While citizens in Canada are showing a growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles, the charging infrastructure in many cities is developing much more slowly. Canada is known for its innovation and environmental consciousness, but in reality, it is lagging behind for EV owners. The problems range from broken charging points at ONroute stations to the availability of fast charging in some provinces. These are 25 EV charging nightmares in Canada:
Trenton, Ontario
Local EV drivers in Trenton, Ontario, barely find peace at ONroute stations, where they often have a bad experience. The PlugShare 2024 survey confirmed that in 35 percent of public charger visits at ONroute facilities, users encountered either non-functional chargers or significantly delayed charging speeds. Nearly 4 out of 10 ONroute chargers, which are the most frequently used in the Trenton area, were often reported to be faulty. Since Trenton is a town located on Highway 401, one of the busiest roadways in Canada, it is very easy to get a sense of the range. The industry standard states that public EV chargers should be available 95% of the time; however, Trenton’s stations have an uptime of only 78%, according to Waldora Company data.
Port Hope, Ontario
Port Hope’s EV charging infrastructure mirrors Trenton’s woes, particularly at ONroute stations. Data from the 2023 EV Infrastructure Report indicated that Port Hope’s charging network had a downtime rate of 24%, notably higher than the Ontario provincial average of 15%. Fast chargers at the Port Hope ONroute are heavily trafficked, averaging over 18 sessions per charger daily, which accelerates wear and tear without proportional maintenance. Moreover, customer complaints surged by 30% year-over-year regarding incomplete or canceled charging sessions. Poor maintenance contracts and slow response times are cited as major causes.
Toronto, Ontario
Despite Toronto being Canada’s largest city, some neighborhoods shockingly lack reliable fast-charging options. Data from the Canadian Urban Mobility Index (2024) showed that in Toronto’s Scarborough and Etobicoke regions, there are only 4.2 fast chargers per 100,000 people, compared to 11.6 per 100,000 downtown, creating an infrastructure gap that leaves suburban EV drivers stranded, especially during peak travel seasons. CAA reports highlight that Toronto’s fast charger usage rates often exceed 120% during evenings, resulting in queues and frustrated drivers. Analysts suggest Toronto needs to triple its fast-charging capacity by 2030 to match EV adoption rates.
Cobourg, Ontario
Cobourg has been experiencing issues with faulty chargers, resulting in reduced speeds and session failures. Ivy Charging Network’s 2024 operational report flagged Cobourg’s units with a 21% “critical maintenance” rate, meaning over one in five chargers needed urgent repairs within 12 months. Additionally, user-submitted reports via PlugShare and ChargeHub detailed that Cobourg fast chargers delivered an average of only 41 kW versus their rated 100 kW, displaying more than a 50% drop. EV reliability heavily depends on expected charging speeds, and Cobourg has developed a reputation for being a slow spot on road trips.
Mallorytown, Ontario
Mallorytown’s Ivy charging stations have become an unexpected bottleneck for EV drivers heading toward Ottawa or Montreal. Based on Waldora Company and MacheForum data, Mallorytown’s Ivy units had an average operational uptime of just 76% in 2023, far below the industry best-practice standard of 95%. On high-traffic days, Ivy’s limited bandwidth meant that queues could last up to 45 minutes, discouraging EV users from relying on this route. Additionally, surveys indicated that more than 22% of users abandoned their charging attempts midway.
Odessa, Ontario
Odessa is another Ivy Charging Network station that reflects systemic issues similar to those in Mallorytown. According to internal service records leaked by MacheForum, 1 in 3 fast-charging stalls in Odessa experienced partial or complete failures at least once every 60 days. Moreover, Odessa has an average service response time of 9 days post-failure, compared to the recommended 48-hour repair window suggested by Natural Resources Canada. With EV adoption growing rapidly in smaller Ontario towns, the inability to maintain these critical infrastructures poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electrification.
Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa, traditionally a stronghold in auto manufacturing, faces growing pains with the rise of electric vehicles. Electrify Canada stations in the Oshawa area ranked among the lowest in user satisfaction, according to a 2023 Electrify Canada User Satisfaction Survey. A whopping 47% of users reported needing to detour at least 10–15 km to find an operational fast charger. Even worse, several chargers at popular sites only provide partial charging speeds, averaging 50–60 kW, compared to the advertised 150 kW. This inconsistency forces many users to rethink their travel plans, especially during winter when battery drain is severe.
Gatineau, Quebec
Gatineau’s EV scene is a mixed experience, mainly due to Circuit Electric chargers. Based on MacheForum and ChargeHub data, 29% of users reported charging speeds of less than 25 kW on units rated for 50–100 kW. Gatineau’s network has an uptime rate of just 81%, considerably lower than Montreal’s 89% and Quebec City’s 91%. This inconsistency means longer charging sessions, making quick top-ups nearly impossible. The low density of fast chargers and the lack of investment compound the problem, as Gatineau offers only about 8 chargers per 100 square kilometers, compared to Montreal’s 21. It also risks Gatineau’s otherwise impressive electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate, which recently reached 7% of new car sales.
Montreal, Quebec
Despite its status as an EV-friendly city, Montreal struggles with uneven availability of fast charging stations. According to CAA National, Montreal offers one fast charger for every 1,500 electric vehicles (EVs), a ratio far inferior to the recommended 1:500 ratio for optimal urban EV usage. Additionally, ChargeHub’s 2024 reports indicate that 16% of Montreal’s chargers experience reliability issues every month, often due to the harsh winter impacts. With Montreal’s EV ownership at over 10% of total vehicles, these gaps create real pain points while certain boroughs like LaSalle and Verdun remain particularly underserved.
Calgary, Alberta
Despite Calgary’s high population, fast chargers remain frustratingly scarce. A 2024 MYEV TRIPS report indicated that Calgary has only 76 fast-charging ports citywide, translating to just 4 per 10,000 vehicles, which is well below Vancouver’s 12 per 10,000. Calgary’s sprawling layout worsens the issue, as EV owners often must travel over 15 km to reach a reliable charger. Furthermore, winter conditions that often drop below –20°C severely impact battery performance and increase the need for accessible fast-charging stations. Without a significant infrastructure investment, Calgary risks lagging behind national EV adoption goals of 60% by 2030.
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure faces shortages and vandalism. According to a 2024 MYEV TRIPS survey, nearly 18% of public chargers reported operational downtime due to vandalism, the highest rate among major Canadian cities. Beyond that, the city offers only about five fast chargers per 100,000 residents, falling short of the national recommendation of 10 or more. Community forums highlight broken screens, missing cables, and graffiti as common complaints. Winter also makes maintenance challenging, with repair times averaging 11 days, which is double the industry norm.
Vancouver, British Columbia
While Vancouver leads Canada in the quantity of chargers, it struggles with charger availability and maintenance. Data shows Vancouver has over 3,000 public chargers, but PlugShare users still report an average wait time of 20 minutes at popular locations. Additionally, 23% of fast-charging units experienced maintenance issues within the last year, primarily due to high coastal humidity, which led to technical failures. Vancouver boasts an impressive 14% EV adoption rate, the highest among Canadian cities; however, its infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria mirrors Vancouver’s EV success but also its infrastructure shortcomings. Although the city has a relatively good charger-to-resident ratio (10 per 10,000 people), ChargeHub reports show that over 17% of sessions are abandoned due to technical faults. Victoria’s mild but damp climate contributes to frequent electronics issues, making charger uptime inconsistent. Moreover, seasonal tourism surges by over 30% during the summer months, placing massive additional pressure on the already strained infrastructure. Solutions like mobile charging trucks are being piloted but have yet to scale.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure remains in its infancy. According to the 2024 Electric Mobility Report, Saskatoon has fewer than 15 public chargers for a city of over 270,000 people. Fast-charging units (DCFCs) are practically nonexistent beyond a handful at dealerships. A full 41% of EV drivers surveyed reported modifying their trips to avoid getting stranded. While Saskatchewan’s cold winters (-30°C at times) necessitate robust charging solutions, the province has received relatively little government funding compared to Ontario or British Columbia.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina’s charging scene isn’t much better than Saskatoon’s. A 2024 Mobility Canada report indicates that Regina has only 12 fast chargers citywide, resulting in a charger-to-resident ratio of 0.4 per 10,000 people, one of the lowest among Canadian capitals. Harsh winters and sprawling suburbs make it nearly impossible to own an EV without home charging. Recent initiatives to install 20 new chargers by 2026 still leave Regina behind the curve.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg’s EV infrastructure fails long-distance travelers. CTV News reports that only eight fast chargers serve the Trans-Canada Highway stretch around Winnipeg, forcing drivers to plan meticulously. Local surveys show that 45% of EV owners feel the city “is not ready” for mass EV adoption. With Manitoba seeing brutal winter lows of –35°C, reduced battery range compounds the infrastructure problem significantly. Current provincial plans call for 50 additional chargers by 2027, but progress remains slow.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s suffers from a critically low number of EV chargers. A 2023 CTV News analysis pegged Newfoundland and Labrador as having only five charging ports per 100,000 residents, a stark contrast to Ontario’s 30. While the city is part of new federal incentives to boost infrastructure, real-world drivers face frequent long waits and limited availability, especially for fast chargers. Many EV owners have installed home chargers out of necessity.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown has made impressive early strides but struggles to meet demand. A 2024 PlugShare report reveals that there is only one fast charger for every 900 EVs, making it challenging to keep pace with the tripling of EV registrations since 2021. Public fast chargers are mostly clustered downtown, leaving suburban EV owners with limited access. Additionally, winter storms, which cause frequent power outages, temporarily knock out around 22% of chargers each year. Despite federal grants targeting 2025 expansion, local drivers often rely on Level 2 charging overnight.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is Nova Scotia’s EV hotspot, but the infrastructure hasn’t caught up. According to the Nova Scotia EV Association, the downtown core features an EV-to-fast charger ratio of nearly 1,700:1, causing frequent backups. Moreover, 20% of Halifax’s public chargers experience weather-related outages annually, especially during coastal storms. The government’s ambitious goal to have every public building offer charging by 2030 is promising, but today’s reality is long waits and limited options. Some EV owners have even turned to private businesses, such as hotels, for faster service.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton’s EV drivers face one of the patchiest fast-charging networks in Canada. The 2024 E-Mobility Canada survey found that only 55% of chargers in Fredericton were operational on the first attempt, mainly due to outdated hardware. With an EV ownership growth rate of 60% year-over-year, the city risks congestion if infrastructure upgrades don’t accelerate. Fast chargers are especially scarce outside the city center, with many rural EV owners reporting 50+ km gaps between available chargers.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton outperforms other Atlantic cities slightly in EV infrastructure, but still leaves much to be desired. Statistics Canada reports that there is approximately one fast charger for every 750 EVs, which is better than in Halifax and Charlottetown but still below the optimal level. However, a significant 26% of Moncton’s fast chargers are limited to 50 kW or less, making “fast” charging more akin to an “extended coffee break.” Seasonal tourism exacerbates the problem, with charger demand doubling in the summer months.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife faces significant challenges in developing EV infrastructure due to its extreme weather conditions and geography. As of 2024, Yellowknife has only three public fast chargers for a territory larger than most countries. Temperatures routinely dropping to –40°C mean EV batteries lose range rapidly, and outdoor chargers require heated shelters to function correctly. The Northwest Territories’ EV Strategy aims to double infrastructure by 2028, but progress is slow due to high costs and logistical challenges.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse has demonstrated strong leadership for a city of its size. In 2023, the Yukon government installed 10 new fast chargers, boosting the city’s network by over 80%. Despite that, many chargers still suffer low-speed limitations, often topping out at 25–50 kW. According to Yukon Energy reports, Whitehorse residents cited “charger reliability” as their top EV concern in 2024. Range anxiety remains a common concern, especially for intercity travel, with limited options available outside city limits.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Currently, Iqaluit has no public fast chargers available. Harsh climate, limited road networks, and extremely high infrastructure costs make EV adoption a significant challenge. As of 2024, electric vehicles (EVs) represent less than 0.5% of all vehicles in Nunavut. However, pilot projects are underway to test cold-resistant chargers and battery preconditioning technologies, with the goal of deployment by 2027. For now, however, EV ownership remains impractical for most Iqalummiut, residents of Iqaluit.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay struggles with one of Ontario’s worst fast-charging situations. According to a 2024 Drive Electric Ontario report, there are fewer than 10 public fast chargers available throughout the entire city, serving a rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) community. EV ownership rose by over 70% between 2022 and 2024, but infrastructure investments haven’t kept pace. Even worse, 30% of the chargers are offline or under repair at any given time, mostly due to weather damage and slow maintenance cycles. Long-distance EV travel from Thunder Bay is risky, as some major routes offer no fast chargers for over 200 kilometers.
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