Electric vehicles (EV) help reduce green house gas emissions. By switching to an EV, you are reducing your carbon footprint from driving by 50%.
The future of transportation is electric. Globally, governments, utilities and automakers are looking at electric vehicles as the future for decarbonizing the economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
You can visit evassist.ca to find charging stations and to learn more about EV basics, rebates, charging and which EV may be best for you.
While you can always simply plug your EV into any grounded exterior outlet, there are other easy ways to quickly charge your EV in Nova Scotia. See a map of all EV chargers in Nova Scotia at evassist.ca.
We’ve also partnered with Natural Resources Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to install a network of Level 3 DC-fast charging stations and Level 2 charging stations across Nova Scotia.
Important steps to consider before installing an EV charger:
It is critical that electric vehicle chargers are installed properly and to the highest standards of safety and quality. That’s why we’re proud to partner with contractors who have completed the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program. This program is designed to provide contractors with the most comprehensive classroom and hands-on training available today. Find a contractor near you that has completed this training.
For additional information, check out the Energy Star chargers guidelines.
Electric vehicles are part of the federally mandated Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That's why, we work with a variety of partners and customer groups to identify the barriers and provide solutions for electric vehicle adoption in our province.
We help support a variety of events across Nova Scotia to build awareness and growth of electric vehicle adoption. We also provide the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, while making and delivering energy to support your vehicle needs.
The Government of Canada is aiming for 100% of new light-duty sales to be zero-emission by 2035, including at least 20% by 2026, and at least 60% by 2030.
Yes! By switching to an electric vehicle, you can reduce your carbon emissions from driving by as much as 50%, and by even more over time as we continue greening our grid. We’ve been transitioning to renewable energy—with 40% of electricity in 2023 coming from renewable sources—and we’re working on reaching 80% renewable by 2030.
Yes, it can! As more Nova Scotians choose to go electric, we’re modernizing our grid and planning for the future. Through the Smart Grid Nova Scotia program, we’re testing how new technology can help us manage peak demand. You can learn more at nspower.ca/innovation.
At $1.00 per litre of gasoline, the average compact car costs $9.54 to drive 100 km and the average SUV or minivan costs $12.34 to travel the same distance. When you compare this to a battery electric vehicle costing $2.04 per 100 km, drivers can save $1,500 or more on fuel costs every year.
At the end of your car's life, the battery may still have value. There is technology in development that may allow you to sell your battery.
You can learn more about how EV batteries can help us shape our energy future, and bring benefits for all Nova Scotians, in our chat with Dalhousie University Professor Jeff Dahn.
The cost to charge at a public charging station can vary based on vehicle type.
Our Nova Scotia Power fast-chargers currently cost $15 per hour, for up to 50kW, and our Level-2 chargers are $1.50 per hour.
The FLO mobile app will let an EV driver know if the station is in use. The Level-2 charging station is there as a back-up if the Level 3 is being used, as well as a solution for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Our location partners were chosen based on a number of criteria outlined by our partners at Natural Resources Canada, including proximity to a 100-series highway and being located approximately 65 kilometers apart.
Home chargers can range from $400 to $1,200. For more information on home charger costs, contact a certified electrician.
Charging your EV at home will increase your electricity usage, however there will be significant savings in comparison to what you would have paid for gas or diesel.
Example: The average BEV (battery electric vehicle) uses around 4,000 kWh per year (based on 20,000 kilometers of travel). So, if you charge at home 80% of the time at our residential rate, you could expect your bill to increase by around $480—the cost of gasoline in a comparable small car is often four times that amount.
Some homes will need to upgrade their electrical service to accommodate an EV charger in their home. You should consult with a certified electrician before purchasing an EV to ensure your home can accommodate the charger or to identify whether you need a panel upgrade.
Yes, charging an electric vehicle is very safe in all weather conditions, as each charging station must meet specific electrical safety standards.
EV batteries have steadily increased in longevity, to the point where they will far outlive the battery of an average car, with only moderate degradation. You can learn more about EV batteries in our chat with Dalhousie University Professor Jeff Dahn.
As more communities, homeowners and drivers choose to go electric, we’re preparing for the future. We’re modernizing our grid and exploring new and emerging technologies to manage increased demand for electricity, while we grow our use of renewable energy.
