Electric vehicle users say travel plans have to be adapted due to unreliable charging infrastructure in Sask.

Electric vehicle drivers say they are having to grapple with a slowly growing infrastructure in Saskatchewan.

As of July 3, there were 1,446 electric vehicles, or EVs, registered in Saskatchewan, according to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

Glenn and Shannon Wright of Vanscoy, Sask., were among the first 40 registrants of EVs in Saskatchewan and have been driving their car for daily commute for the past five years, saving what they estimate is about $21,000 worth of gasoline.

"There was very little charging infrastructure then. It was very difficult. It's not accelerating like I would have hoped, yet I see new gas stations building all around," Glenn said. "We need more clean infrastructure as we try to decarbonize."

Glenn said there is a lot of misinformation around EVs in Saskatchewan which is a contributing factor to their slow adoption. Wright has run in Saskatchewan elections for the NDP, the Green Party and as an independent candidate. He is also a board member of SaskEV, a group of EV drivers and enthusiasts in Saskatoon, and said their membership is inching closer to the 100 mark.

Nipawin is one of some central and northern communities that were starting to address the need for charging stations to make the areas friendly to tourists. The town had planned to install three charging stations. Many members of the public opposed the move and in an unanimous decision recently, the council rescinded that motion.

"Not installing charging in Nipawin is hurting the community from tourism dollars and it's making it less accessible for people," he said, noting he can understand some concerns around mining for car material among others.

"It's sort of like 1950 where a community is saying we don't want power to run through the community, not realizing the benefits that come with it… it's unfortunate that Nipawin made this decision. They will regret it."

Joel Cardinal, chief administrative officer for Nipawin, said the town was eligible for a federal grant through Éco-West Canada.

"But the general consensus among the public was very much against the installation. They think this is something private businesses should pursue," Cardinal said.

"It's a fair point that this decision would close off the town essentially from any EV traveller willing to come to town. We still might have to put this infrastructure down the line. There is a void and the pressure to provide such service will only grow."

Glenn said presently Highway 1 and Highway 16, or the Yellowhead Highway, are two highways in Saskatchewan that are well serviced with charging stations. 

"But if you are beyond those two, it's much more difficult to find reliable charging infrastructure."

Glenn said on the route to Meadow Lake, La Loche, La Ronge and any place north of the latter, there are many gaps with almost no superchargers and only a few level two charging stations available. The level two charging stations can provide roughly 40 kilometres of distance for every hour of charging.