Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Ottawa-Gatineau

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by Truenorth00

The wife really like to take Hwy 7 going to TO. So I am mostly concerned about that Peterborough-Perth stretch.

I doubt if you will be going 130 on Hwy 7, so that will help with your range. Also, it is a shorter route, which will also help. I do agree that better charging infrastructure is needed on Hwy 7, but a good, long range BEV should be able to deal with the dead zone, even in winter.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by SidetrackedSue

In an ideal world.

For both dates we hit our preferred stopping point (and only place within 150km with hotels with L2 chargers IIRC) the two hotels were full. Plus they were 45 and $70 more per night. For that kind of money, I'll pay the extra $15 at a Supercharger.

To complicate matters further, when traveling at any time, as EVs get more popular, what are the odds that there will be another EV or 2 or 3 at the hotel so you will have to leave without any additional charge?

Again, we were traveling at the end of September. Our hotel in Halifax was in an retail park as opposed to either of our favourite waterfront hotels solely because it had the L2 charger and we weren't about to drive the 25 minutes out of town to the SC.

We were there for 5 nights and there was another Tesla staying there after the first night so we coordinated between us so that his big driving around day we stayed in town and the night before we left, he unplugged at 10 and we plugged in so were ready to go in the morning.

He was very nice and was used to working things out with other EVs since he was a long-time owner so it wasn't a bad experience. But it could have been. The hotel's policy is first come, first served.

I have been noticing more and more hotels are installing EV chargers. I agree they aren’t ready yet, but hotels are starting to realize that providing charging infrastructure will attract customers, just like colour TVs and air conditioning did in the past. It also makes them look green.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by SidetrackedSue

In an ideal world.

For both dates we hit our preferred stopping point (and only place within 150km with hotels with L2 chargers IIRC) the two hotels were full. Plus they were 45 and $70 more per night. For that kind of money, I'll pay the extra $15 at a Supercharger.

To complicate matters further, when traveling at any time, as EVs get more popular, what are the odds that there will be another EV or 2 or 3 at the hotel so you will have to leave without any additional charge?

Again, we were traveling at the end of September. Our hotel in Halifax was in an retail park as opposed to either of our favourite waterfront hotels solely because it had the L2 charger and we weren't about to drive the 25 minutes out of town to the SC.

We were there for 5 nights and there was another Tesla staying there after the first night so we coordinated between us so that his big driving around day we stayed in town and the night before we left, he unplugged at 10 and we plugged in so were ready to go in the morning.

He was very nice and was used to working things out with other EVs since he was a long-time owner so it wasn't a bad experience. But it could have been. The hotel's policy is first come, first served.

I really don't get it. I mean the Tesla experience is pretty cool and while ICE cars are fun to drive a that price point they probably don't compare. Frequent commuters can save money but you could buy a cheap car if that is your point. Why deal with all this hassle for an electric car? Even if I grant you in 10 years most of the hassles will be gone I don't see how anyone who does any road trips would buy electric unless they have a second vehicle. Is it just doing your part for climate change/virtue signaling? I guess in a lot of Ottawa neighborhoods they have high status whereas most expensive cars are slightly embarrassing in Ottawa. Anything I am missing?

[CanadaGoose]

Originally Posted by roger1818

I doubt if you will be going 130 on Hwy 7, so that will help with your range. Also, it is a shorter route, which will also help. I do agree that better charging infrastructure is needed on Hwy 7, but a good, long range BEV should be able to deal with the dead zone, even in winter.

I've done it a few times in a 2020 Model 3 SR+, I charge to about 80-90% at Perth for a Starbucks run. Then, Lansdowne Place Mall to about 80%, and then hit Niagara Falls.

Pretty sure with an 2022 Model 3 RWD, I could probably switch out Lansdowne Place mall in Peterborough with a charger in Toronto, ON.

I do not have a home charger, I just charge enough to get to Perth before I leave.

Other details:
- 90km/h autopilot speed, spacing 1 to 3 vehicles, always find a truck to sit behind when possible. All dry days, but cold.
- Arrive at chargers at about 15% to 25%.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

while ICE cars are fun to drive

I guess some people think driving with a stick shift is fun, but the average ICE car is utilitarian and rather boring to drive An average BEVs is arguably much more fun to drive and provides a much better driving experience overall.

[roger1818]

Ultra-low overnight electricity price plan could come to Ontario by April 2023

Ontario’s Energy Minister Todd Smith is asking the Ontario Electricity Board to investigate the feasibility of a new, ultra-low overnight energy pricing structure, which could help support electric vehicle adoption

The Ontario Electricity Board (OEB) has officially been asked to investigate implementing ultra-low overnight electricity usage rates in a move that would directly benefit electric vehicle owners.

In a statement this week, Ontario’s minister of energy, Todd Smith, said he had written to the OEB late last year requesting an investigation into a lower overnight pricing plan for consumers.

“Introduction of a new ultra-low overnight price plan that would benefit shift workers and support EV adoption is our next step as we focus on helping electricity customers save money and take more control of their energy bills,” Smith said.

Lower prices would also maximize the use of Ontario’s excess overnight power generation, he said.

The ultra-low overnight pricing plan would join Ontario’s two existing electricity price structures — time-of-use (TOU) and tiered rates — and could be available to consumers by April 2023.

In the letter to the Ontario energy regulator, Smith cited a pilot plan created by the OEB that allowed participants to trade a higher on-peak electricity price for an ultra-low off-peak price.

The OEB’s report into the potential new plan is due this April. The government will also be taking stakeholder feedback and public consultation on the subject through the Environmental Registry of Ontario.

Off-peak benefits

Incentivizing a shift of EV charging to off-peak hours could increase grid efficiency and reduce emissions. Energy in off-peak hours is typically generated from non-emitting resources and would support Ontario’s plans to further decarbonize it’s already 94 per cent non-emitting grid, according to Minister Smith.

Roughly two-thirds of Ontario’s power comes from low-emission sources — primarily nuclear and hydro, which together provide provincial baseload capacity. But during peak hours these sources must be supplemented by other renewable sources or more expensive, more greenhouse gas-intensive natural gas to meet demand.

In his letter to the OEB, the minister requested the energy regulator outline price shifts across time periods and different seasons, estimate potential revenues as well as bill impacts on consumers, and any expected shift in peak demand — as well as potential risks to the provincial government from a new pricing structure.

Support welcomed by EV industry

The proposal was welcomed by EV industry non-profit president Cara Clairman.

“We know that about 80% of electric vehicle drivers plug their cars in at home at night,” she said in a statement.

“An ultra-low, off-peak rate makes so much sense as it does two important things — it makes driving an EV even more affordable and at the same time helps the province by making [use of] the surplus power available off peak.”

Boosting EV adoption in Ontario has become a recent policy plank for the current Conservative government. Four years after it scrapped the provincial EV purchase rebate, officials from multiple ministries have come out with a suite of EV objectives, including growing Ontario’s auto production by 400,000 new electric vehicles and hybrids by 2030 and making the province a critical jurisdiction in the EV battery supply chain.

https://electricautonomy.ca/2022/02/11/ontario-ultra-low-electricity-rate/

[waterloowarrior]

Madoc is getting a Supercharger which will help with the Highway 7 route
https://driveteslacanada.ca/supercharger/tesla-supercharger-coming-soon-to-madoc/

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by waterloowarrior

Madoc is getting a Supercharger which will help with the Highway 7 route
https://driveteslacanada.ca/supercharger/tesla-supercharger-coming-soon-to-madoc/

Good news for Tesla drivers. If only someone would open a public DCFC on Hwy7 between Carleton Place and Havelock. My top 2 picks would be Shell in Kaladar and Petro-Canada in Sharbot Lake.

[Tesladom]

That's good, personally i don't think it would be needed had they built the Peterborough one next to 115 or 7

[CanadaGoose]

Originally Posted by roger1818

Good news for Tesla drivers. If only someone would open a public DCFC on Hwy7 between Carleton Place and Havelock. My top 2 picks would be Shell in Kaladar and Petro-Canada in Sharbot Lake.

There was funding for an IvyCharge in Tweed, but it looks like they re-allocated the funds to the Hwy 401 OnRoute project.

[roger1818]

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/iv...harge-your-next-road-trip-815680213.html

Ivy, ONroute and Canadian Tire make it easy to charge your next road trip

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NEWS PROVIDED BY
Ivy Charging Network
Feb 23, 2022, 08:45 ET

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Electric vehicle fast-charging now available at six ONroute locations along Highway 401

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2022 /CNW/ - Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now charge at select ONroute locations along one of Ontario's busiest highways. Ivy Charging Network, ONroute and their partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced the opening of six EV fast-charging stations:

• Cambridge North
• Cambridge South
• Napanee
• Odessa
• West Lorne
• Dutton

Ivy, ONroute and Canadian Tire make it easy to charge your next road trip (CNW Group/Ivy Charging Network)


Each of Ivy's level 3 fast-chargers at ONroute locations will support the charging of all EV models, including charging ports for Tesla drivers.

Quick Facts

• Ivy Charging Network is installing a total of 69 level 3 fast-chargers across all ONroute locations, with the possibility of further expansion. Each location will have between two and four chargers to serve EV drivers.
• Ivy's ONroute Charge & Go locations will offer charging speeds of up-to 150 kWs, delivering up to a 100 km charge in 10 minutes.
• This partnership is part of CTC's ongoing expansion of EV charging infrastructure across Canada.
• Ivy Charging Network is a joint venture between Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation.

Natural Resources Canada, through its Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, invested $8-million to help build the Ivy Charging Network.

Partner quotes

"Our partnership with ONroute, Canadian Tire and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will end range anxiety for EV drivers travelling on the province's major highways. These new fast-charging locations will give drivers the confidence they need on their road trips, to get them where they need to go this summer," said Michael Kitchen, General Manager, Ivy Charging Network.

"ONroute is proud to now offer EV charging stations to our customers, in partnership with Ivy and Canadian Tire. We are focused on supporting the growth of electric cars and offering this convenience for our customers as we strive to be the recharge destination for all travelers across Ontario," said Melanie Teed-Murch, Chief Executive Officer of ONroute.

"Together with our partners, CTC is proud to announce the opening of EV fast-charging stations at six ONroute locations along the 400-series highways. Our network of EV charging stations is just one of the ways CTC is supporting EV drivers of today and tomorrow to make life in Canada better," said Micheline Davies, SVP, Automotive, Canadian Tire Corporation. "We will have approximately 140 sites across the country by the end of the year, making CTC one of the largest retail networks of EV fast charging stations in Canada."

"We're making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today in Ontario, will put more Canadians in the driver's seat on the road to a net-zero future, and help achieve our climate goals," said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.

"Ontario is building critical infrastructure in convenient and accessible locations like ONroute stops along our highways," said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. "Beginning today, drivers can pull into an ONroute station along our province's busiest highway to grab a coffee or a meal while charging their car, making it easier to explore Ontario or visit family and friends. These new EV fast charging stations will boost EV ownership, support Ontario's growing EV manufacturing industry and reduce emissions."

About Ivy Charging Network:

Ivy Charging Network is building one of Ontario's largest and most connected electric vehicle charging networks through its Charge & Go level 3 and Park & Charge level 2 networks. The company opened its first Charge & Go location in 2019 and once complete, will connect Ontario from north to south and east to west. Each Charge & Go and Park & Charge location have multiple chargers all designed to make charging easy, reliable and seamless. Ivy Charging Network is a joint venture between Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation with additional funding provided by Natural Resources Canada.

Our website is ivycharge.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ivycharge and LinkedIn at Ivy Charging Network.

About ONroute:
ONroute is the proud operator of 23 convenient plazas located along Highways 400 and 401 in Ontario. Our locations are designed to provide travellers with fresh and exciting food and beverage options, gas, and other amenities that improve your travel experience. Each of our locations offers world-class franchise food brands, 24-hour washroom facilities, and convenient 24-hour food market, free Wifi and great customer service.

About Canadian Tire Corporation:
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, (TSX: CTC.A) (TSX: CTC) or "CTC", is a group of companies that includes a Retail segment, a Financial Services division and CT REIT. Our retail business is led by Canadian Tire, which was founded in 1922 and provides Canadians with products for life in Canada across its Living, Playing, Fixing, Automotive and Seasonal & Gardening divisions. Party City, PartSource and Gas+ are key parts of the Canadian Tire network. The Retail segment also includes Mark's, a leading source for casual and industrial wear; Pro Hockey Life, a hockey specialty store catering to elite players; and SportChek, Hockey Experts, Sports Experts and Atmosphere, which offer the best active wear brands. The more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets are supported and strengthened by CTC's Financial Services division and the tens of thousands of people employed across Canada and around the world by CTC and its local dealers, franchisees and petroleum retailers. In addition, CTC owns and operates Helly Hansen, a leading technical outdoor brand based in Oslo, Norway. For more information, visit Corp.CanadianTire.ca.

SOURCE Ivy Charging Network


For further information: Media contacts: Ivy Charging Network - 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868; ONroute - Diana MacLeod, [email protected]

[SidetrackedSue]

Prices rising at Superchargers for Tesla owners.

Changed from a 2 tier to 4 tier level.

https://driveteslacanada.ca/supercharger...ada-following-similar-changes-in-the-us/

A breakdown of the new Ontario pricing.

60kw @ $0.26/min
100kw @ $0.68/min
180kw @ $1.30/min
250kw @ $2.05/min

If, and it is a big if, one could charge at the highest speed all the time on a road trip, that would rival the cost of doing the trip in an ICE vehicle.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by SidetrackedSue

Prices rising at Superchargers for Tesla owners.

Changed from a 2 tier to 4 tier level.

https://driveteslacanada.ca/supercharger...ada-following-similar-changes-in-the-us/

A breakdown of the new Ontario pricing.

60kw @ $0.26/min
100kw @ $0.68/min
180kw @ $1.30/min
250kw @ $2.05/min

If, and it is a big if, one could charge at the highest speed all the time on a road trip, that would rival the cost of doing the trip in an ICE vehicle.

Good time to do this with gas prices so high. Assuming taxes are equalized somewhere around 30% penetration ICE and electric probably headed towards similar on the road costs. At home charging probably will always be cheaper given better efficiency of electric motors.

[Tesladom]

Originally Posted by SidetrackedSue

Prices rising at Superchargers for Tesla owners.

Changed from a 2 tier to 4 tier level.

https://driveteslacanada.ca/supercharger...ada-following-similar-changes-in-the-us/

A breakdown of the new Ontario pricing.

60kw @ $0.26/min
100kw @ $0.68/min
180kw @ $1.30/min
250kw @ $2.05/min

If, and it is a big if, one could charge at the highest speed all the time on a road trip, that would rival the cost of doing the trip in an ICE vehicle.

That's not how that works. You will only hit above 180kw for a very brief period of time on a V3 SC(maybe 3-4minutes), then you will go down to 100-180 for another 8 minutes, then below 100. Say for a 20 to 70% charge it may cost you around $15-$18.

For those not familiar, it would not be any different that having a variable flow rate on a gas pump

By the way, you don't charge to 100%, you only charge to get to your destination or your next charging point. If I am coming back from Toronto, in winter for instance (i do this frequently), I stop at Perth for around 5-6 minutes to top up enough to make it home.

Supercharging is more expensive than charging at home/destination

[CanadaGoose]

The old rates were designed for V2 superchargers and before the Model 3. The first V3 superchargers came in 2020.

It was bound to happen.

Previously, it was approximately:
- 22 cents under 60kw
- 44 cents over 60kw to 120kw.

The Model 3 in 2018 basically introduced charging speeds over 120kw. It was about time it happened.

I would assume when the government allows charging per KwH. We will see California charging prices of about 0.27 cents a KwH.

---
For comparison:
- city of ottawa level 2 charger is 7.2kw, and one hour is 2$. Therefore, 27 cents a Kw.

[SidetrackedSue]

Originally Posted by Tesladom

That's not how that works. You will only hit above 180kw for a very brief period of time on a V3 SC(maybe 3-4minutes), then you will go down to 100-180 for another 8 minutes, then below 100. Say for a 20 to 70% charge it may cost you around $15-$18.

Only charging to 80% on our road trip and using a free destination charger in NS, our "fuel" cost was 50% of what it would have been in our PriusV, assuming $1.50/l gas (which was the pricing I saw at that time.) All charging sessions were under $13.

Given that the most common speeds for charging are now 50% and 300% more than before, I stand by my statement that the new pricing on that road trip will rival that of our old ICE.

[roger1818]

We have discussed this before, but Canada/Ontario needs to allow, if not require, charging to be billed per kWh rather than per minute. That is not to say there shouldn't be idle fees or premiums for trying to use a DCFC to charge beyond 90% though (Electric Circuit now do the latter in Quebec for their 100kW (and above) stations).

We also need to avoid gouging. For example ChargerQuest (at Place d'Orleans for example) charge the ridiculous rate of $5/hour for the first two hours for Level 2 charging (the going rate for L2 charging in Ontario seems to be between $1.50 and $2.00 per hour).

[SidetrackedSue]

Here's an assessment of the effect of the new rates (from FB )

Using Teslafi, looked at the power curve for the last supercharger session.


Time there: 14 minutes

Charged from 14-58%

2 min in tier 4 (180-250kw)

9 min in tier 3 (100-180kw)

3 min in tier 2 (60-100kw)

This session would have cost $6.16 with the old. The new cost metrics would be $17.20.

So, if not charging to 80%, the additional costs will be high.

There are tricks to keeping the costs lower, don't pre-condition, don't let the car get low enough to accept highest speed charging, charging to 80% (which will bring down average cost closer to the old rates.)

But it is causing a pause among those EV owners who were a bit smug about the high cost of petrol these days. Suddenly they've been hit with a significant increase as well. The difference, is that petrol prices go up and down, and I doubt the Supercharger prices will drop.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by SidetrackedSue

Here's an assessment of the effect of the new rates (from FB )

So, if not charging to 80%, the additional costs will be high.

There are tricks to keeping the costs lower, don't pre-condition, don't let the car get low enough to accept highest speed charging, charging to 80% (which will bring down average cost closer to the old rates.)

But it is causing a pause among those EV owners who were a bit smug about the high cost of petrol these days. Suddenly they've been hit with a significant increase as well. The difference, is that petrol prices go up and down, and I doubt the Supercharger prices will drop.

And they still aren't paying road taxes. Wait until that is equalized.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

And they still aren't paying road taxes. Wait until that is equalized.

The idea that gas taxes should go to pay for roads is as insane as the idea that cigarette taxes should go towards helping people smoke more easily.