PEI Electric Vehicle Road Trip Report: 5 Great Planning Tips

Planning a road trip with an electric vehicle (EV) can be an exciting adventure, but it does require some careful consideration and preparation. This PEI electric vehicle road trip report recaps my personal experience navigating the island sights and explores five great planning tips to help you make the most of your journey on Prince Edward Island. From finding PEI electric vehicle charging stations to utilizing the lone Tesla Supercharger PEI location, we will cover essential information for EV owners looking to explore this beautiful island.

So, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring PEI in an electric vehicle, join us as we uncover valuable insights and recommendations on what to see, do, and eat along the way for a seamless and enjoyable journey.

PEI Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, the need for accessible and reliable charging stations becomes increasingly important. On Prince Edward Island, EV owners can take advantage of a growing network of charging stations, making it easier than ever to travel and charge their vehicles on the island.

One notable resource for locating PEI electric vehicle charging stations is PlugShare. This online platform provides a comprehensive map of charging stations across PEI and allows users to plan their routes accordingly.

As you can see in the image above, there is plenty of support for electric vehicles on PEI, with chargers scattered around the island. And, given the island is only 140 miles (225 km) long, covering PEI in an EV is pretty easy.

That said, there aren’t a ton of L3 fast chargers so owners should still plan out their routes to make efficient use of their time.

Tesla Supercharger PEI

In addition to public charging stations, a Tesla Supercharger PEI location is available as well. Tesla owners can benefit from this high-speed charging option, allowing them to quickly recharge their vehicles while exploring all that PEI has to offer.

As of my trip and posting this, there is only one Tesla Supercharger PEI location. That said, it’s in a great spot for those exploring Prince Edward Island.

The lone Tesla Supercharger PEI location is situated just off the Trans Canada Highway west of downtown Charlotown and is relatively central on the island. It’s also next to a brewery and the famous Cow’s Creamery, so you can stock up on local cheese or treat yourself to an ice cream while you charge. I also recommend the chocolate-covered potato chips, which are way better than they sound!

Getting to Prince Edward Island in an EV

You have two options for driving onto Prince Edward Island: taking the ferry at Caribou, Nova Scotia, or taking the Confederation Bridge, which connects the island to New Brunswick.

Caribou Ferry

If you are taking the ferry to PEI, I suggest charging at Jamieson’s General Store (L2) before heading to the ferry.

Alternatively, there is an L3 Flo charger right when you disembark the ferry in Woods Island.

Note: the ferry onto the island is free; however, reservations are recommended to ensure you secure a spot. Please check out the official ferry website for full sailing details, including fees.

Confederation Bridge

If you are taking the Confederation Bridge onto PEI, I suggest charging in Shediac, New Brunswick, first. There is an L2 charger at the Lobster Museum and plenty of excellent places to get a lobster roll while you wait.

That said, Shediac is 45 miles (72 km) from the bridge, so if you need to top up, there is an L2 charger at the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, which is free with $5 parking. There’s also an L3 Flo charger once you get off the bridge on the PEI side.

Note: At the time of crossing and posting this, the Confederation Bridge toll is $50.25 and is only paid when leaving the island. For the latest rates, please see the Confederation Bridge’s official website.

My PEI Electric Vehicle Road Trip

My PEI electric vehicle road trip picks up where my Cape Breton one left off. After an incredible 10-day EV roundtrip around Newfoundland (including a side trip to Saint Pierre, France!), I spent three days exploring Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail before heading west and onto the island.

• READ MORE: My Comical Charging Fail in France

I stayed in Pictou, Nova Scotia, as it is the closest town to the PEI ferry at Caribou and had some L2 charging options. I stayed at the Customs House Inn because it was pretty unique (an old customs house converted into an inn) and next door to Jamieson’s General Store, which has an L2 charger. I was able to leave the car charging there overnight and got to 80%

Pictou, NS to Charlottetown, PEI

I left early the next morning to catch the first ferry to PEI. I normally wouldn’t be this ambitious; however, I was taking a slight detour to Toronto for a fundraiser and had to catch a flight out of Charlottetown at noon. I didn’t want to chance anything, so I gave myself plenty of time with the 0700 crossings, which went smoothly.

As such, I had some time to check out Point Prime and downtown Charlottetown before heading to the airport.

Point Prim has one of many impressive lighthouses on the island. Also, don’t miss the Point Prim Chowder House for a beer and chowder or lobster roll. If you time it right, the sunsets here are fantastic.

In Charllotown, I parked next to the Founders Food Hall as there was a charger next door. The hall is also home to a PEI tourism desk so you can get plenty of tips on what to see and do there. I explored the hall and biked the city and waterfront before continuing to the airport.

The food hall has a great mix of local shops and eateries, and I recommend Doughnuts by Design if you are looking for a treat.

Although I had my bike with me, the downtown core of Charlottetown is very walkable. Highlights include the colorful and historic Province House, the Lieutenant Governor’s House, and St. Dunstan’s Basilica.

Charlottown is known as Canada’s “Birthplace of Confederation,” which traces its significance back to the pivotal 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which catalyzed the country’s Confederation. As such, there is plenty of history to take in, and I highly recommend a walking tour of the city.

Toronto Detour

I left the car at 11:00 AM for my flight to Toronto with 61% and returned the next day at 6:00 PM with 53%. It’s a small price to pay to keep the car’s security system going.

On my return to the car, I noticed that there were brand new Charge Point chargers at YYG. They still had the wrappers on them, but I assume they are active now. If anyone else is taking a random detour like me on their east-coast road trip, there you go 😉

Charlottetown to Prince Edward Island National Park

Thanks to the island’s small size, 53% was more than enough to get me to my PEI National Park campsite, where I booked a 30-amp campsite.

On the way, I stopped at a grocery store and Cows Creamery for supplies (chocolate-covered potato chips 😋). This is next to the Tesla Supercharger PEI location; however, I didn’t use it. A great craft brewery (Lone Oak) is also next to the charger.

I also stopped in at Stanhope Beach to take in one helluva PEI sunset and play in the red dirt. Highly recommend.

Greenwich

The next day, I caught up on some work with some campfire coffee before heading east. I went as far as Greenwich, letting the car charge at the National Park Discovery Centre while biking to the incredible beach boardwalk. Interesting note: the soil in PEI is so fertile that some of the bike paths here are green!

The Greenwich Dunes trail boardwalk offers an immersive journey through one of PEI’s most captivating landscapes. This boardwalk leads adventurers through a diverse ecosystem of coastal terrain, marshes, and forests, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

The delicate balance of flora and fauna unique to this pristine environment blew me away. As I strolled the trail, I took in the informative panels for an insight into the region’s ecology and the significance of preserving this breathtaking natural habitat. The Greenwich Dunes trail boardwalk stands as a testament to the area’s ecological diversity and offers an unforgettable exploration of PEI’s captivating coastal beauty. Don’t miss it!

On the way back to Cavendish National Park, I stopped at the West St.Peters lighthouse and got some good drone footage driving on the red earth the island is known for.

From there, I qued up at Richard’s for a lobster roll, which did not disappoint and was very much worth the wait.

North Rustico and Cavendish

My next stop was driving on the beach in North Rustico, so I can say that I have driven an EV on beaches on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. 😂

I highly recommend stopping in at the Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico for chowder or the massive seafood charcuterie board. Reservations are recommended as I was booked up on my visit. I went a few years ago, so I’m glad to see it still holds up!

Next up was a scenic drive along the coast of Cavendish Park, which has a mesmerizing display of unique rock formations adorning its coastline. Carved by the relentless forces of wind and waves, these remarkable formations, resembling intricate sculptures, stand as natural masterpieces along the shore. From rugged cliffs to intriguing geological structures, visitors can marvel at the artistry of nature while exploring the captivating landscapes.

I got to my campsite in Cavendish early and took some footage of my camp setup. I was getting questions on what I use and how I pack it all in. I will be sharing a post on just that soon.

Once my site was set up, I biked over to Cavendish Beach for another spectacular sunset.

Cavendish to West Point

I left my cozy Cavendish campsite the next day with a 70% charge and headed for the island’s Northernmost point. On the way, I stopped at the Mill River Golf Course and played 18 while my car charged in the parking lot. I love it when courses have L2 chargers; they are so efficient. 

Note the Mill River Golf Course is a full resort with an attached hotel and destination in itself. With PEI electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot, this makes for an EV-friendly destination on the island.

At the northernmost point in Tignish is a free L2 charger, fittingly, next to the North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre. This is a great facility for sharing info on all things wind energy. This is so fitting on my PEI EV road trip and another recommendation to add to your list. I got a kick out of driving my EV alongside the massive wind turbines overhead. I also loved that I drove to the very northern tip of the island, literally to the edge.

After a quick tour, I rode my bike around the Black Marsh trail system, then continued on towards West Point, my stop for the night. I was treated to a spectacular coastal drive of red cliffs and lighthouses along the way. 

I got to spend the night in a lighthouse at the Westpoint Lighthouse Inn, which was just about as PEI as it gets. Besides getting to sleep in a historic PEI lighthouse, the hotel also features a museum covering the history and significance of lighthouses across PEI. I highly recommend checking this out and also recommend booking well in advance!

The area had no charging, but the Lighthouse Inn was kind enough to let me charge off an exterior 15 amp circuit, which got me to 61% by morning.

West Point to Summerside

On my way to Summerside, I stopped in at the Bottle House, a quirky PEI attraction that has a free L2 charger.

The Bottle Houses stand as a charming testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Edouard T. Arsenault crafted these unique structures from thousands of recycled glass bottles, showcasing a whimsical and eco-friendly architectural marvel. Visitors can explore these enchanting houses, adorned with colorful glass bottles of various shapes and sizes, witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship behind these distinctive creations.

I left the car charging and biked to my last PEI lighthouse at Cape Egmont.

Situated on the western shores of Prince Edward Island, this unique lighthouse stands as a historic beacon with its square pyramidal design, setting it apart from traditional round or cylindrical lighthouses. This distinctive architecture, rare among Canadian lighthouses, contributes to its uniqueness and visual appeal. Furthermore, the lighthouse’s picturesque location on a low bluff overlooking the Northumberland Strait adds to its charm, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastal landscape.

I then continued on to Summerside, the second-largest city on the island. There is an L2 Flo charger conveniently located on the waterfront, so from there, I was able to walk to Samual’s Coffeehouse for lunch and then to Holman’s Ice Cream for a treat. Don’t miss this if you are in Summerside. Next door is a Fox Museum, which is also worth a visit.

My PEI EV road trip came to an end with a quick stop at the Marine Rail Park, which offers a delightful blend of history and scenic beauty. This park showcases the remnants of the island’s railway heritage, featuring old railway tracks and a preserved train turntable. Interesting contrast visiting in an EV.

Visitors can wander through this picturesque park and explore its railway artifacts while enjoying stunning vistas of the iconic Confederation Bridge. The park’s strategic location provides fantastic vantage points for admiring the grandeur of the Confederation Bridge as it spans 8 miles (13 km) across the Northumberland Strait, creating a memorable backdrop against the natural coastal landscape.

PEI Electric Vehicle Planning Tips

Although my PEI electric vehicle road trip was largely smooth sailing, I came away with a few tips on making the most of your time on the island in an EV.

1) Make use of the National Parks Free Chargers

PEI’s National Parks offer free charging stations for EVs. These locations include Cavendish Beach, Greenwich, and Brackley-Dalvay. By taking advantage of these chargers, you can conveniently power up your vehicle while exploring the beautiful landscapes of PEI.

2) Book Campsites with 30-Amp service

Sticking with parks, if you plan on camping during your trip, it is advisable to book campsites that offer 30-Amp service. This ensures that you have access to a higher power capacity, allowing for more efficient charging of your EV while enjoying your stay at the campsite. Also, don’t forget to get the correct adapters to charge at the campsite!

3) If you Drive a Tesla, Stock up on Treats

A unique tip for Tesla owners visiting PEI is to stop by Cows Creamery. Not only can you indulge in their delicious ice cream treats, but also take advantage of their Tesla Supercharger station located at their Charlottetown location. This allows you to charge your Tesla while treating yourself to some local delights.

4) Ask Hotels if you can use an Exterior Outlet

When booking accommodations in PEI, it is worth checking with hotels if they have exterior outlets available for EV charging. Some establishments may be accommodating and allow guests to utilize these outlets for charging their vehicles overnight or during their stay. This was my case with the Lighthouse Inn and although I only added ~15%, it helped me spend less time charging the next day.

By incorporating these tips into your planning process, you can maximize the convenience and efficiency of your electric vehicle journey in PEI. Whether it’s making use of free chargers at National Parks or ensuring access to suitable charging options at campsites and hotels, these strategies will help make your trip a success.

PEI Electric Vehicle Road Trip Charging Costs

So what did this 649 km PEI electric vehicle road trip cost me? Excluding overnight charging and charging included with accommodations, just $22.

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