Electric Vehicles
With advancements in technology leading to lower prices, faster charging times, increased driving range and more, EVs are quickly becoming a mainstream method of transportation. If you’re thinking about switching to an EV, here is some information that may help as you explore your option.
If you already own an EV and/or have a charger installed at your home, or are thinking about installing an EV charger, let us know! Submitting your EV/charger info helps us provide safe and reliable service while ensuring we are prepared to manage additional electricity loads connecting to our grid.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
- Save on Fuel/Maintenance Costs – Save hundreds of dollars in fuel while reducing maintenance costs. The average Canadian driver, travelling 20,000 km per year, can save as much as $2,000 per year on fuel alone. Fully electric cars do not require oil changes, transmissions or exhaust systems and the average EV driver can save hundreds of dollars per year on maintenance.
- Environmental Benefits – EVs produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions when compared to gas-fueled cars. Driving an EV can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.
- Green Benefits – Going beyond reduced costs and sustainability, driving an EV provides special benefits such as access to certain HOV lanes, EV reserved parking, and Federal incentives for purchasing.
Electric Vehicle Types
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – Commonly known as ‘fully electric cars’, BEVs run entirely on a battery and electric drive train, never using gasoline. BEVs must be plugged in and charged to be used.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - Runs on a battery but also has an internal combustion engine. PHEVs can run solely on electricity via the rechargeable battery and can be plugged in for charging, however they also use gasoline if the battery runs out.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – Commonly known as ‘Hybrids’, HEVs contain a gasoline engine, an electric motor and a small battery pack. The electric and gas drive systems are used in tandem, using electricity at lower speeds and gas at higher speeds. The battery is recharged through a process called ‘regenerative braking’ and does not plug in for charging.
Charging at Home
Electric vehicles have different levels and types of charging that use different voltages (Volts) and amperages (Amps) to run. There are three levels of charging for electric vehicles. Typically, level 1 and level 2 are used for at-home charging. The following is an overview of the different levels:
- Level 1: This is a charge that uses a standard 120 Volt household outlet. It’s the slowest speed of charging for an electric vehicle. All EVs come with a portable cord-set that allows you to charge at any place that has a standard household outlet. It can take more than 24 hours to fully charge an EV using this level*.
- Level 2: Level 2 charging stations have about the same requirements as a large household appliance like a stove or dryer (240 Volts/ 30 Amps). Level 2 offers a faster charging time than level 1. It takes about 4-8 hours to charge an EV using this type of charger*.
To install a level 2 charger in your home, you must contact a licensed electrician. They'll identify the technical requirements to assess if there is sufficient electricity flowing into your home, if an upgrade is needed to your home's electrical panel and will file a notification of work with ESA before starting the installation.
For more information on Electric Vehicle Charging Systems, safety considerations and requirements, visit Electric Vehicle Charging Systems - ESA (esasafe.com).
- Level 3: Level 3 charging stations are designed for commercial use and are not suitable for home installation. This charger is connected via direct current to an electrical system and is the fastest charging speed available across all chargers. It takes about 20-60 mins to charge an EV using this type of charger*
*These charging times are estimates for reference only and actual results may vary based on the EV model.
Public EV Chargers in Innisfil
In partnership with InnTerprises and the Town of Innisfil, InnPower helped install and commission 10 electric vehicle (EV) chargers throughout the Town of Innisfil! With a renewed commitment to sustainability, InnPower is proud to be a part of the movement and make EVs a more accessible option for our customers.
The chargers can be found at:
• Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, Cookstown Branch (20 Church St, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0)
• Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, Lakeshore Branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd, Innisfil, ON L9S 1V3)
• Rizzardo Health & Wellness Centre (7325 Yonge St, Innisfil, ON L9S 2M6)
• Innisfil Beach Park (676 Innisfil Beach Rd, Innisfil, ON L9S 4H6)
• Friday Harbour (3999 Friday Dr, Innisfil, ON L9S 0J7)
Each charging station is equipped with standard level 2 charging ports, ideal for quick ‘opportunity’ top-ups while out and about in the community. The chargers are visible to EV users via the FLO EV app or can be paid for directly by card at the chargers.
Visit the Electric Mobility Canada website for a list of maps and apps to find charging stations through out the country.
Electric Vehicle Charging Rate
If you own or operate a commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging station, you may be eligible for the new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Rate.
The EVC Rate is an electricity delivery rate designed specifically for eligible EV charging stations in Ontario to better reflect the transmission costs of serving EV chargers with low load factors. It reduces the Retail Transmission Service Rates (RTSRs) paid by participating EV charging stations.
Find out more:
Electric Vehicle Charging Rate