The EV charging station business in Canada is highly profitable. As electric vehicles continue gaining immense impetus in the modern era, services regarding EV charging station installation in Kingston are also becoming quite popular amongst EV car owners. EV cars continue becoming a major part of the diverse transportation network of entire Canada.
Understanding EV Charging Station Business Setup
Do you wish to understand EV charging station business setup? A reliable EV charging station installation service in Kingston can help you. The capability of recharging an e-vehicle or electric vehicle at a dedicated electrical unit is known as the charging infrastructure.
A well-equipped EV charging station is either a private or a public facility wherein electric vehicle owners can come and charge the respective vehicles. Usually, you can come across EV charging stations at highway exits or near urban areas to offer a wide range of charging solutions.
Launching an EV Charging Station in Canada
If you think of setting up your EV charging station or facility business in Canada, an important aspect to consider is the location of the unit.
You should aim at placing the EV charging units wherein people tend to work and live while making it highly convenient for them to charge their vehicles on a daily basis. You are also expected to ensure the charging stations are well-connected to the respective electrical grid for proper functioning. Therefore, locations featuring affordable and reliable access are quite ideal.
You must follow the orders of the local zoning regulations with respect to the installation of EV charging units in a particular area. You should be aware of the regulations before you select a proper site. The location of the site you choose will impact additional factors like feasibility of the infrastructure of EV charging station installation.
What is the Scope of the EV Charging Station Business in Canada?
EV or electric vehicle charging units or stations are becoming quite popular across the country due to the rapid rise in the number of EV owners. Due to this, a number of businesses are considering the installation of dedicated EV charging stations on the respective premises to draw the attention of EV drivers. The Government of Canada has been helpful in offering a wide range of incentives for businesses installing EV charging stations -including grants and tax breaks. Moreover, businesses also receive ample support from private firms with respect to the installation of the charging units.
As far as the overall scope of EV charging station business in Canada is concerned, there is immense potential for this business model as it is a highly emerging market. The business idea is becoming profitable in metro regions of the country having a stronghold of EVs.
In the modern era, charging stations will be in great demand as well as profitable in the long run. Therefore, if you are looking for an innovative business idea, you can conduct research about EV charging and launch a charging station business in your area. Looking to install EV charging stations at your commercial location? Get in touch with Wieser Electric today. We can help you install the stations in Kingston, Belleville, Trenton, Quinte West, Cobourg, Napanee, Gananoque, Lansdowne, Brockville, Smith Falls, Perth, Kemptville, Tweed.
World famous Swedish car making company – Volvo – is preparing to convert all its mainstay models – two sedans and three SUVs into full-fledged electric vehicles. The carmaker is all set to introduce a swanky electric van to cater to Asian markets and boost sales in the region. By 2030, Volvo is expected to launch at least six new electric vehicles. Likewise, their Australian unit said that it plans to sell solely electric cars by 2026. The Swedish brand hit the headline in 2017 when it became one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to announce that it no longer planned to sell combustion-powered engines. After that, Volvo has taken comprehensive measures toward a complete electric shift by merging its combustion engine program with sister firm Geely.
Brief overview of Volvo’s EV plans
The new battery-powered electric car being planned for the next four years is the Volvo-branded MPV, which is premised on an automobile that Zeely’s Zeekr brand sells in China. Termed the Zeekr 009, it is a massive, battery-driven electric van offering three rows of seating. The vehicle competes against counterparts like the Toyota Alphard. Moreover, Volvo also has plans to work on developing sedans and the ensuing people-mover model in its Shanghai research and development epicenter. The hub, which has increased its design team by three times, was recently shifted to a larger building.
The first electric vehicle planned by Volvo is the new EX90 sport-utility crossover. It was unveiled in late 2023 and is expected to hit showrooms by early 2024. Other battery-driven vehicles in the cards include electric versions of Volvo’s mainstay – the XC90, XC60, and XC40, coupled with the S60 and S90 sedans. The mainline vehicles will follow Volvo’s simple and sleek design cues, but the novel MPV will target buyers through a more dynamic structure, something inspired by Zeekr 009. An anonymous source says that unique and new features include a massive, LED-illuminated grille.
Collaborations with other EV makers
Volvo developed and sold its hybrid and gasoline powertrain to Geely, a Chinese EV maker. Thus, the Chinese carmaker has decided to amalgamate all its gasoline powertrain assets, including those from Volvo, with factories made of Renault, to create a new and innovative company dedicated to gasoline and hybrid engines. Geely and Renault are working to execute a deal to rope in Saudi Aramco as an investor and partner in the unique expedition, as reported by Reuters.
The Canadian government establishes rules and security protocols that improve people’s safety on roads, at home, and everywhere. The transport department of Canada has recently announced a new road-safety protocol, which requires hybrid and electric vehicle owners to equip their vehicles with a noise system.
Since these vehicles have motors that operate quietly, especially when you are driving at low speeds, this presents security risks for pedestrians. People with vision impairments or cyclists are at an increased risk of collision with these vehicles. Unlike gasoline vehicles, these vehicles don’t make much noise on the road. While that reduces noise pollution, it also increases safety risks for pedestrians.
Now, every hybrid or electric vehicle owner has to install some kind of noise-making device on the vehicle that is triggered when the driving speed is below a certain threshold. This isn’t just for hybrid and electric cars, but all cars—from SUVs to trucks—need a noise tool. Due to the growing number of accidents on the road, the government had to take action to make the roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and those with physical impairments.
Equipping Vehicles with Sound Emitters
A majority of cars (except hybrid and electric vehicles) emit a normal, consistent sound when the vehicle is slowing down or taking a turn. The sound doesn’t fade when the speed goes down. However, electric and hybrid vehicles are not equipped with built-in sound emitters that can produce a continuous sound when the vehicle takes a break or slows down.
There’s no regulation regarding the type of tune used in the vehicle, but the government has set standards for the volume and the pitch. The sound must be loud enough to alert the pedestrians of the vehicle behind or ahead of them. It should be clear enough for people to guess the car’s speed just by hearing the sound. Although some hybrid car owners have already installed sound emitters, the government has made it mandatory for all vehicles, including new cars, to have a sound emitter. The new rule came into effect on December 21, 2022, and applies to all vehicles weighing 4.536 kgs and below. These artificial noise emitters must produce the same pitch and volume of sound as the natural sound system in gas-powered cars.
The measure was taken after evaluating the increasing death rates in traffic. Blind people or those who rely on the car’s sound for navigating traffic often face difficulty assessing hybrid and electric vehicles. The Canadian government has followed the safety standards, which are already in effect in the US and most parts of the world.
EVs make the same noise as gas vehicles when they are driven at high speeds. We are talking about the tire noise. The problem occurs when you drive them at low speeds, and it’s difficult for pedestrians to identify a vehicle without sound, especially at night, in dim light, or in poor weather. This safety measure is for people with disability and vision problems. But it will benefit every pedestrian and cyclist.
At-home charging stations are a must after purchasing an electric vehicle, especially considering the Canadian winters. Plug the EV in for charge at night and it should be completely charged when you wake up the next day. However, you can’t track how efficiently the charging happens or when’s the best time to charge. These issues can be easily solved by installing a smart at-home EV charger like the FLO Home™ X5 – Smart EV Charging Station.
It has a certified operating temperature range of -40°C to 50°C and can be placed indoors or outdoors. You can pair it with the FLO App to schedule your charge, track energy rates and usage, and manage users.
Here are 5 benefits of installation a smart at-home EV charging station:
1. Faster charging
A smart EV charger maximises the charging power under safe limits. This ensures that your electric vehicle is charged faster. It is also safer compared to a regular charger since the unit will automatically test the current and the connection before beginning the charging process. It can also stop charging if there’s a problem.
2. Optimise energy use
Using the FLO App, you can monitor usage, electricity consumption, and how often your EV needs charging. This information can help you optimise the time you want to charge, how long you need to charge to get to a desired level, and how to charge. If you have solar panels installed to use for EV charging, which is commonly seen across EV owners, you can optimise that too. During winters, you might have to rely on traditional electricity. Using the app, you can switch the energy source.
3. Schedule charging sessions
In Ontario, you are charged different rates depending on what time you use electricity. To save money while charging your EV, you can use the app to schedule charging sessions. Plug the car to charge and it won’t start charging until your scheduled time. You can read more about electricity rates here.
4. Easier to troubleshoot issues
Your EV not charging properly? Just run a diagnosis on your app and you’ll get a report on the problem. Send it over to your electrician and they’ll get the issue fixed as soon as possible. This takes guesswork out of the process and helps reach the solution quicker. If the issue is more completed, the charger company will run an in-depth diagnosis and repair or replace any faulty parts.
5. Monitor electricity consumption
With a smart at-home level 2 EV charger, you can monitor precisely the amount of electricity your EV needs. This will help avoid disputes among your tenants on energy consumption and utility division. Eventually, the charger will optimise itself to balance electricity supply and demand and lower your bills.
Wieser Electric is an official partner with FLO and can help you install the FLO Home™ X5 – Smart EV Charging Station in Kingston and surrounding cities. Give us a call and one of our technicians will stop by to assess your property’s requirements for the installation and provide an upfront quote as well. Please reach out to us today.
Canada’s EV infrastructure is improving rapidly, which has motivated several car owners to make the switch. However, EV automakers feel that customers need just a little push and are offering several incentives and free charging is one of them.
Here’s a list of Canada’s top EV automakers and the incentives they’re currently offering:
1. Chevrolet
People who purchase the 2022 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV will receive a complementary installation of a Level 2 Charging outlet. Those who don’t want the outlet or already have one installed are eligible to receive a $750 credit.
2. Mazda
Mazda only has one electric vehicle – the 2022 Mazda MX-30, but their offer’s very promising. All owners will get a $500 credit for ChargePoint, which can be used towards public charging or in-home ChargePoint Level 2 charger.
3. Audi
People purchasing any of Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Q4 e-tron Sportback, e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT will get four years or 1,400 kWh of DC Fast Charging sessions at Electrify Canada stations.
4. Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID.4 owners get three years of unlimited charging at Electrify Canada chargers and e-Golf owners will receive two years of complementary 30-minute charging sessions.
5. Porsche
Another automaker teaming up with Electrify Canada, Porsche Taycan owners will receive three years of complementary 30-minute charging sessions. The EV has superfast charging capabilities, so you’ll be able to charge the car quickly within 30 minutes.
6. Lucid
Lucid Air is set to release in 2023 but customers who have reserved the car will get two years of complementary charging at Electrify Canada.
7. Cadillac
Cadillac Lyriq owners will receive a free EV charger installation service, but they have to purchase the 11.5-kW Ultium PowerUp unit. To qualify for this offer, they have to take the car’s delivery by the end of 2022. If you already own an EV charger, you’ll receive a $750 credit towards FLO public charging stations.
Other EV automakers are working on offers for Canadians
Hyundai offers a two-year unlimited charging program through Electrify America for US customers but confirmed that they are working on a partnership for Canadian customers. Genesis, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz made similar statements but didn’t mention any timeline. Ford, on the other hand, just raised the price of their F-150 Lightning.
Making the switch to tackle rising gas prices
A survey by BMW Group Canada revealed that 79% of Canadians are worried about the rising gas prices, which is expected to hit $2/litre in June 2023. 25% of Canadians plan to switch to electric vehicles in the next two years. Several Canadians also care about the environment and sustainability, which is a major deciding factor for them to make the switch.
While owning an electric vehicle in Canada has several perks, one major disadvantage is the amount of time it takes to charge the car. With winters starting soon, going to a public electric car charging station in Kingston, Ontario for a couple hours seems like a big hassle. Instead, you can install an EV charging station at your home, whether it’s a condo or a house in Kingston and surrounding areas. You can keep the car for charging overnight, so when you’re ready to leave for work, it’s fully charged.
Here are 5 benefits of installing an EV charging station at home:
1. Your car is safer at home
Risks attached to charging your car at a public facility are greater than at home. It takes an EV a couple hours to fully charge and you can leave it there while running errands. Even then, there are chances it can get vandalised, stolen, or damaged by snow, lightning, hailstorm, or flood.
You can hire Wieser Electric, Kingston’s most trusted EV charger installer, to install a level 2 charger at your home. All you need is one 240-volt circuit in your garage or parking area. If you don’t have it, our team will draw up a plan to fit a new circuit and install the charger afterwards. We extend our service to nearby cities including Belleville, Trenton, Quinte West, Cobourg, Napanee, Gananoque, Lansdowne, Brockville, Smith Falls, Perth, Kemptville, and Tweed.
2. You save money in the long term
Depending on your requirement, a Level 2 EV charger should cost you anywhere between $1000-$1400 plus electrician fees. This is a one-time investment and omits the need to pay at a public charge, which costs you $2.50 per charge. You also save time and energy needed to drive up to the public charging station.
3. Extends the battery life of your car
Studies have found that regularly using a Level 3 fast charger can shorten the battery life of your car. Even Tesla recommends limiting the charging speed if you regularly use a supercharger. When you charge using an at-home Level 2 charger, it charges your car using AC power, which is converted to DC charge by the on-board charger and sent to the battery. At a supercharger, the battery directly gets DC charge power, which can cause overcharging.
4. Very convenient
With an at-home electric car charger, you charge your car during downtime. It’s as simple as plugging in your smartphone for charging. Electricity costs lower during night time, so you can save some extra money there as well.
5. Increases your property’s value and attracts buyers
Whenever you choose to sell your property or rent it out, an already installed EV charger is a major bonus. Many Canadians are switching to electric cars and by installing a charger today, you are investing for better returns on your property value in the future. Eventually, EV chargers are going to become a basic amenity.
Back in 2020, Canada set a goal to develop an electric vehicle battery ecosystem, which is steadily becoming a reality. The country’s very first battery and cathode manufacturing plants are under construction and were allocated $3.8 billion from the national critical minerals strategy budget.
With increased demand for electric vehicles in Canada, the need for lithium to make special EV batteries has increased in the last few years. Canada has an abundance of battery metals, which can be used as an advantage in becoming the leading manufacturer of specialised chips for EV batteries. Currently, Australia is the world’s largest lithium producer. While François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Industry Minister is confident Canada will take over, Patricia Mohr, former vice-president of economics at Scotiabank, Canada feels there’s still time for that to happen.
Based on Mohr’s analysis, Canada will become a major supplier of critical minerals in the second half of this decade.
Impact of the US new Inflation Reduction Act
On the other hand, several believe that the newly introduced Inflation Reduction Act in the US will boost Canadian mining efforts. The act allocates tax credits for electric vehicles that were either sourced for or assembled in North America.
Simultaneously, demand for electric vehicles in Canada has grown by 46 percent this year, compared to just 11 percent in 2021. Another issue that Minister Champagne highlighted during his interview was the auto industry chip shortage. New cars need specialised chips that control everything in the car from the navigation panel to the headlights. Champagne believes that Canada can become the leading supplier of chips. We’re still facing a global shortage due to reduced chip production during initial days of the lockdown.
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Ltd, a company that builds space equipment for Canadarm, has a strategy in place to tackle the shortage. His company will break their contracts into smaller chunks to manage costs and supply chain schedules.
Some unfortunate news about Canada’s EV Readiness Index
Canada dropped to the 13th place from 8th in 2021 in the newly updated EV Readiness Index. It assesses the supply, demand, and policies for EVs for 14 nations and Canada’s currently in the second-last position. While Canada allocated a record amount towards the country’s first battery and cathode manufacturing plants, other countries have been more proactive in decarbonising the roads. EV companies including Tesla, Stromvolt Americas, and LG are building factories in Canada but local production plans, infrastructure, and consumer demand due to lack of charging stations on travelling routes has dulled the spark.
With technological advancements and more brands manufacturing EVs, prices have gone down consistently. EVs have had problems in the past ranging from electrocution risks for first responders to thermal runaway. But there’s nothing to worry about now. Electric vehicles are safer than they’re ever been. With their rising popularity, it’s obvious that they are safer than gas-powered vehicles.
What makes EVs safer than gas-powered vehicles?
When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tested the Tesla Model 3 for crashworthiness tests. It scored the highest any sedan ever has for roof-crush protection. Audi e-Tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge also received high ratings. Coming to the question, gas-powered vehicles have an internal combustion engine that uses fuel, making them inherently dangerous. EV battery packs are combustible too but nowhere close to a combustion engine.
Electric vehicles also don’t have a front-mounted engine, which only means they are sturdier and will protect you better in a crash. Lastly, EVs have a low center of gravity, which means they won’t rollover easily.
Do EVs have any safety issues?
No car is perfect, whether electric or gas-powered. One common issue that all EVs face is thermal runaway, a chain reaction set off by the battery when it starts burning. During an unfortunate accident, the Rimac Concept One lit on fire and authorities reported the car would keep lighting on fire for weeks after the crash. Bigger automakers like Volvo are working on a technology to elevate this issue. On the other hand, fire departments and emergency medical personnel have teamed up with Tesla and Volvo to develop best practices for handling EV accidents.
Are there any safety advances in electric vehicles?
There are free things that make EVs way safer than gas-powered vehicles.
Air quality
They don’t produce carbon monoxide, a byproduct of fuel combustion. It is a harmful gas and in elevated amounts it can cause breathing problems, chest pain, drowsiness, and dizziness among others.
Flammability
Lithium-ion batteries replace the internal combustion engine of traditional vehicles, making them a safer choice. They also have a protective cooling shroud filled with coolant that prevents short circuit or external damage.
Maintenance
No oil change every 5,000 km, no fixing broken down parts. EVs only have 20 moving parts compared to over 2,000 moving parts in a traditional car.
Heavier than gas-fueled cars
The principal rechargeable energy storage system in EVs is heavier than a gas-powered internal combustion engine. During a collision between two cars, the heavier one gets less deceleration. As an EV owner, you put the occupants at a lower risk.
Best EVs for Canadian roads
When purchasing an EV, look for a car with all-electric driving range, low fuel consumption equivalent, and within your budget. A healthy budget would be $35,000 as most EVs cost over that. If fuel efficiency is important to you, Tesla Model 3 Mid Range, Tesla Model Y Long Range, and Hyundai Kona Electric are good choices. EVs with the best driving range include Tesla Model X, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and Tesla Model Y.
With sales of EVs growing quickly, you might have wondered how much does charging an EV cost when compared to the ever-rising gas prices. Other than being fuel efficient, electric vehicles are also 70% greener than gas-powered cars, require less maintenance, and are more responsive and faster. In Ontario, EV car owners can get a licence plate, which allows you to drive in provincial high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, even if it’s only you in the car.
How far can EVs go on one charge?
Most EVs today last up to 120 to 200 kilometres on a single charge. Hybrids and long range EVs can go up to 500 kilometres. The driving range is lower in winters because electricity is directed towards heating. EVs work better during traffic hours as the battery doesn’t use energy when stopped, unlike gas-powered cars.
How much does charging an EV cost in Ontario?
When it comes to Ontario Hydro, you could be charged three different rates depending on your time of use. During off-peak hours on weekdays between 7 pm – 7 am, you’ll be charged ¢8.2/kWh. Mid-peak hours cost ¢11.3/kWh and on-peak hours cost ¢17/kWh. Check the table here for exact timings during summers and winters.
Where can I charge my EV in Ontario?
To charge at home, you’ll need to install either a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. The Level 1 or 110 volts takes eight to 20 hours to fully charge the car and add around 8 km range per hour of charging. The Level 2 or 240-volt system is a lot faster and can completely charge your battery-powered car in four to eight hours and add roughly 35 km range per hour of charging. Keeping the Ontario Hydro rates in mind, you can charge the car during off-peak hours and save more money.
Most public EV charging stations are Level 3 or Direct Current, which are the fastest chargers currently and only need 20 to 30 minutes for a full charge and adds approximately 250 km range per hour of charging.
Is charging an EV at home safe?
Electric vehicles are completely safe to charge at home. It’s just like charging any other electronics or appliances at home. However, make sure you follow these precautions:
Charge your EV only with the charger provided by the manufacturer
Don’t modify the charger equipment, use only whatever is provided
Don’t use household adapters between the socket outlet and electric supply equipment
Are EVs environmentally safe?
While EVs don’t emit gases when you’re driving, they still contribute to pollution. That depends on how the electricity you’re using was generated. The key is finding electricity that’s generated using clean fuel. Electric car batteries also last longer. They lose only 1-2% functionality every year and would last 10 to 20 years until they need to be replaced.
Always keep your car’s battery charged up to 60 to 80% as depleting it to zero will damage it faster. Avoid fast charging regularly as that can also deplete the battery faster.
Power outages don’t happen in Ontario often but when they do, they can cause major inconveniences. When Ford first introduced their plans for the F-150 Lightning electric pickup, they mentioned a home integration system that can be used to power your home, charge another EV, or anything else that requires electricity.
Ford just announced the price of the backup system and surprisingly, it’s priced generously. The Home Integration System will cost you $3895 before installation. Back in March 2022, Ford unveiled their bidirectional home charging station called Ford Charge Station Pro for the F-150 Lightning truck. Compared to other at-home charging stations currently available on the market, the Ford Pro costs $1,699.95. It has two unique features that others don’t offer. It is rated 80 amp, twice as much as other EV chargers and has bidirectional charge capacity. We’re seeing more and more brands introduce bidirectional chargers including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Ford’s offering two ranges of the pickup truck – F-150 Lightning Extended Range and Standard Range F-150 Lightning. At 80 amps of max current, the at-home charger can add 48 kilometres an hour to the extended range and 30 kilometres an hour to the standard range.
When paired with the Ford Home Integration System, the charging station can supply up to 9.6 kW to your home. The charger only has one competitor in the market – Wallbox Quasar 2, which is compatible with most EVs.
Ford electric pickup truck owners expected to spend US$5,200 plus installation fees
The Home Integration System and Ford Charging Station Pro will together cost Standard Range F-150 Lightning owners US$5,200 plus installation. Canadian pricing has not been released yet. Owners of F-150 Lightning Extended Range will receive a complimentary charger but will still have to pay for the Home Integration System. While it seems like the costs are adding up and making the pickup truck more expensive, when compared to Tesla’s Powerwall, it is a great deal. The Tesla Powerwall costs $11,500 and can only hold 14.4kWh, which is about 1/10th of the battery of a 300 mile F-150.
Ford hasn’t yet announced if they’ll be offering this technology for the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit vans but we hope they do!
