Canada’s EV fast-charging network added 668 new DC fast-charging ports in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the national total to roughly 9,472, according to a report from Paren.
The report found growth is increasingly focused on larger, higher-capacity sites rather than new station builds, with operators deploying more ports per location to improve throughput and network efficiency.
“Canada’s fast-charging network continues to scale efficiently, with demand keeping pace and infrastructure becoming more optimized,” the report noted.
Utilization held at 11.3 per cent, only slightly below the previous quarter, indicating demand is keeping pace with expanding capacity. Usage remains concentrated in larger markets, led by Ontario and British Columbia, while smaller provinces show lower utilization as networks expand ahead of demand.
Reliability remained just above 91 nationally, with the report identifying early signs of pressure in higher-demand regions as networks become more heavily used.
Pricing averaged about $0.48 per kWh, with provincial variation ranging from roughly $0.40 in British Columbia to about $0.70 in Alberta. The report attributes these differences to electricity costs, regulatory structures and pricing models.
The report also notes a more competitive landscape among charging providers, with a broader mix of operators contributing to new deployments.
