Canada Needs 679,000 EV Charging Stations by 2040. Is Your Business Ready to Capitalize?
Canada must install 40,000 new public charging stations every year until 2040. Demand is surging and the businesses that act now will be the ones attracting customers, employees, and tomorrow’s tax incentives.
Picture this: by 2040, 21 million electric vehicles are on Canadian roads. Drivers are actively searching for a reliable charger at the office, the shopping centre, the hotel. Is your parking lot equipped?
This isn’t science fiction. It’s the official trajectory set by the federal government and it creates a historic window of opportunity for businesses willing to get ahead of the curve.
The Numbers That Change Everything
According to Natural Resources Canada, the country will need approximately 679,000 public EV charging stations by 2040. Roughly one charger for every 31 light-duty electric vehicles. To get there, Canada must deploy an average of 40,000 new stations per year between 2025 and 2040, on top of the roughly 30,000 points already in service or planned.
Official source: Natural Resources Canada. EV Charging Infrastructure
Meanwhile, the light-duty electric vehicle fleet is projected to leap from 480,000 today to 5 million by 2030. Demand is outpacing infrastructure and that’s precisely where your business opportunity lies.
| 679,000 public chargers needed by 2040 | 40,000 / yr new stations to deploy each year | 21 million EVs on Canadian roads by 2040 |
Why Your Business Should Act Now and Not in 5 Years
Some business owners think: “We have time.” That’s exactly what companies said when they delayed offering office Wi-Fi or bike parking. Here’s why waiting is expensive.
Grants and Incentives Won’t Last Forever
The federal government is investing heavily in charging infrastructure, notably through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). These programs reimburse between 25% and 50% of installation costs sometimes up to $100,000 per applicant. The longer you wait, the more these funding envelopes shrink.
Competition for Talent Is Intensifying
According to a KPMG study, 67% of Canadian workers under 40 consider sustainability initiatives an important factor when choosing an employer. Offering workplace EV charging is a concrete perk, visible, tangible, and used every single day.
Your Customers and Tenants Increasingly Expect It
For shopping centres, hotels, and office buildings: properties equipped with chargers generate more foot traffic and longer dwell times. An EV driver with 25% battery will choose your location over a competitor that isn’t equipped.
Which Type of Charger Is Right for Your Property?
Not all charging stations are equal and the right choice depends on your context. Here’s a quick overview:
| Type | Speed | Best For | Avg. Cost (installed) |
| Level 2 (240V) | ~30–60 km/h | Office, hotel, condo, retail | $3,000–$8,000 |
| DCFC (Fast Charging) | ~200–900 km/h | Service stations, large malls | $30,000–$200,000 |
For most businesses, Level 2 offers the best balance of cost, speed, and user satisfaction. It’s also the technology most covered by current grant programs.
Concrete Steps to Equip Your Property
- Assess Your Electrical Infrastructure
A certified technician checks your panel capacity and identifies whether any upgrade work is needed. This step typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Choose the Right Type and Number of Chargers
Based on expected vehicle volume, average parking duration, and your goals (employees, customers, fleet), your provider recommends an optimal configuration.
Submit Grant Applications
This is where many businesses leave money on the table. A specialist can help you maximize available federal and provincial programs.
Installation and Commissioning
Installing a Level 2 charger typically takes half a day per unit. DCFC stations require more substantial electrical work.
Management and Monetization
Smart management software lets you control access, bill users, and monitor consumption a potential additional revenue stream.
Key Funding Programs to Know in 2025
The grant landscape is evolving quickly. Here are the key programs currently available to Canadian businesses:
- Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) — federal funding covering up to 50% of eligible costs
- Workplace Charging Program (Quebec) — financial assistance for EV charging installations at workplaces
- Municipal programs in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver — supplementary grants for commercial properties
Contact our team to get the most up-to-date information: HERE
Conclusion: EV Charging Infrastructure Is a Strategic Investment, Not an Expense
Canada has a clear trajectory: 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales will be zero-emission by 2035. The 679,000 chargers needed won’t install themselves, they’ll be put in place by forward-thinking businesses that understand EV infrastructure is a durable competitive advantage.
Acting now means accessing the best grants, avoiding the rush, and positioning your business as a go-to employer, property owner, and commercial partner for an entire generation of EV drivers.
Thinking about equipping your property with EV charging stations? Our experts are available for a free site assessment and can guide you through the funding programs available in your region. Get in touch