Having convenient and reliable access to charging is one of the biggest considerations for someone who is thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV). Most EV owners prefer to charge their car at home since their car spends most of the day in its designated parking spot.
But not all Calgarians have the opportunity to charge their EV at home. There are also times when an EV driver will need a top-up charge while on-the-go. Public charging stations are needed for these situations. We are working to make it easier for Calgarians to find public charging stations across Calgary.
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Did you know that you may already have a Level 1 charger at home? It’s a standard electrical outlet.
There are several types of electric vehicle charging stations for cars, SUVs and light duty trucks, some of which are limited to certain types, makes or models of electric vehicles.The figure below summarizes the three basic types of charging stations, their electricity requirements, charge time and achievable travel ranges.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
What is it?
Level 1:
A standard 120V wall outlet (almost all EV models today come with an adapter or “Level 1 charger” that allows you to plug directly into a 120V outlet).
Also known as a trickle charger.
Level 2:
Likely the first image that comes to mind when you think of the term “EV charger,” this usually looks like a box on a wall or other vertical surface that has a tube-like connector attached to it.
Level 3:
An industrial-type EV charger that usually looks like a tall electrical box on the ground with a tube-like connector attached to it.
Also known as a fast charger.
Typical range after charging
Level 1:
3-8 km per hour
Level 2:
20-50 km per hour
Level 3:
Up to maximum driving range
Costs
Level 1:
$
Level 2:
$$
Level 3:
$$$
Pros
Level 1:
In many cases, home parking stalls may already have outlets/Level 1 chargers beside them for block heating.
Cheapest solution.
Level 2:
Most common solution for charging in multi-residential properties.
Most EV load management equipment, networking solutions, etc. are designed for Level 2 chargers.
Level 3:
Fastest way to top up your EV.
Cons
Level 1:
Doesn’t provide much of a charge in Calgary winters if parking is located outdoors.
Since it’s very slow, it may not be fast enough to charge a vehicle that you drive a lot daily.
Level 2:
More expensive than a Level 1 outlet.
Still typically requires several hours to bring a vehicle to 100% charge.
Level 3:
Can degrade your battery more quickly.
Some older battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may not be able to charge using Level 3 chargers.
Uses direct current and requires significant voltage to charge your vehicle.
Best for
Level 1:
Home charging (especially for people who typically drive short distances)
Level 2:
Home charging, public charging in places where you’ll spend a couple of hours
Level 3:
Public charging in places you’ll stop for a short time (e.g. highway rest stops)
Calgary has more than 200 public EV charging stations.
There are over 50 City-owned charging stations in downtown Calgary Parking parkades and 20 charging stations at light rail transit stations (Chinook, Brentwood, Sirocco and McKnight-Westwinds) and recreation centres (Southland Leisure Centre, Village Square Leisure Centre, Vivo for Healthier Generations and Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre).
In addition to City-owned charging stations, there is also a growing number of EV charging stations available at private businesses. With a growing database of charging stations in Canada and the USA, PlugShare is considered a reliable source of maps and reviews of both publicly-owned and privately-owned EV charging stations.
Download PlugShare free for your iOS, Android, or visit their website to find a charging station near you or to plan your next road trip.
As part of the Peaks to Prairies EV Charging Network, The City worked with Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance, Southgrow Regional Initiative, City of Lethbridge, City of Medicine Hat, and Medicine Hat College to setup a network of 20 fast-charging stations, with backup 'Level 2' stations, across southern Alberta.
These stations make it possible for EVs to travel across southern Alberta, up to Edmonton, and into British Columbia and the United States for business or tourism.
The network is accessible by any type of electric vehicle and complements Tesla Supercharger stations being installed for Tesla vehicles.
The network, branded as the Peaks to Prairies Network is powered by 100 percent renewable energy sourced from southern Alberta. This use of renewable energy was a key element of the project that enabled grant funding from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to cover the majority of the construction costs.
