Electric cars coming but need charging stations to breed driver confidence

By Collin Gallant on February 6, 2019.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com @CollinGallant

An electric car owner in Medicine Hat says the future is coming, but the future needs to be able to fill the tank wherever it goes and whenever it gets there.

On Tuesday the province announced $1.2 million to develop a 20-station fast-charging network in southern Alberta that will span from the Rockies to Medicine Hat — the city and local college are partners in the multi-jurisdictional effort that will cost $2 million in total.

That effort, known at the Peaks to Prairies network, is one of two fast-charging stations underway or proposed for the city.

Local Tesla owner John Boylan said after two-and-a-half years watching closely as charging stations have been proposed or opened in southern Alberta, he’s heartened to see options coming to Medicine Hat.

That will bolster sales, he said, if motorists have the confidence to embark on highway travel.

“It is the future, but the infrastructure has to be in place,” said Boylan, adding that convenience and piece of mind are key for all travellers.

He said a full charge from a Level 3 facility — which is proposed — can take more than an hour, but getting up to 70 per cent — enough to get most drivers far enough to the next station — occurs much more quickly.

“Driving around Medicine Hat it might not make a difference,” said Boylan. “This will be great for those people who are travelling through.”

Boylan takes his vehicle to rural areas in the region with confidence, but likes the idea of more charges.

Frequent trips to Calgary involve stops to refuel at commercial parks, such as malls or box stores that offer charging as a draw for shoppers.

The Peaks to Prairies station is also to be sited in “high retail traffic” area, though a location is still being determined, according to Tracy Stroud, manager of business development with Medicine Hat College.

“When this was first proposed Medicine Hat was not on the map, literally,” she said. “When we heard about it, and whenever you hear about new technology, you want to take action.”

The local network station will be operated by Atco, and will be the easternmost point in a network that includes Lethbridge, Pincher Creek and Coutts.

A separate charging station will be part of the micro-grid project under construction near Medicine Hat College. That could be operating in the summer, said Stroud.

That aims to expand tourism possibilities in towns along the way, giving electric car owners confidence they will be able to refuel on day trips.

Several local businesses already offer level 2 charging as a way to draw customers, Volkswagen Canada recently announced it will expand its in-house filling stations, and Tesla Canada has for sometime said it hopes to open a local charger in Medicine Hat for owners of its vehicles.

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