SaskPower to spend $2M on EV fast-charging stations

SaskPower says it will spend $2 million to help businesses build fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

Companies and organizations can applyfor the subsidy right away, the company said in a news releaseFriday.

The money will be used to build about 20 EV charging stations along major Saskatchewan corridors.

SaskPowernotes that suchfacilities are lacking alongsuch heavily travelled routes asHighway 11 and Highway 16.

Some secondary highways that connect major centres in the province are also in need of more fast chargers, it says.

About 1,200 EVs in Saskatchewan

Interested businesses will have to help pay for construction and will be in charge of operating them.

Fast-charging can give a car a full charge in 30-minutes to an hour, and a range of about 250 kilometres.

SaskPower says right now there are only about 1,200electric vehicles on the road in Saskatchewan, butit expects that number to grow and so more charging infrastructure will be needed.

Electric vehicles have been asource of controversy for the provincial government. Lastyear, EV userswere upset when the province introduced a $150 annual fee for owners of electrics the first province to announce such a tax.

At the timeDonna Harpauer,the finance minister, said it was needed because EV owners don't paygasolinetaxes that help maintain the highways.