More and more people are driving more sustainable vehicles like hybrids and electric cars. There are many electric vehicle charging stations Winnipeg has to offer to accommodate our growing population of environmentally-conscious drivers.

Read on to learn about the types of charging ports, where charging stations are located in Winnipeg and how you can start driving a hybrid today.

What types of charging ports are there?

Since there are many types of EVs (electric vehicle) and hybrids, there are different charging ports and charge levels to support these different vehicles.

First, let’s go over what the levels mean when you encounter a public charger:

• Level 1: Level 1 is your standard wall outlet that’s only 120 volts. On an empty battery, it takes approximately 20 hours to gain a charge that will take your vehicle 200 kilometres. It’s by far the slowest type of port.

• Level 2: This is the level you’ll typically see in homes and garages and the most common port in public spaces. To reach a charge that will take you 200 kilometres, it only takes around 5 hours on a level 2 port. This port will charge most electric vehicles.

• Level 3: Level 3 chargers—also known as DC Fast Chargers—are the fastest means of charging your electric vehicle, taking only 30 minutes to reach 80 per cent of a 200 kilometre charge. However, this type of port won’t accommodate every electric vehicle.

Now that you know about the levels, here are some common public charging ports:

• SAE J1772 (usually referenced as J1772): This is the most common connector as it charges most EVs in Canada and the United States, as well as Teslas if you have the proper adapter. The J1772 only charges at a level 1 or 2 so it’s something to keep in mind when you need a full charge.

• CHAdeMO: The CHAdeMO is a level 3 charger so it’s super quick. If you have a Tesla, you can use this port with an adapter but for other EVs, you may have to check the specs to see if it’s compatible with this port.

• SAE Combo (also called CSS for “Combo Charging System”): This is another level 3 port, though this one isn’t compatible with Teslas. You’ll have to check your EV specs to make sure it’s compatible with this connector. If your vehicle can charge on a CHAdeMO, it won’t be able to use a CSS—they are not interchangeable.

• Supercharger. Another common electric vehicle charging station in Winnipeg is the level 3 Tesla Supercharger. This port is only Tesla-friendly and offers a rapid charge.

If you’d like more information on charging ports, including ones you can install in your home, check out ChargeHub’s breakdown.

Where can I charge my electric vehicle?

Here are seven spots where you can charge up your electric ride in Winnipeg:

1. IKEA – 500 Sterling Lyon Parkway

West of the main entrance, IKEA has four J1772 charging ports to support electric vehicles. They’re a level 2 charge and free to use but you have to activate the port through the ChargePoint website or app. IKEA has charging stations at all their locations across Canada.

2. CAA Manitoba – 987 Milt Stegall Drive

CAA has an electric charger in spot #131, facing the building. There is one J1772 charging port that’s free to use.

3. Winnipeg Square Parkade – 299 Fort Street

There are two charging ports in the Winnipeg Square parkade: one level 2 for Teslas and one level 2 non-networked J1772. Both ports are free to use (though you still have to pay to park) and are conveniently located indoors. While you’re at it, you can get a car wash in the parkade.

4. The Forks Market – 1 Forks Market Road

The Forks has a spot with a J1772 port—free to charge—but it’s not a dedicated EV spot. You can find it near The Original Pancake House entrance. Friendly reminder: parking is still $2.00 an hour.

5. CF Polo Park – 1485 Portage Avenue

If you’re stopping at the mall, why not charge up your EV? This is known as the Winnipeg Supercharger station as they have eight level 3 Tesla Supercharger ports, all free to use. The Tesla ports are located in the parking section behind Earls. There are also the following EV ports located in the parkade in front of the Starbucks entrance: J1772, CCS/SAE and CHAdeMO. The level 2 chargers cost $1.50 per hour and if you want fast-charging, it’ll cost you $20 per hour (but parking is free).

6. Mere Hotel – 333 Waterfront Drive

When you’re travelling and staying at the Mere, you can use their J1772 charging port so your car will be ready to explore Winnipeg.

7. Red River College, Notre Dame Campus – Skinner Road

While you’re studying at Red River College, it’s nice to know you can leave with a fully charged EV. The college has ports off Skinner Road: two level 2 J1722 ports and one level 3 CHAdeMO port—both free to use.

To search for a charging station near you, check out ChargeHub.

We’re going to break down the cost of living in Winnipeg, with everything from housing, groceries, and education to healthcare, childcare, and transportation. With the latest data, you’ll be able to budget for your expenses and plan for future purchases whether that’s a new car, house, or going back to school! 

Driving a hybrid or EV is simple given the amount of electric charging stations Winnipeg has to offer. It’s nice to know we live in a city that helps people out if they’re helping the environment. 

If you get approved for vehicle financing through Birchwood Credit, we can help you find a hybrid or EV through our massive inventory. Our goal is to help you get approved so you can start driving today. To get started, fill out a Car Loan Application!