Canada’s commitment to embracing electric vehicles (EVs) took another significant step forward with Tesla’s decision to open its Supercharger network to other EV brands in the country. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to make EV charging more accessible, with the introduction of nearly 3,000 EV chargers across various locations, including residential buildings and offices.
Tesla’s Supercharger Network Expansion:
Following its pledge to open up its Supercharger network, Tesla announced that it would extend its initiative to Canada. In coordination with the Canadian government, the company will grant access to its Supercharger network to EVs from other manufacturers. This pioneering effort is set to begin later in the year with a pilot route from Ottawa to Sudbury.
By the conclusion of 2025, Tesla plans to have 750 stations operational, of which at least 350 will be high-speed 250kW Superchargers. This will be of particular significance to long-distance travelers, as the open charger route will cover a significant stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway between Ottawa and Calgary.
Revitalizing Canada’s EV Charging Infrastructure:
In conjunction with the Supercharger network expansion, the Canadian government is collaborating with partners to install nearly 3,000 EV chargers in multi-use residential buildings, offices, public places, and fleets. The bulk of these chargers (1,908) will be Level 2 chargers, supplemented by an additional 100 Level 3 chargers. Funding is being allocated to five ongoing projects, which aim to install up to 1,328 EV chargers.
The Canadian initiative follows Tesla’s agreement to allow Ford EV drivers access to 12,000 North American Superchargers starting in spring 2024. Alongside this, Ford is adopting Tesla’s open-source charge port standard for its 2025 model year cars. This builds upon previous endeavors to open Superchargers in the US and Europe, providing a solution for those concerned about inconsistent charger quality.
Canada’s EV Future:
Despite not being a major EV hub like the US or China, Canada is making significant strides to establish itself as a key player in the industry. For example, Volkswagen has committed to constructing its first North American EV battery plant in southern Ontario. While a deal for a Stellantis EV battery plant remains uncertain, its potential impact could be significant. Given Canada’s existing car manufacturing base and its goal to ban sales of combustion engine passenger cars by 2035, the country is taking proactive steps to increase demand for EVs.
