Feb 7, 2019

Lethbridge is the first of at least 20 communities that will benefit from a new network of electric vehicle charging stations across southern Alberta.

When completed at the end of 2019, the Peaks to Prairies network will cover more than 1,700 kilometres of southern Alberta highways and transition the region to full electric vehicle connectivity. The charging stations will be powered by 100% renewable energy from southern Alberta.

The Peaks to Prairies project was created by a group of southern Alberta municipalities and economic development groups, including SouthGrow Regional Initiative, Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, City of Lethbridge, City of Calgary and Medicine Hat College. The network addresses a gap in charging infrastructure across southern Alberta by developing a base network for electric vehicle charging stations. Placing charging stations in recreational and retail areas of small communities will help boost tourism and economic development, inspire further investment in the region and reduce emissions.

The charging network will use charging stations that are made in Canada by AddEnergie. Alberta-based ATCO Electric was chosen by the project partners to install, own and operate the network.

The Government of Alberta is providing $1.2 million in Climate Leadership Plan funding to support the network. “Supporting new electric vehicle charging stations will help Alberta transition to a lower-carbon future,” says Shannon Phillips, Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office. “This grassroots initiative is proof that Albertans are leading the way in projects that diversify our economy, create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.”

Charging stations are expected to be installed in:

    • Lethbridge
    • Canmore
    • Morley
    • Calgary — Olympic Park
    • Calgary — Stoney Trail
    • Calgary — East
    • Calgary — Signal Hill
    • Nanton
    • Claresholm
    • Crowsnest Pass
    • Pincher Creek
    • Fort Macleod
    • Taber
    • Medicine Hat
    • Chain Lakes Reservoir
    • Carmangay
    • Waterton Lakes
    • Cardston
    • Warner
    • Longview

Photo source: ChargeHub