More Tesla super charging stations like this one in Swift Current are coming to Saskatchewan. (Twitter/Zee @ Road Trip Tesla)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Electrifying transportation

More electric vehicle charging stations coming to Saskatchewan

Jan 3, 2020 | 5:44 PM

Some drivers of electric vehicles are going to have more charging options along the Yellowhead Highway.

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is planning to install super charging stations at locations in Saskatoon, North Battleford and Lloydminster to make it easier for their drivers traveling the route.

Ron Jones, dealer principal at Evergreen Nissan in Prince Albert, which sells the electric powered Nissan Leaf, said having more infrastructure for electric vehicles is positive.

“The more the better,” he said.

Jones explained the range of electric vehicles is continuing to improve as battery technology improves. He added this means there is more of a focus in putting charging stations in certain locations.

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“We’re seeing that the charging stations are being mainly put on major highway routes,” he said.

Jones said expanding access to super charging stations allows drivers to boost their batteries 90 per cent in roughly 20 minutes — a bonus for those driving long distances.

In Prince Albert, Jones said he is seeing more electric vehicles, ranging in make and model than in the past.

Jason Cruickshank, lead organizer with SaskEV a province-wide electric vehicle group, said the addition of the charging stations along the Yellowhead is welcomed news.

“It’s something that drivers and organizations like ours have been calling on for some time,” he said.

While the new charging stations can only be used by people with Tesla vehicles, Cruickshank said Natural Resources Canada has been making funding available to install universal fast chargers at some locations around the country.

In terms of fast charging stations in P.A., Cruickshank said he was disappointed to hear plans to install a universal station at Canadian Tire in the city was recently cancelled. Cruickshank said this was disappointing as many electric vehicle drivers were looking forward to having one to make it easier to get to the national park.

“Hopefully somebody else will step up and get something installed,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn