Public electric vehicle charging stations

The first thing you need to know is that Quebec has over 11,000 public charging stations, of which around half are part of Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit network. These stations make it easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners to travel around the province.

There are two types of public charging stations: 240-volt and quick-charge. The main differences are the connector and the charge time and speed.

240-volt public charging station

A 240-volt station works with a connector called J1772. All automakers use this connector in electric vehicles, whether they’re fully electric or plug-in hybrids.

The battery in a plug-in hybrid typically takes 2 to 4 hours to charge on this type of station. It takes 8 to 12 hours to charge an all-electric vehicle with a range of 300 to 400km if the battery is almost empty, which is very rare.

Quick-charge station

A direct-current charging station is used to charge a 100% electric vehicle when travelling long distances. Much faster than a 240-volt charging station, it can charge a vehicle from 10% or 20% to 80% in 10 to 60 minutes.

Why such a wide gap? Because the power of charging stations today ranges from 50 to 500 kilowatts, and includes models with 100, 120, 180, 200, or 350 kilowatts. A higher value means, in principle, an accelerated power supply … and higher charging costs.

However, each EV model comes with its own limit for absorbing this power, which is generally higher for the latest and most expensive models. You’ll find this information in your vehicle owner’s manual. Refer to it to avoid plugging your EV into a terminal that is unnecessarily overpowered!

Don’t overcharge your battery on a quick charge

It’s best to disconnect your vehicle from a quick-charge station as soon as the charge level reaches 80%. Depending on the conditions, your car’s electrical system may greatly reduce or even stop charging to preserve the health of the battery and prevent it from overheating. The system will also slow down charging in cold weather to reduce the risk of damage.

If you want to fully charge your battery, it’s best to move your vehicle to a 240-volt charging station (like your home station). By doing so, you’ll avoid paying a hefty surcharge (beginning at 90% load on the Electric Circuit network) and you’ll give up your place to the next person in “need of power.”

Types of connectors for electric vehicle charging

Most quick-charge stations still offer two types of connectors: the CHAdeMO connector and the Combo connector. However, some of the latest stations lack the former, which automakers have all but abandoned in recent years.

Instead, new rapid charging stations feature a NACS connector, standing for North American Charging Standard. This is, in fact, the same type of plug as the one used on Tesla vehicles. Many automakers have announced the gradual adoption of this connector as of 2025. 

CHAdeMO charging connector

The term “CHAdeMO” stands for CHArge de MOve. It’s a charging protocol established by TEPCO (the main electricity supplier in Japan) and JEVS (Japan Electric Vehicle Standard). This connector is only used on a few vehicles of Asian origin (such as the 2015 to 2019 Kia Soul EV, the Nissan LEAF, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV).

Combo charging connector

Most North American, European, and South Korean automakers have adopted the Combo connector. This connector has only one charge port that combines both the J1772 connector (for 120V or 240V charging) and the two pins reserved for fast charging. It is therefore lighter and more compact than the CHAdeMO.

Tesla connector

Tesla has its own connector and its own network of quick-charge stations called Superchargers, reserved for Tesla owners. However, Tesla owners can also use quick-charge stations fitted with Combo or CHAdeMO connectors by adding an adapter (sold separately) to the connector. Note that Tesla has also designed an adapter that owners can use at 240-volt charging stations with a J1772 connector.

Payment at public charging stations

Hydro-Québec’s Electric Circuit and FLO are the two main networks of public charging stations in Quebec. They are fully integrated, so you can access a FLO station with the mobile app or the Electric Circuit membership card, and vice versa. For some years now, ChargePoint’s public charging stations, which are very common in the United States, have also been accessible directly from an Electric Circuit or FLO account.

Payment at 240-volt or quick-charge stations on major public networks is made primarily through a mobile app that also allows you to find a free station, activate it remotely, and view the charging status continuously. Stations can also be activated by swiping an RFID card—a convenient option for remote locations or garages without a cell signal. The cost of charging is deducted directly from the customer’s account.

The rate for using an Electric Circuit 240-volt charging station generally ranges from $1 to $3* per hour (billed by the second), as long as the vehicle is connected to the station. In rarer cases, the cost is set at a maximum flat rate of $20*, regardless of the connection time. The organization owning the station chooses between the two payment methods, or can also charge up to $3 for a specific time slot.

In the case of a public FLO charging station, the rate is also set by the owner.

Ultimately, the cost of fast charging depends on both the power delivered by a station (calculated per kilowatt-hour) and the battery’s state of charge.

Need help with charging?

CAA-Quebec offers a help line for Electric Circuit users who have problems with public charging stations. Is this your case? Call 1-855-999-8378. Otherwise, CAA-Quebec members can seek free advice at any time from our Mobility Advisory Services for any questions they may have about charging stations, electric cars or gasoline-powered vehicles. Roadside Assistance also comes to the aid of EV owners in the event of a problem.

_{*Costs of using the Electric Circuit in 2024.}