On-road transportation accounted for 20% of Yellowknife’s GHG emissions in 2023.

Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) can save Yellowknifers money on fuel and reduce their GHG emissions while meeting their transportation needs.

City-owned Chargers 

The City has two public EV charging stations:

  • City Hall – Somba K’e Civic Plaza parking lot: Level 2 ChargePoint charger 
  • Aquatic Centre: Level 2 ChargePoint charger 

Charge for free! Both of the City's EV chargers are free for the public to use 24/7

Emissions Avoided 

In 2025, the City's chargers led to 17,903 kg of GHG savings. That's like planting 296 trees and letting them grow for 10 years!

Where to Charge

Within Yellowknife


In addition to the City's EV chargers, the public can also charge at:

  • Naka Power Utilities - 481 Range Lake Rd, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R1
  • Arctic Energy Alliance - 5102 51 St #101, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1S7
  • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre- 4750 48 St, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2H4

Outside of Yellowknife

The GNWT has completed the Electric Vehicle Corridor to ensure drivers can access charging stations between Yellowknife and the Alberta border.

See map of GNWT EV corridor

Interested in installing your own EV charging station? Check out the GNWT’s rebates for EV charging infrastructure including at public locations, multi-unit residential buildings, and workplaces. See the GNWT webpage for more details and eligibility.

Debunking common EV myths

For more information on EV functionality, see Clean Energy Canada's summary.

Myth 1: EVs don’t have enough range

  • New EV cars have an average range of 480km – and rising.

  • Yes, extreme cold reduces the battery range of EVs, sometimes by up to 30%. That means in extreme cold temperatures, an EV can go roughly 336km or more between charges. If range is still an issue, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric may be a good alternative.

    Source: Clean Energy Canada

Myth 2: EVs don’t work well in cold climates

  • EVs are designed with different systems than gas-powered vehicles, and this affects how they operate in cold climates. Their function in the cold also depends on the model and year of the EV.
  • Yes, cold weather reduces EV range (see above), but it reduces range for gas-powered vehicles as well, which results in worse fuel economy.
  • EVs do not have the same issue of starting in cold weather as gas-powered vehicles do. Cold temperatures cause engine oil and other fluids to become thick and viscous, making it harder to crank and lubricate parts. It also reduces their lead-acid battery power, providing less power to start the engine.
  • Gas-powered vehicles take longer to warm up in the cold than EVs. That’s because in gas-powered cars, you must run the engine to preheat the interior.

  • You can keep the heat on while charging your EV (no need to turn off the vehicle) and in some vehicles, you can use a scheduled departure feature to preheat the battery.

    Sources:

Still not sure? Ask the YK Carshare Co-op about how their EVs run during Yellowknife winters. Or talk to a local dealership – every dealership in the city sells at least one EV or Hybrid!

Myth 3: EVs are too expensive

  • EVs are cheaper over their lifetime than gas-powered cars. This is due to the low cost to charge and lower maintenance costs.
  • Considering the full costs of ownership (purchase, maintenance, and fuel) over 10 years, EV drivers can save about $3,000/year compared to owning a gas-powered car (depending on the model and usage).
  • The federal government is now offering up to $5,000 off new EVs and $2,500 off Plug-in Hybrids.

  • EVs are even cheaper when you charge for free at City of Yellowknife chargers!

    Source: Clean Energy Canada

Myth 4: The electricity grid can’t handle EV charging

  • The GNWT is planning for, and incentivizing, increased EV charging in the future. It is investing in increasing the electrical capacity through major infrastructure projects and promoting renewable energy sources.
  • There is very little heating by electricity in Yellowknife (heating is mostly by propane, heating oil, or biomass). So, power distribution constraints in the winter when heating demand is at its peak are not the issue.

Myth 5: EV batteries need replacing before the vehicle’s end of life

  • The average EV battery (400-800 volts) lifespan is 15-20 years. In some cases, they may even outlive the vehicle itself.

  • All EVs sold today include a battery warranty of at least 8 years and 160,000km.

    Sources:

YK Carshare Co-op EVs 

Not ready to purchase an EV? Try out the YK Carshare Co-op's EVs.