, Old Gaps

In a 2021 report for Natural Resources Canada, Montreal-based Dunsky Energy and Climate estimated Canada needed 52,000 public chargers by 2025. However, by early 2024, they revised that figure significantly higher — now projecting over 100,000 needed chargers to accommodate commercial fleets, long-haul routes, and urban residents without home charging access.

“We’ve updated our analysis to reflect more realistic usage and accessibility needs,” said Jeff Turner, Dunsky’s Director of Mobility. “And the gap is still massive.”

Urban Dwellers Left Behind

The shortfall is especially difficult for Canadians living in multi-unit residential buildings, who often can’t install personal chargers and rely on public or curbside access.

“The biggest issue isn’t the technology — it’s equitable access,” Turner explained. “People in apartments or condos can’t just run an extension cord out their window.”

With 88% of Canada’s public charging stations concentrated in B.C., Ontario, and Quebec—provinces that also account for 92% of new EV sales—many parts of the country remain underserved.

Ottawa’s Charging Plan Still in Waiting Mode

The federal government issued a call for new EV charging station proposals last year, but approved funding is still pending. According to Turner, these installations are likely to begin after the 2025 summer construction season wraps up.

“We’re in a holding pattern,” he said. “The funding exists, the will exists — but execution is what will matter next.”

Road Trips Are No Longer the Dealbreaker

One bright spot? Long-distance EV travel is becoming easier, particularly along the corridor between Toronto and the Atlantic provinces. Many modern EVs can now charge up to 80% capacity in just 30–35 minutes — and some in under 20 minutes.

Turner himself has driven the Montreal–Halifax route twice in an EV and says trip anxiety is steadily fading.

“People used to say, ‘I can’t drive across the country in an EV,’ but now that’s changing,” he said. “We’ve hit a point where highway corridors are fairly well-covered.”

2035 Mandate Puts Pressure on the Grid

Starting in 2026, 20% of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) — including plug-in hybrids. That requirement will rise yearly, hitting 100% by 2035.

But the plan isn’t without opposition. Some automakers argue they’ll be forced to pull gas-powered vehicles from dealerships to meet targets, potentially disrupting production and supply chains. There’s also political pressure on Ottawa to repeal or revise the mandate.

Still, Turner said that charging infrastructure must expand, regardless of how the sales policy plays out.

“Even if we change the sales targets tomorrow, we’ll still need chargers,” he said. “Because Canadians will still need to drive, and they’ll still need to recharge — whether that’s in a city, rural town, or national park.”

Infrastructure Is the Key, Not Just EV Sales

Ultimately, the conversation around EVs can’t stop at how many are on the road. Where and how they’re charged will determine the success of Canada’s zero-emission goals.

As Turner put it: “The number of cars matters — but so does the ability to charge them easily, quickly, and everywhere.”

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest on EV trends and sustainable mobility in Canada.