The Government of Yukon has installed the territory’s first electric vehicle fast-charging stations. The three new stations are located in Whitehorse and Carcross and were built with financial support from the Government of Canada.
The Level 3 fast-charging stations can charge an average electric vehicle battery to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes. The units can be found in Whitehorse at the Yukon Visitor Information Centre and the NorthLight Innovation Hub, and in Carcross at the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre. They are ready for use and add to Yukon’s three existing lower powered, Level 2 chargers. Charging at all six stations is free for the public.
The new stations were installed through a partnership between the Government of Yukon, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Northern Vision Development, Yukonstruct, Yukon College Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and ATCO Electric Yukon.
The Government of Yukon will be working with local partners to install two additional charging stations in Marsh Lake and Haines Junction in 2020.
These new fast-charging stations reflect our government’s ongoing efforts to find clean alternatives that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We appreciate the support of our partners in advancing our collective vision to increase the use of zero emission vehicles in Yukon. The work we have done to date is just the first step in exploring options for charging stations on highways that connect with our neighbouring jurisdictions.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
Northern Vision Development is proud to partner with the Government of Yukon’s on this exciting initiative. Charging stations are a real-world example of how we can take steps to encourage Yukoners to make environmentally friendly choices. The fact that the charging station is co-located in the same mall as the Northlight Innovation building is particularly special, because it helps to illustrate the value of innovation and partnership at a community level.
Chief Operating Officer of Northern Vision Development Michael Hale
We are proud of our partnership with Natural Resources Canada and Government of Yukon’s Energy branch to bring these EV charging station into our territory. We are passionate about supporting opportunities that help Yukoners be a part of and drive change that creates a more sustainable world. Partnerships like this enable us to collectively take action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, celebrate sustainable technologies and their innovative implementations in Yukon.
Manager of Yukon College Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lauren Manekin Beille
As a hub dedicated to collaboration and innovation, we're thrilled to be a partner in this project that brings together research, industry and government, with the goal of driving forward clean energy alternatives.
Executive Director of Yukonstruct Lana Selbee
Use of these fast-charging stations will be analysed to evaluate charger performance and vehicle performance in a cold winter climate.
The cost to install the three chargers was $343,500. The Government of Canada contributed $212,000 and the Government of Yukon contributed approximately $100,000. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Northern Vision Development, Yukonstruct, Yukon College Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and ATCO Electric Yukon were partners in the project and contributed funding and/or in-kind support.
The three existing Level 2 chargers are located in Whitehorse at the Transportation Museum and the Government of Yukon Main Administration Building and in Mount Lorne at the transfer station.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5307
jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca