Chatham-Kent’s new electric vehicle chargers have come online at seven locations owned by the municipality and will be offered for free for the first six months.
Each location has two ports offering a Level 2 charge. These are suited for a top-up over one to two hours as a way to “help reduce range anxiety when travelling,” a news release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent said.
The seven locations include the front parking lot of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, the underground parking lot of the civic centre, the Chatham Cultural Centre, the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, the Gable Rees Rotary Pool in Blenheim, the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Center in Dresden and the Wallaceburg Service Centre.
The release said the municipality is promoting electric vehicle use by offering a trial period of at least six months when they can be used for free.
“Feedback is strongly encouraged during the trial period and will be vital in establishing a sustainable network,” the release said.
“A long-term program including the adoption of user fees will be assessed and presented to Council following the six-month period based on the feedback received, usage and operation and maintenance costs.”
The total project cost was $169,411, which includes $70,000 in funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program and over $80,000 from the municipality’s green energy initiatives reserve. The municipality also receives an HST rebate.
ChargerCrew Canada Inc. was awarded the contract for installing these chargers last year. The company is a reseller and installer of ChargePoint EV chargers.
The project is part of an initiative to install EV chargers across Southwestern Ontario, according to the release. The municipality is considering sponsorship opportunities to contribute to the project and encourages those interested to reach out to the municipality.
Feedback and inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 311 or 519-360-1998.