Providing an update on EV charging infrastructure in Canada, the authorities have announced that Elon Musk-led Tesla Motors will open a part of its Supercharging network to non-Tesla EV owners before the end of 2023. In a newly published press release, charging stations located between Sudbury and Ottawa will be the first to be opened to non-Tesla vehicles later this year. The planned opening of the fast-charging stations for all brands has been described as a “collaborative effort” by the two sides.

The press release by the Government of Canada makes it clear that opening of Tesla Supercharging network is part of the government’s authorities to ensure easy availability of fast charging to reduce EV owners’ range anxiety. It is worth-noting here that range anxiety is one of the main reasons behind consumers’ hesitation in switching from internal combustion engine-powered conventional vehicles to EVs.

The Canadian Government’s press release states, “As part of this collaborative effort, Tesla will open a portion of its existing Canadian Supercharger network to non-Tesla electric vehicles, wherever site hosts allow. Later this year, an open Supercharging route will be piloted for EV drivers between Sudbury and Ottawa.”

That is undoubtedly a very good update for those who want to get access to the world-renowned Tesla Supercharging network for non-Tesla electric cars in the North American country.

The Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program will gradually be expanded throughout the nation, including the Trans-Canada Highway from Ottawa to Calgary. and within a few years include hundreds of charging stalls. By the end of 2025, a large number of charging stations offering as many as 750 EV charging connectors (individual stalls) will likely be ready for non-Tesla electric cars. At least 350 of those individual charging stalls will offer up to 250 kW of power (V3 level).

It is quite interestingly as well as surprising that all the information about the Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program came from the side of Canadian government. Tesla, has thus far, remained silent about the project.

Canada is not the first country in the world that is going to embark on Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program. Such pilot programs are already underway in the United States, Europe, Australia and China. In Europe, the non-Tesla pilot was started in 2021, and since then it has been expanded to nearly one and half dozen countries.