EV dealers call for more charge stations

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This article was published 21/12/2023 (742 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon’s electric-vehicle dealers have called for enhanced infrastructural incentives, particularly the expansion of charging stations, to boost the adoption of EVs.

This plea follows Ottawa’s declaration mandating all new passenger vehicles to be emissions-free by 2035.

To help make the switch, Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt said the NDP government is holding to its campaign promise to offer additional rebates of $4,000 on new electric vehicles and $2,500 on used ones.

Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Brandon dealer principal Rich Pentney told the Sun the city is in critical need of improved infrastructure, noting the challenge of insufficient charging stations is a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption.

He described the provincial government’s proposed $4,000 rebate, which is an addition to the federal government’s existing $5,000 rebate, as a welcome development.

“We need to increase our charging stations from the current dozen to 50 if we want to attract more people,” Pentney said.

In over three months, he said, the inventory of electric vehicles has increased — a significant milestone for the dealership. Despite the increased production from the manufacturer’s end, the current demand for EVs hasn’t shifted much, he said.

“At present, our inventory boasts seven electric vehicles, a significant leap from our previous stock of one at a time. This surge in inventory has been substantial,” he said. “It’s imperative for us to further expand our inventory to meet the demands of our customer base consistently.”

Aside from the affordability of EVs, which he admitted is a major concern, Pentney said range anxiety, especially during challenging weather conditions, is a significant concern for customers accustomed to the convenience of refuelling with gasoline and covering long distances without hesitation.

Customer readiness for fully embracing this transition in Brandon, Pentney said, is a concern, considering the challenges posed by the vast distances customers travel in Western Manitoba. As a result, he suggested, 100 per cent electric vehicles might not align perfectly with these travel patterns.

“Transitioning to electric vehicles requires meticulous planning, particularly as temperature fluctuations affect the vehicle’s range,” he said. “This shift demands heightened preparedness and patience, considering scenarios where arriving at a charging station might entail waiting due to others already utilizing the chargers.”

To address this issue, he said, a key solution lies is the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for a range of 1,000 kilometres, or at least 750 kilometres, ensuring sufficient battery life for journeys, especially in challenging weather conditions.

“Presently, our leading models, the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac Lyric, offer a 450-kilometre range, which significantly diminishes in sub-zero temperatures,” he said. “This limitation raises concerns, making even trips to Winnipeg uncertain on a single charge.”

Like Pentney, Brandon Chrysler general manager Warren Murray said expanding charging infrastructure, particularly Level 3 chargers, should be treated as an emergency.

“With only a handful of Level 3 chargers in Brandon, we need a significant increase to meet burgeoning demand,” Murray said. He highlighted the necessity of infrastructural development not just within Brandon but also in surrounding rural areas to encourage widespread EV adoption.

The main concern, he said, arises when driving off the Trans-Canada Highway, especially heading north or south where several towns lack proper charging infrastructure, adding that for most individuals, an EV serves as a secondary option rather than their primary mode of transportation.

Over the years, he said, there’s been consistent progress in electric-vehicle technology, witnessing yearly improvements in range capacity and faster charging capabilities. While current technology might not entirely meet expectations, Murray believes in a significant leap within the next two years.

“The upcoming Jeep Recon is projected to reach an impressive range of 650 kilometres, a notable advancement that surpasses many gas-powered vehicles,” he said. “This promising evolution indicates a brighter future for electric vehicles.”

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