Quebec is a national leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure in Canada. With over 375,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles already on its roads as of 2024, Quebec continues to rapidly expand its public charging infrastructure to meet growing demand. The province’s forward-looking electric vehicle charging strategy ensures convenient access to charging wherever residents and travellers go, from vibrant urban centres to remote rural communities.
This article offers a deep dive into Quebec’s EV charging stations for 2025. It covers charging locations, types of chargers, networks, costs, government plans, and useful tips for EV drivers looking to make the most of Quebec’s advancing green mobility ecosystem.
Quebec’s Electric Vehicle Landscape and Charging Growth
Quebec’s electric mobility leadership is supported by a robust charging station network and ambitious targets: by 2030, the province aims for two million electric vehicles on the road and about 116,000 public charging stations in operation. This goal is supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and policies. As of the end of 2024, Quebec has over 12,550 public chargers in service, including more than 2,000 fast chargers for rapid recharging.
The vast majority of these stations are concentrated in southern Quebec urban centres such as Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, and regions like Montérégie and Estrie, where population density and vehicle use are highest.
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Key Locations of EV Charging Stations in Quebec
- Urban and Suburban Areas:
Cities like Montreal and Quebec City offer expansive public networks with a mix of Level 2 and fast charging stations in malls, parking garages, offices, community centers, and municipal lots. - Major Highways and Travel Corridors:
Fast-charging sites are placed along highways, with Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit network ensuring strategic location roughly every 50 to 150 km along main routes for convenient long-distance travel. Notable highways served include Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 20 corridors. - Regional and Rural Locations:
As part of its strategy for equitable access, charging points are expanding into more rural and less densely populated areas and Indigenous communities to support balanced EV growth. - Retail and Grocery Chains:
Networks like EcoCharge, in partnership with grocery stores such as IGA, provide fast chargers often capable of serving multiple vehicles simultaneously, benefiting shoppers and travelers alike.
Types of Chargers in Quebec
- Level 2 Charging (AC):
Providing approximately 7 kW to 22 kW, these chargers are commonly used for overnight home charging or longer-duration public charging. All electric and plug-in hybrid models are compatible with the SAE J1772 connector standard used by most Level 2 stations in Quebec. - DC Fast Charging (Level 3):
Quebec’s public fast chargers deliver from 50 kW up to 350 kW power, capable of charging EV batteries up to 80% in approximately 20 to 45 minutes, essential for highway travel and quick stops. Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit manages over 1,400 of these fast stations. - Tesla Superchargers:
Quebec is home to over 300 Tesla Superchargers, equipped with Tesla’s proprietary connectors, supporting Tesla devices exclusively, but can be used with NACS adapters by other EVs where applicable. - NACS Compatibility:
The Electric Circuit started deploying chargers with NACS plugs in late 2024, expanding support for Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles.
Major Charging Networks Operating in Quebec
- Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit:
The largest and oldest public electric vehicle charging network in Canada, managing thousands of Level 2 and DC fast chargers throughout the province. The Electric Circuit app offers station locations, availability, and user account management for payments and notifications. - EcoCharge Network:
Launched in 2020 with IGA supermarket partnerships, EcoCharge offers fast charging at grocery locations offering convenience and high availability, with continued network expansion underway. - FLO Network:
A national player with strong Quebec presence, FLO offers reliable public charging with smartphone app access inclusive of pricing and station status. - ChargePoint:
One of North America’s largest networks, with rapid expansion in Quebec, adding numerous DC fast chargers and Level 2 stations.
Government Plans, Incentives, and Funding
The Quebec government supports EV ownership and infrastructure with multiple programs:
- Quebec Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy:
Sets out targets for infrastructure growth, emphasizing accessibility, multi-unit dwelling charging, and support for commercial electric fleets by 2030. - Grant Programs:
Municipalities and Indigenous communities can access grants for installing visible public charging stations, including curbside charging in urban areas. - Hydro-Québec Rebates:
Rebates to reduce the upfront cost of Level 2 charging stations for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. - Federal Support:
Complementary investment by the Government of Canada accelerates infrastructure deployment, with goals to add over 50,000 public chargers nationwide within the decade.
Charging Costs and Payment Options in Quebec
Charging fees depend on charger type and location:
- Level 2 Chargers: Many are free-to-use; pay stations charge about $1.00 per hour or $2.50 per session.
- DC Fast Chargers: Usually charge by kWh or time, costing around $15 to $25 CAD per typical fast charge session.
- Payment Systems:
Most operators accept multiple payment methods including mobile apps (Electric Circuit, FLO), RFID cards, and contactless credit/debit payments at stations for user convenience.
Benefits of Quebec’s EV Charging Network
- Extensive Coverage: Large number of chargers concentrated strategically to minimize gaps and ensure travel confidence.
- Environmental Impact: Supports Quebec’s clean electricity grid by encouraging EV adoption, reducing transportation emissions and improving air quality.
- Economic Growth: Enhanced infrastructure supports green tourism, retail, and local economies.
- Innovative Technology: Embracing smart-charging, V2X integration, and widespread interoperability for evolving EV models.
Practical EV Driver Tips for Quebec
- Utilize Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit app or other charging apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub to find available stations before travels.
- For long trips, plan stops around fast charging locations on major highways.
- Carry adapter cables for different plug types (CCS, CHAdeMO, NACS) for compatibility.
- Avoid fully charging batteries above 90% regularly to preserve battery health.
- Stay mindful of charging etiquette such as moving promptly after charging to ensure station availability for others.
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Conclusion
Quebec’s expansive and rapidly evolving network of EV charging stations firmly positions it as a leader in Canada’s electric mobility transition. With thousands of Level 2 and fast chargers available and ambitious 2030 deployment targets, the province offers EV drivers extensive, convenient, and reliable access to public charging. Backed by strong government investment, private network innovation, and growing EV adoption, Quebec is paving the road toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transportation future for all.
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