Major Canadian Airport Nearly Doubles Charging Infrastructure

Montréal Metropolitan Airport has significantly accelerated its commitment to electric vehicle support by deploying 120 operational EV chargers across its parking facilities. The airport, located in Longueuil, Quebec, has announced plans to add 48 more charging stations once an ongoing construction project concludes, bringing the total to 168 units. This expansion represents a major milestone for airport infrastructure in North America and signals growing recognition that EV charging must become as routine as gas stations once were.

The charging network serves three distinct user groups: airport employees, travelers parking their vehicles during flights, and vehicles used in airport operations. With more than 2,600 parking spaces distributed across short-term, mid-term, and long-term lots, the airport is positioning itself to handle the influx of electric vehicles from a diverse range of users.

Smart Power Management Makes Large Scale Deployment Possible

smart power management electrical grid
Photo by Mazen Alseh

Installing 168 EV chargers at a single facility presents a substantial technical challenge: managing the electrical demand without overwhelming the building’s power infrastructure. The airport solved this problem using Wallbox Power Sharing technology, which intelligently distributes available electrical capacity among groups of chargers rather than allocating maximum power to every vehicle simultaneously. This approach allows the facility to operate efficiently within its existing electrical constraints, a strategy becoming increasingly common as more plugs trump peak power at EV charger stations across the industry.

The chargers installed are Wallbox Pulsar Pro Level 2 units, rated at a maximum output of 11.5 kilowatts. While this standard Level 2 charging speed won’t fully charge a battery from empty in under an hour, it provides reliable and practical charging for the airport’s use case, where most vehicles remain parked for several hours or longer.

A centralized management system called Foresta handles all operational oversight and payment processing across the network. The Quebec-based electrical coordination firm edp électrique oversaw integration of the installation, with additional support from EG Électrique and Westburne.

What This Means for EV Owners and Airport Travelers

This expansion demonstrates that major transportation hubs are taking electric vehicle adoption seriously. For consumers who drive EVs, it means reduced range anxiety when traveling by air. Instead of rushing to charge before leaving home or paying for expensive parking at off-site charging locations, travelers can now park at the airport secure in the knowledge that their vehicle will be ready to drive when they return from their trip.

The project also reflects broader trends in EV infrastructure development. Similar to how rural Australia EV charger networks expand to serve underserved areas, major hubs like Montréal Airport are recognizing their responsibility to support EV owners. Airport operators face pressure to modernize their facilities not just for customer convenience, but also because corporations and governments increasingly favor partners committed to emissions reduction.

The Future of Transportation Hubs and EV Infrastructure

electric car traveling parking
Photo by Youssef D

The Montréal project contributes to a larger shift in how North American transportation facilities handle energy infrastructure. Traditional gas stations are being reimagined for the electric era, and airports represent a unique opportunity because they can leverage existing electrical systems and established parking management operations. The power-sharing approach used here allows facilities to scale without prohibitive infrastructure upgrades.

One practical consideration remains unaddressed: the airport has not yet announced pricing for the charging service or a specific completion date for the final 48 chargers. Travelers should monitor the airport’s official communication channels for these details. Pricing structures at airport chargers vary widely, from flat daily fees to per-kilowatt rates, and this information will be crucial for budgeting.

The expansion also hints at how supercharger networks reshape gas stations across Europe, adapting proven models to North American contexts. Wallbox’s technology and approach are being deployed globally, suggesting that other major airports and transportation facilities may follow similar paths.

Planning Ahead for Airport Charging

If you drive an EV and frequently use Montréal Metropolitan Airport, this expansion removes a significant barrier to convenient travel. Before your next trip, confirm the charger locations within your preferred parking lot and download the airport’s charging management app to reserve or pay for your charging session. With 168 chargers operational or under development, availability should remain strong even during peak travel periods.

For consumers considering whether to purchase an EV, expanding airport charging networks like this one serve as confirmation that infrastructure is catching up to vehicle availability. The combination of home charging, workplace charging, and now reliable charging at major destination hubs creates a charging ecosystem that makes EV ownership increasingly practical for everyday life.