The North American electric vehicle market is growing faster than ever and with Tesla’s newest announcement, it’s only going to be bigger! Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, announced on Twitter that they will open its network to other EV brands later this year.
Tesla currently owns 25,000 superchargers globally. While it is a surprising move by Tesla, many speculate Musk made the announcement after the US Senate announced its $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Bill in June 2021. According to the bill, the federal government has allocated $7.5 billion to the electric vehicle infrastructure.
First launch will be in the US, followed by other markets
Two important standards that these supercharging stations must have include “to serve vehicles produced by more than one vehicle manufacturer” and “a charging connector type or means to transmit electricity to vehicles that meets applicable industry accepted practices and safety standards”.
Musk went on to explain that non-Tesla users will have to download an app through which they’ll be able to charge their vehicles.
While we have to wait longer than our friends south of the border, this is great news for the Canadian EV owners too. Traveling long distances will be easier and the waiting times will get shorter while traveling across the border and cross country eventually!
To be eligible for the funding, Tesla will first open its network in the US. This will allow other EV users access and also encourage more people to buy electric vehicles.
Here’s the complete section on Charging Stations in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill:
SEC. 1211. ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.
(a) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.—Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 154 the following new section:
Ҥ 155. Electric vehicle charging stations
“(a) In General.—Any electric vehicle charging infrastructure funded under this title shall be subject to the requirements of this section.
“(b) Interoperability.—An electric vehicle charging station funded under this title shall—
“(1) provide a charging connector type or means to transmit electricity to vehicles that meets applicable industry accepted practices and safety standards; and
“(2) have the ability to serve vehicles produced by more than one vehicle manufacturer.
“(c) Open Access To Payment.—Electric vehicle charging stations shall provide payment methods available to all members of the public to ensure secure, convenient, and equal access and shall not be limited by membership to a particular payment provider.
“(d) Network Capability.—An electric vehicle charging station funded under this title shall be capable of being remotely monitored.
“(e) Standards And Guidance.—Not less than 180 days after enactment of the INVEST in America Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall, as appropriate, develop standards and guidance applicable to any electric vehicle charging station funded in whole or in part under this title related to—
“(1) the installation, operation, or maintenance by qualified technicians of electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
“(2) the interoperability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
“(3) any traffic control device or on-premises sign acquired, installed, or operated related to an electric vehicle charging station funded under this title; and
“(4) network connectivity of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including measures to protect personal privacy and ensure cybersecurity.
“(f) Wage Requirements.—Section 113 shall apply to any project for electric vehicle charging infrastructure funded under this title.”.
(b) Clerical Amendment.—The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 154 the following new item:
“155. Electric vehicle charging stations.”.
(c) Electric Vehicle Charging Signage.—The Secretary of Transportation shall update the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to—
(1) ensure uniformity in providing road users direction to electric charging stations that are open to the public; and
(2) allow the use of a comprehensive system of signs for electric vehicle charging providers to help drivers identify the type of charging and connector types available at the location.
(d) Agreements Relating To The Use And Access Of Rights-Of-Way Of The Interstate System.—Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f) Interstate System Rights-Of-Way.—
“(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) and sections 137 and 142, the Secretary shall permit, consistent with section 155, limited commercial activities for the charging of electric vehicles on rights-of-way of the Interstate System, including in—
“(A) a rest area; or
“(B) a fringe or corridor parking facility, including a park and ride facility.
“(2) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this subsection shall permit commercial activities on rights-of-way of the Interstate System, except as necessary for the charging of electric vehicles in accordance with this subsection.”
Do you want to install a Tesla wall connector at home? Contact David at Wieser Electric, Kingston’s only Tesla-authorised wall connector.
Does your AFCI breaker keep tripping? There are so many reasons that could be happening! The AFCI breaker isn’t installed properly or is old and needs to be replaced.
AFCI breaker installation is super easy and takes less than 2 hours. It is an absolute must in every household since it is a protective device that disconnects the damaged circuit from the main electric system to avoid the system from heating up and getting burnt.
Tools you need to install an AFCI Breaker
1. AFCI breaker that matches the amperage of the circuit (usually between 15 or 20 amps)
Here’s how to install an AFCI breaker in just 5 easy steps:
1. Switch off the main circuit breaker
To install the breaker, you’ll have to first switch off the main circuit breaker. Remember, this will turn off your entire house’s electricity, so do it during daytime and when it’s not too hot or cold.
Every main circuit has multiple AFCI breakers, usually one for each room of the house. Find the ones that you want to replace.
2. Take off the panel cover
Before you touch any of the AFCI circuits, make sure to use a circuit tester to ensure that the power is off. The installation process is pretty simple and doesn’t lead to any accident but for your own safety, wear insulated boots.
Unscrew the panel cover and set it aside along with all the screws. You’ll need them again while reinstalling the main circuit.
3. Take out the old circuit breaker
Find the circuit breaker you want to replace and pull it out firmly. Sometimes you might have to pull at an angle. Make sure to not touch any other part of the circuit because there might be some residual power in it.
Once you pull it out, take your screwdriver to remove the black circuit wire. Your next step is to disconnect the white neutral wire from the circuit and neutral bus bar on the main panel.
4. Connect the new breaker
Before you connect the new AFCI breaker Canada, ensure it’s switched off. Start by connecting the white pigtail wire to the neutral bus bar of the panel and then screw it tightly.
Now connect the white neutral circuit wire to the LOAD NEUTRAL (circuit breaker terminal lug). The last connection is the black hot wire to the main circuit’s lug called the LOAD POWER.
5. Install the new AFCI breaker
Place the new breaker in place just like pulled out in step 2 (in the opposite direction). You’ll hear a snap when the installation is successful. Screw the panel cover back and turn on the main circuit followed by the AFCI breaker. Test it using the circuit tester button (switch should be off).
After getting a successful reading, reset the breaker using the flip switch. Now that it’s set to ON, your job is done.
It’s important to purchase an AFCI breaker that is Ontario code compliant. If you’re looking for an AFCI breaker installation Kingston contact David at Wieser Electric! We also offer a number of other home improvement services. You can read more about them here.
