Community Charging Grant

The SaskEV Community Charging Grant is a $2,000 funding opportunity for organizations in Saskatchewan. It is intended to help cover the cost of installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure for EV drivers visiting, working and living in a community.

All organizations in Saskatchewan are welcome to apply. We’ll be looking for restaurants, hotels, malls, theatres, museums, parks, beaches, arenas, stadiums, ski hills and other spots that can attract visitors for several hours. We will especially (but not exclusively) be interested in locations and communities without existing EV charging infrastructure.

Short listed applicants will be required to provide a quote from a local electrician detailing installation costs for the desired location. The grant will provide up to $2,000 CAD to cover those costs.

In consultation with our members and partners, the SaskEV board of directors will select the winning project. Construction should occur within 6 months of the award date. A sign recognizing the award and identifying the parking space as reserved for public EV charging will need to be installed and included in the cost of the installation. The sign is required to be displayed with the charger for at least 3 years and the station must provide free charging for at least 1 year. Additional questions are answered in our FAQ.  Still have questions? Send us an email at info@saskev.ca.

2024 Call for funding proposals

The deadline for applications is Friday, May 31st, 2024. In consultation with our members and partners, the SaskEV board of directors will select the winning project in June 2024. Construction should be completed within one year of the award date. A sign recognizing the award and identifying the parking space as reserved for public EV charging will be provided. It will need to be displayed with the charger for at least 3 years. The station must provide free charging for at least 1 year.

Check out the previous winning applicants:

Shawn Patenaude Law in Preeceville

The 2023 Community Charging Grant was sponsored by:

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why install a charge point at my location?

Installing a charge point will attract EV drivers to your location!  Once the charge point is active, your site can be published on apps used by EV drivers to find charging locations.  Many EV drivers select businesses or locations to frequent based on the charging availability in the area.  These are often locations they would not have visited otherwise.  With the current charging infrastructure being relatively limited, installing a charge point at your location may allow people to travel to destinations which were previously unreachable by EV.

Charge points are also great gathering points for EV drivers and clubs, increase awareness of electric transportation, and help transition the community to a more sustainable form of transportation.

How do I apply?

Simply fill out and submit the form!  Short listed applicants will be asked to provide further information including a quote from their preferred installer.

What is the timeline for the project?

Key project dates:

  • May 31, 2024 – Deadline for applications
  • June 30, 2024 (tentatively) – Successful applicant(s) chosen and notified
  • Summer 2025 – Project completion, signage installation, and photo op
What equipment needs to be installed and where can I buy it?

Basic installation requires a 2-pole breaker in your power panel, wiring from the panel to the charging location, and an EVSE to plug in the vehicle.  Although most people call level 2 charge points “chargers”, they are technically called Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVSE).  Simply put, an EVSE is an extension cord with a switch and extra safety features.  For level 2 charging, the EVSE supplies power to the onboard charger in the car.  The EVSE can be mounted on a wall or pedestal near the parking location.

The breaker and wiring will be supplied and installed by your electrician.  EVSEs can be purchased from a variety of online suppliers, a growing numer of local stores, and possibly your electrician.  Some of the most common brands in our area are Sun Country Highway, Grizzl-e, FLO, and Charge Point.  It is important to select an EVSE that is rated for outdoor use in our climate.  “Home” EVSEs can be used and are cheaper; however, commercial units are more robust and may include features to allow for billing which could be activated in the future.  Some EVSEs are wi-fi compatible and provide live power monitoring and usage data.

EVSEs come in several different sizes with varying power output.  For the purpose of the Community Charging Grant, it is recommended to source an EVSE with a minimum 30A output.

How much will it cost for installation?

Basic equipment purchase and installation typically costs around $2,000.  Power service upgrades, long distances from the power panel to installation site, and type and size of selected equipment can all significantly affect cost.  Short listed applicants will be asked to find a local installer and request a quote from them.

What expenses are eligible?

Any costs directly related to the installation of the charge point, excluding taxes, are eligible.

When will successful applicants receive funding?

An initial payment of $1,000 will be provided within 30 days of executing the agreement.  The remaining amount, up to an additional $1,000 (excluding taxes), will be paid within 30 days of project completion.

Who can install the required equipment?

Most certified electricians will be qualified to install the required equipment.

What are my responsibilities after installation?

Successfull applicants will be required to sign an agreement to offer free charging for at least one year, keep the sign and charging location active for at least three years, and keep the site cleared and in good repair for the duration of the agreement.

How much will it cost to operate?

A 30 amp level 2 EVSE will draw up to 7.2 kW.  Using an approximate cost of $0.18/kWh each hour of use will cost about $1.30.