Parkland to double size of announced EV charging network in Western Canada
CALGARY - Parkland Corp. is doubling the size of its previously announced electric vehicle charging network in Western Canada.
The Calgary-based company says it will now install 50 ultra-fast charging stations on highways and in major destinations from Vancouver Island to Calgary, instead of the previously announced 25.
The locations will be capable of charging most electric vehicle models within 20 to 30 minutes and will be located across the company's existing Chevron and On The Run retail portfolio. Each location will feature two or four charging ports. With several sites already operational, Parkland expects to largely complete its initial 25 charging locations by the end of 2022, and the remaining 25 locations in early 2024.
"British Columbia leads the way in North American EV adoption, making the province a natural starting point for our ultra-fast charging network," said Darren Smart, Parkland's senior vice-president of energy transition and corporate development. "With support from NRCan and the Government of British Columbia, we are doubling the size of our previously announced ultra-fast network, from 25 to 50 locations. Our network will help eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers and by offering high-quality convenience and food choices, we aim to deliver industry leading customer amenities and experiences."
To entice customers, all locations will be staffed, feature an On The Run convenience store and most will have a Triple O's restaurant.
Parkland says customers will benefit from an integrated digital experience through the Journie rewards app and washrooms will also be upgraded.
The company declined to disclose a total dollar value for its EV charging project, though it said it will receive $6.8 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada and the government of British Columbia to support its plan.
"We're making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible where Canadians live, work and play," said The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Federal Minister of Natural Resources. "Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today in British Columbia and in Alberta will put more Canadians in the driver's seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals."
In October, Parkland announced it signed a deal with California-based EV charging technology company FreeWire to install FreeWire's battery-integrated ultra-fast EV chargers across its previously announced EV charging network at On the Run convenience stores in B.C.
FreeWire uses a combination of battery technology, power conversion technology, and software to provide EV charging solutions to retail, fleet, utility and municipal customers.
Parkland said at the time that by partnering with FreeWire it will be able to roll out EV chargers at convenience stores more quickly and at a lower cost.
The two companies say they also plan to collaborate to share EV insights, shape future product development and advance future energy management opportunities.
-with files from The Canadian Press