Well, it has been a pretty nice ride, almost two years of being able to get free transportation energy in Powell River [“City of Powell River will review fees for use of electric vehicle charging stations,” December 19]
I have gone out of my way to take advantage of this bonus benefit. But city councillor Leishman is quite correct in saying that people are not driving EVs because of free charging. Personal transportation emissions, carbon footprint reduction and cost savings are, I believe, the primary motives.
I opted to develop a new skill set and discover the joys, challenges and limitations of EV ownership. The cost of charging an EV at home is really almost insignificant when compared to buying gasoline energy for an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle.
Based on BC Hydro data, for my Nissan Leaf, I estimate approximately one cent per kilometre for the electrical energy required, and a cost of $1.50 for 80 per cent of a full charge that takes six hours overnight, or during the day for that matter. Weekly it is no more than $5 for just running around town.
So the plan to charge $1 to $2 per hour at city stations is really of little consequence to me, and I suspect many others as well, of the 40 or so EV owners in town. The cost of charging at home I estimate to be about 25 cents per hour. The cost of charging at the newly installed Level 3 fast charger in the North Harbour parking lot remains at $0.
Yes it is nice to top up at Powell River Recreation Complex or Powell River Public Library, but I would suggest that it is not a necessity for most local EV operators who have learned to manage their charge status, and who can charge at home. How far can you drive in a day around Powell River anyway?
So a word of caution on the best scenario calculations that suggest a $2/hour charge will provide funds for infrastructure development. It may well turn out that local EV owners will avoid city stations and just charge at home, regardless of how attractive the parking spot may be.
Bill Lytle-McGhee, member
Powell River EV Network
