Are there parking spaces available for electric vehicles?

Calgary is actively developing its infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs), offering drivers convenient charging and parking options. As of 2024, there are over 600 public charging stations in the city, making it one of the most EV-friendly cities in Canada. Below is a complete guide with locations, charging types, and rules.

Types of charging stations in Calgary

1. Level 1 (standard outlet)

  • Speed: 3–8 km/h.
  • Where available: Residential buildings, some parking lots (e.g., Centennial Parkade).
  • Features: Free, but require a long charging time.

2. Level 2 (most common)

  • Speed: 20–50 km/h.
  • Cost: Free or included in parking.
  • Locations:
  • Parking lots (City Hall Parkade, Convention Centre).
  • Shopping centers (IKEA Calgary, The CORE).
  • Public places (SAIT, Calgary Zoo).

3. Level 3 (fast charging)

  • Speed: Up to 80% in 30 minutes.
  • Cost: $0.25–0.50 CAD/kWh.
  • Networks: Tesla Supercharger, Flo, ChargePoint.

Key locations for parking and charging

1. City parking lots

Parking lot Universal charging Tesla charging Level
City Hall Parkade 4 6 Level 2

| Convention Centre | 5 | 8 | Level 2|
| McDougall Parkade | 6 | 14 | Level 2|

Terms and conditions:

  • Free charging when you pay for parking.
  • Activate your session via the MyParking app or a virtual parking meter.

2. Public places

  • YYC Airport:
  • Park & Jet: 4 stations on Sun Country Highway (Level 2).
  • Rate: $10–30 CAD/day.
  • University of Calgary:
  • 20+ charging stations on campus (mostly Level 2).
  • Shopping centers:
  • IKEA Calgary: Free charging for customers.

3. Street parking

  • Free hours: Sundays, holidays, after 6 p.m. on weekdays.
  • Loading zones: Up to 20 minutes free (registration required via the app).

How to find a charging station?

Apps and online resources

  • ChargeHub: Map with 608 stations within a 15 km radius.
  • PlugShare: Detailed reviews and photos.
  • MyParking: Real-time availability of charging stations in parking lots.

Popular networks

  • Tesla Supercharger: 8 stations in the city (e.g., McDougall Parkade).
  • ChargePoint: 50+ locations (including Underground Parking 3425 22 Street SW).

Parking rules for EVs

  1. Activate charging: Even for free stations, you need to register your license plate number.
  2. Do not occupy charging spaces unnecessarily: Penalty up to $150 CAD.
  3. EV-dedicated zones: Use them only while charging.

Future developments

  • Plan for 2025: Installation of 100+ new Level 3 stations.
  • Cooperation with ENMAX: Expansion of the fast charging network in residential areas.

Conclusion

Calgary offers an extensive network of parking spaces with charging stations for electric vehicles. The main thing is to use official apps, follow the rules, and consider the type of charging. For long trips, choose parking lots with Level 3 charging, and for daily needs, street-side Level 2 stations are sufficient.