Electric Vehicles and the EV Pilot Project

EV Charging Station Pilot

The City has installed a dual-port electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in the parking lots at Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres. The EVCS pilot will run from May 31, 2023, to December 31, 2025.

These stations will be featured as amenities for public use, and Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers can use them at no cost while using the leisure centre or while shopping at surrounding businesses.

These charging stations aim to initiate community conversations and education about Electric Vehicles, emission reduction targets, and other climate actions. The usage will be monitored to inform future scaling of City-owned charging station infrastructure. The data will be shared with Saskatoon's business community to assist them in making their own decisions about investing in EV infrastructure.

Working Toward Net Zero

Canada is committed to decarbonizing the country's transportation sector and becoming a global leader in electric and other Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). As such, the Government of Canada is aiming for 100% of new light-duty sales to be zero-emission by 2035. READ MORE

In Saskatoon, transportation accounts for 35% of our community’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with single-passenger vehicles being the biggest contributor. Electric Vehicles (EVs) produce no tail-pipe emissions and are more efficient than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, so will help to cut emissions to meet Saskatoon’s net-zero by 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target. While personal vehicles may remain the main mode of transport, we expect to see more electric vehicles on the road by 2035, in line with federal targets.

EV Basics

Types of Zero-Emission and Electric Vehicles

For a comprehensive guide to all EV types, including costs, incentives, and benefits of EV ownership, visit CAA’s online portal or, to help find the right EV for your lifestyle, visit Plug ‘N Drive.

Electric vehicles, or EVS, are a type of Zero Emission Vehicle, or ZEV. ZEVs are vehicles or equipment that produce no tailpipe emissions and use alternative power sources, such as electricity or hydrogen. They can include passenger vehicles, buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and other equipment.

There are three main types:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – run fully on electricity, with no tail-pipe emissions, and are charged by plugging in to electric chargers.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) – have both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. They use both electricity (charged by plugging in) and gasoline/diesel. They produce zero tailpipe emissions when using the electric motor.

3. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) – use hydrogen as fuel, emitting only water vapor. FCEVs are less available than BEVs and PHEVs due to the lack of refueling stations and higher cost.

EV Charging

Home & Public Charging

Home Charging

Consult SaskPower’s website for information on different levels of charging, as well as how to install a Level 2 charger at home.

Public Charging

There are many apps to help drivers find charging stations in Saskatchewan. Transport Canada also has a comprehensive map to help you get to your destination.

These applications and charging network providers can be used to locate charging stations:

Charging Levels

Level 1 charging can be done using a standard household outlet, which usually provides 120 volts. This is the slowest method, taking up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV. It can be done at home or at work without needing any extra infrastructure. This method is ideal for those who drive short distances daily and can charge their vehicle frequently or overnight at home.

Level 2 charging requires a special outlet, like those used for dryers or large appliances, providing 240 volts. It charges an EV faster than a Level 1 charger, taking 4-10 hours depending on the vehicle. It's suitable for both home and public charging stations, offering a good balance between speed and convenience for daily use. To install a Level 2 charger at home, contact a certified electrician. They’ll check what’s required, including the location and if your home's electrical panel needs an upgrade. Check out SaskPower’s Charging page for more information.

Level 3 (Fast and super-fast charging - also known as DC fast charging). Fast chargers use high-voltage direct current (DC) to charge an EV quickly. These chargers are usually found at public stations and range from 50kW to 300kW. Depending on the charger size and the vehicle, a fast charger can charge an EV to 80% in 15-60 minutes. This option is ideal for longer trips or when you need a quick charge, providing a significant range boost in a short time. There are many Level 3 chargers located throughout the province.

Use PlugShare’s EV Charging Station Map to view charging stations near you.

Check out NRCan’s Simply Science ZEV video series to learn more about charging a ZEV, typical home charging stations, and the different options available to consumers. Charging Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV Series – Part 2)

Charger Compatibility

For more information on charging levels and connectors, visit Natural Resources Canada website.

Level 1 & 2 Connectors

Most EV chargers and vehicles use a standard connector called the SAE J1772. Any vehicle with this connector can use any Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger in Canada and the United States. All major manufacturers support this standard.

Tesla vehicles utilize a specific charging connector that differs from the standard plugs used at most stations. Most stations typically feature J1772 plugs, which are commonly used by various electric vehicles in Canada and the United States. However, Tesla owners have the flexibility to utilize adapters, such as the J1772-to-Tesla adapter, to enable Level 2 public charging at most other stations.

Level 3/DC Fast-Charging Connectors

Your EV might have one of three types of fast charger connectors, but they are not interchangeable. Make sure you know your vehicle's DC fast charger (DCFC) connector type before using a Level 3 station.

Charging Etiquette

Leave EV spots for EVs only. Don't park in spots meant for EVs if you drive a gas or diesel car (ICE), even if the parking lot is crowded. EV drivers need these stations to reach their next destination.

Charge only when necessary. Unless you need a charge to reach your destination, please leave the spot free for other EV drivers who may need the charge.

Only park in charging spots while your EV is charging. Once you have enough range to get to your next destination, unplug and move your car.

Leave your contact info and other pertinent information on a note on your dashboard so other EV drivers can reach you if they urgently need a charge, and to indicate whether it’s OK to unplug your vehicle before it’s fully charged.

Check in on the charging app to let others know the charger is in use. Adding feedback for other users is also helpful.

Never unplug someone else's EV unless it’s clearly done charging, or you have the owner's permission. If you unplug a fully charged car, leave your name, phone number, and a note explaining why.

Don’t leave nasty notes. If the charging station you need is occupied by a non-electric vehicle (ICE) or an EV that isn't plugged in, leave a polite note explaining why you and other EV drivers need these stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

EVs might work fine for warmer climates, but what about in our cold Saskatchewan winters?

One common myth is that EVs won’t work for our cold Saskatchewan winters. While it’s true that extreme cold can reduce an EV’s range, ICE vehicles also see a range reduction in cold Prairie winters. Electric vehicles have dedicated heaters and don’t depend on engine heat to warm the cabin, allowing them to heat up very quickly. Visit SaskPower for more information about winter performance and personal testimonials from Saskatchewan EV drivers.

Aren’t EVs expensive to own and operate?

There are higher upfront costs of owning an EV, but EVs have lower operating costs due to charging vs refueling, and reduced maintenance costs due to the electric motor having minimal moving parts. No more oil changes! EVs also use regenerative braking, which means less wear on brake discs and pads, so brakes last longer.

Visit CAA’s Cost Calculator for a better understanding of all ongoing costs of owning a vehicle, including a comparison of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

The federal government has purchase and lease incentives available to make adoption of EVs more affordable:

Transport Canada iZEV Program Overview

List of Eligible Vehicles

How can I figure out how much it will cost me to charge an EV at my home?

EV charging costs are dependent on the model, battery, and charging location. SaskPower provides a quick guide to calculate the Cost To Charge An EV At Home, as well as an Electric Vehicle Calculator to calculate and compare costs of operating an EV to a gas-powered vehicle.

EV Resources