Dealers power up EV infrastructure

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This article was published 13/09/2023 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s electric vehicle infrastructure has received a significant boost thanks to a $3-million funding injection from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

The funding, which is administered by the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association, aims to accelerate the setup of 300 charging stations across the province over the next three years.

“There are three dealerships in Brandon that were approved for funding in MMDA’s first funding round. While Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Brandon was approved to install eight EV charging stations, Kelleher Ford was approved to install two EV charging stations and Forman Mazda was approved to install three EV charging stations,” said MMDA’s “Lead the Charge” program manager, Breanne Cook.

The program will pay 50 per cent of the costs of an installation with up to $100,000 for some Level 3 fast chargers and smaller caps for slower-speed Level 2 chargers.

“All EV chargers that are being installed with funding through this program must be installed by Sept. 30, 2024,” Cook added. “Priority will be given to projects in Manitoba’s rural and northern areas, addressing the current lack of EV infrastructure in these regions.”

When asked about the potential impact of this funding on the growth of the electric vehicle market in Manitoba, Cook told the Sun that one of the biggest consumer concerns when it comes to committing to the purchase of an electric vehicle is the lack of chargers available in Manitoba. To her, this funding will increase the number of chargers available throughout the province, thus increasing consumer confidence in owning an EV.

One of the beneficiaries of the program is Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Brandon.

“We are grateful for the support from the MMDA and Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program,” its dealer principal, Rich Pentney, told the Sun.

He highlighted the importance of being prepared to serve customers’ needs for EV charging, especially given the upcoming lineup of EVs from General Motors, acknowledging the vital role that the funding played in offsetting some of the costs associated with charger installation.

“While the chargers themselves haven’t led to an immediate surge in EV demand, they have provided an opportunity to educate customers about EV charging,” Pentney added. “For the most part, the customers are intrigued by not having to spend the money on fuel that they have been.”

Regarding the company’s strategy for charging, Pentney explained that it charges customers for using their chargers but consciously charges less than its competitors, aiming to attract more EV drivers.

Pentney highlighted the intricacies of charging practices in Manitoba.

“Currently, what Manitoba Hydro charges is about nine and a half cents a kilowatt. Our 19.2 (kilowatt charger) charges $1.50 per hour to park. We’re basically just trying to cover our cost of electricity. We don’t need to produce income from this because this isn’t our business model,” he said.

How long does it take to charge an EV? Pentney explained that the EV model of Cadillac Lyriq can charge in less than five hours at home, adding that it can charge at up to 190 kilowatts, allowing it to add 125 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, its range can reach up to 315 kilometres.

Forman Auto Centre is another beneficiary of the funding in Brandon. It has set up two charging stations at Forman Mazda — one public-facing and one for internal use.

While customer demand for EVs and charging services remains modest for now, owner Kent Forman agreed that EVs will play an increasingly prominent role in their business in the years ahead.

“Currently, we are not actively engaging with EV owners, but the stance is expected to evolve as the EV market matures,” he told the Sun. “As EV technology and charging infrastructure develops, it will empower the Manitoba public to participate more fully in the EV movement.”

However, the dealers also shed light on the challenges facing the industry in Brandon, particularly related to EVs.

“Most manufacturers prioritize provinces offering provincial subsidies for EV sales and those with stringent regulations regarding the percentage of EV sales relative to overall sales. This allocation of limited production to other provinces creates challenges for dealers in Manitoba,” Forman added.

Pentney also acknowledged that inventory shortages of EVs pose a challenge for dealers in Brandon.

“The bulk of EV vehicles in Canada are allocated to regions with higher EV adoption, causing delays for eager customers in Manitoba. Nonetheless, we are confident in the increasing demand for EVs in Brandon and the need for the supply to catch up,” he said.

Meanwhile, Charge Hub stated that Brandon currently offers a total of 37 public charging station ports, including both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, all within a 15-kilometre radius.

It explained that while 68 per cent of the ports are Level 2 charging stations, three per cent of them offer free charging services, making it convenient and cost-effective for electric car owners in the area.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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