Travelling to the northern parts will become more feasible if you have an electric vehicle in the near future.
Manitoba Hydro has chosen communities where electric vehicle charging stations will be located. There will be six charging stations between Winnipeg and Manitoba. They include Lundar, St. Martin, Grand Rapids, Ponton, Wabowden, and Thompson.
While Manitoba has hundreds of EV charging stations, many are limited to major highways and southern communities.
Peter Chura is the media relations officer with Manitoba Hydro.
"This bridges a gap in coverage," said Chura. "It also allows us to partner with First Nations. It could also unlock some tourism potential by making it more possible for people with electric vehicles to cover that distance between Winnipeg and Thompson."
Manitoba Hydro is in talks with vendors, suppliers, First Nations, and communities where the chargers will be to determine the exact location. The six-charger network is expected to be fully operational by the spring of 2027.
"Most of the chargers will be able to accommodate four vehicles at a time and take 20 to 30 minutes per vehicle," ended Chura. "Part of our priority in placing these stations is making sure they are in place where there are other amenities. Washrooms, a restaurant, or another gas station. Some places people can utilize while they wait for their vehicle to be charged, especially in the winter."
The chargers will align with market prices. A typical commercial charging session costs around $20 an hour.
