The Truth About EV Charging: Costs, Experiences, and Breakdowns
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Road Trip with a Non-Tesla EV
- Charging Stop 1: Electrify Canada in Ottawa
- Charging Stop 2: Tesla Supercharger at Deep River, Ontario
- Charging Stop 3: Jewel Energy Site in Ottawa
- Charging Stop 4: ABB Terra at Circle K in Lancaster, Ontario
- Charging Stop 5: Petro-Canada Site
- Summary of the Road Trip
- The Future of EV Charging
- Concluding Thoughts
👉 Road Trip with a Non-Tesla EV
Having recently completed an extensive road trip in a 2023 Pstar 2 Long Range Dual Motor, I wanted to debunk the misconception that non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) are impractical for long journeys due to a lack of charging infrastructure. During our 900 km journey, we stopped at several crucial charging stations, including the newly opened Tesla Supercharger Magic Dock in Deep River, Ontario. In this article, I will provide a detailed account of each charging stop, explore the different charging networks, and provide insights into the current state of EV infrastructure in Canada. So, sit back, relax, and let's dispel some of these myths together.
🔌 Charging Stop 1: Electrify Canada in Ottawa
Our first charging stop was at the Electrify Canada station in Ottawa. Contrary to some reports, we experienced no issues at this site. The charging speed reached an impressive 145-150 kW, indicating the efficiency of the Pstar 2's 78 kW battery. The cost of charging at this station is 46 cents per kilowatt-hour with a Pass Plus Membership, which costs $6 per month. Additionally, the site offers card readers for convenient payment, eliminating the need for the app. Electrify Canada proves that reliable and fast charging is possible outside of the Tesla Supercharger network.
🔌 Charging Stop 2: Tesla Supercharger Magic Dock in Deep River, Ontario
Our second stop took us to the Tesla Supercharger Magic Dock in Deep River, Ontario. Although this site is exclusive to Tesla vehicles, it was important to include it in our journey for comparison. The charging speed at this Supercharger was remarkable, reaching 81 cents per kilowatt-hour. Tesla offers a membership program that reduces the cost to approximately 65 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, it is worth noting that the high cost of charging at the Supercharger highlights the affordability and accessibility of other charging networks for non-Tesla EV users.
🔌 Charging Stop 3: Jewel Energy Site in Ottawa
Next on our road trip was a stop at the Jewel Energy site in Ottawa. This charging station offers a unique pricing system, with rates varying between 37 cents and 50 cents per minute, depending on the charging speed. Our Pstar 2 reached a top speed of 150 kW, resulting in a reasonable charging cost. Jewel Energy provides a card payment terminal on the charging unit itself, making it more convenient for users who prefer not to rely on apps for payment.
🔌 Charging Stop 4: ABB Terra at Circle K in Lancaster, Ontario
At the Circle K in Lancaster, Ontario, we encountered an ABB Terra charger. Circle K's charging network, powered by Cushard, has garnered positive feedback from EV owners. The charging cost at this site is 43 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it reasonably priced. While an app is required to activate the charger, payment terminals on the dispensers provide an alternative to app-based transactions. However, we did experience a minor hiccup at this specific charger, which necessitated moving to the adjacent charger. Fortunately, this issue was quickly rectified with no further complications.
🔌 Charging Stop 5: Petro-Canada Site
Our final charging stop was at a Petro-Canada site, powered by BTC Energy. Unfortunately, this site left us with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the charging station was aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the charging speed was disappointing, maxing out at only 100 kW. Furthermore, the two posts shared this output, which is inadequate for vehicles capable of higher charging speeds. Additionally, there were some maintenance issues, such as a missing cover on the charging handle. Despite these shortcomings, the site functioned, and we were able to charge our vehicle.
⚡ Summary of the Road Trip
After completing the road trip, we realized that the concerns surrounding non-Tesla EVs' practicality for long journeys are largely exaggerated. Throughout the 880.29 km trip, we charged five times, although it was not necessary to charge as frequently. The charging infrastructure in Canada, especially with the emergence of third-party networks, has improved significantly, offering non-Tesla EV owners a viable and accessible charging experience. While some sites had minor issues, the overall reliability and efficiency of the charging stations were evident. It is essential to see beyond media portrayals and opinions and rely on real-life experiences to make informed judgments about EV charging capabilities.
🔮 The Future of EV Charging
The future of EV charging looks promising, with advancements in both charging infrastructure and payment methods. It is likely that card payment terminals will become more prevalent, simplifying the charging process. The introduction of plug-in charge, as demonstrated by Tesla's compatibility with Ford vehicles, streamlines the charging experience further. The ongoing efforts of companies like Electrify Canada and Cushard/Circle K to enhance their charging networks indicate the commitment to improving EV infrastructure. The key lies in continued collaboration between automakers, charging operators, and governments to create a seamless and efficient charging network for all EV owners.
💡 Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, a non-Tesla EV is not a hindrance when it comes to long-distance road trips. With a growing number of charging networks and dedicated charging stations, the barriers to embarking on an EV road trip are diminishing. Our experience with the Pstar 2 Long Range Dual Motor showcased the convenience and viability of non-Tesla charging options. While there were minor issues at some stations, these were rectified promptly, demonstrating that EV infrastructure is continuously evolving and improving. So, if you have been hesitant to embark on a road trip with your non-Tesla EV, it's time to put those reservations aside and hit the road with confidence.
Highlights
- Road trip with a non-Tesla EV dispels misconceptions about EV charging infrastructure.
- Electrify Canada provides fast and reliable charging outside of the Tesla Supercharger network.
- The Tesla Supercharger Magic Dock offers rapid charging but at a higher cost.
- Jewel Energy's unique pricing system allows users to pay based on charging speeds.
- Circle K's charging network showcases convenience with payment terminals on dispensers.
- Petro-Canada charging stations have some limitations in terms of charging speeds.
- The overall experience of the road trip suggests that non-Tesla EVs are practical for long journeys.
- The future of EV charging looks promising with advancements in infrastructure and payment methods.
- Continued collaboration between stakeholders is essential for the development of a seamless charging network.
FAQs
Q1: Are non-Tesla EVs capable of long-distance road trips?
A1: Yes, our road trip with a non-Tesla EV proved that they are practical for long journeys, thanks to the growing charging infrastructure.
Q2: Is Electrify Canada a reliable charging network outside of Tesla?
A2: Yes, Electrify Canada provides fast and reliable charging, demonstrating that alternatives to the Tesla Supercharger network exist.
Q3: Are there payment alternatives to app-based transactions at charging stations?
A3: Yes, some charging stations offer payment terminals on the dispensers, simplifying the charging process for users who prefer not to rely on apps.
Q4: What limitations did we encounter at Petro-Canada charging stations?
A4: Petro-Canada charging stations had lower charging speeds and maintenance issues, which affected the overall charging experience.
Q5: What does the future of EV charging look like?
A5: The future holds promise with advancements in infrastructure, payment methods, and increased collaboration between stakeholders.
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