The hybrid engine of a 2020 Ioniq Hybrid sold by Lakeland Hyundai in Prince Albert. (Photo from Lakeland Hyundai website).

By Susan McNeil

Electric vehicles

Region has growing network of EV charging options

Apr 19, 2022 | 9:38 AM

The price of gas at the pumps is high and the federal government is looking to push vehicles into zero-emission status by 2035, so at least one local dealership is seeing a change in car buying.

People are coming into Prince Albert’s Lakeland Hyundai looking for hybrid vehicles, hoping to get the best of the EV world along with the longer range of a gas engine, said David Tweidt, sales manager.

In the six years, he has worked there, demand has grown every year and he sees a major market shift happening.

“My estimation is by 2027 or 28, you’re going to see a huge decrease in the amount of gasoline in favour of hybrid engines,” he said.

Lakeland installed its first EV charger two days ago and will offer customers free charging. Non-customers can use the Level 2 station as well but may have to pay a fee.

On the ice

Weekend rink report: Mintos split in Southern Sask., Northern Bears swept by Regina

6h ago

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

12h ago

Podium finish

Carlton boys claim third at 5A provincials, first provincial medal in volleyball since 2014

13h ago

To charge a vehicle on a Level 2 station takes around 30 minutes, compared to the six to eight hours on a regular charging station (Level 1) found at home.

A Level 3 station, also called a fast charger, takes about 15 minutes but so far, there are none in Prince Albert.

Knowing what is available is crucial before setting out on a longer trip, said Tweidt.

“I would highly recommend people paying attention to the level of chargers, where they’re located and mapping out their trips accordingly,” he said.

Calling for a service truck also involves more than making sure someone has a jerry can of gasoline.

In Prince Albert, Evergreen Nissan also has a charging station available for public use.

Lake Country Co-op recently announced on Twitter that they would be getting into the electric vehicle charging game in Prince Albert but could not share any more details.

Several websites track available charging stations, including PlugShare and ChargeHub.

In the North Central and Northeast regions of Saskatchewan, available charging stations are somewhat haphazard.

Canadian Tire in Humboldt offers all three levels of charger, including two types of Level 3 plugs for $20 per hour. A Level 2 plugin costs $1.50 per hour.

Down the road, Peavey Mart offers only a Level 2 but at no charge, according to ChargeHub.

In Prince Albert, along with Hyundai’s new plug, Lakeland Ford offers free charging to residents and the nearby area but charges people from further away and Nissan’s Level 2 plug is listed as free.

On PlugShare.com, more stations in this area are visible including some at private residences that owners have listed or are willing to share.

Many of the parks in the region also have plug options.

In Tisdale, there is one at the Lion’s Campground, there is a station at the Candle Lake Pharmasave and another at the Prince Albert National Park visitor centre in Waskesiu.

One of the benefits of electric vehicles is the savings on fuel consumption as they cost only about $30 per month for commuters who are plugging them in at home every night.

How far a vehicle can go on a charge depends on the vehicle, said Tweidt.

Demand for vehicles that don’t rely solely on fossil fuels is growing, mostly because the buyers have environmental concerns.

“There is definitely people that are coming interested in the electric vehicles, learning about them and trying to plan their lives around purchasing a vehicle and how it can make sense to them,” said Tweidt.

Driving an electric car around a city is cheap and easy to do. Taking it further afield requires more planning and homework, however.

Tweidt is warning drivers to be aware of the fact that electric car batteries can lose between 20 and 30 per cent of their range in cold weather. The ranges listed by manufacturers are for optimal conditions.

If you compare the fuel costs of a traditional gas engine versus an electric one, the electric or hybrid model wins, said Tweidt.

“If you take the same vehicle, but one’s a gas and one’s a hybrid, you’re gaining on average anywhere from 10 to 15 miles per gallon of efficiency,” he said.

The demand for hybrids has outpaced the supply, a challenge exacerbated by logistics issues raised by COVID and the microchip shortage.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com