2023-09-02 18:22:00
A new Electric Circuit charging station technology has appeared in Rivière-du-Loup, more specifically in the parking lot of the St-Hubert restaurant. This site, equipped with three pumps and six connection wires, is the first shared power system in Quebec and even in Canada.
Constantly on the lookout for the use of its network and the busiest roads, Hydro-Québec naturally recognized the city for the implementation of this new innovative technology. “We really had an identified need in Rivière-du-Loup and this site really came at the right time,” says Jonathan Côté, Hydro-Québec spokesperson in charge of communications for the Electric Circuit.
A city of passage, an undeniable crossroads, Rivière-du-Loup is a targeted stopping point for motorists traveling to Eastern Quebec. “There are a lot of people who pass by here when they go on vacation in the summer” and then continue their journey to Gaspésie or New Brunswick, he shares. “Rivière-du-Loup is really central,” underlines Mr. Côté. As it is located right on the edge of the highway, it is an axis which is perfect for electromobilists”.
Hydro-Québec was also able to have confirmation of the use of the road, and by extension, of its new site during the summer, since the latter was put into service just before the construction holidays. This electrical distribution point was the busiest during the summer period, he informs. Its opening made it possible to avoid queues at the other terminals located in Rivière-du-Loup.
“The fast terminals are not really for people who live around, it’s more for people who come on vacation, for those who make long trips,” explains the spokesperson. Nearby citizens usually charge their cars at home.
SHARED POWER
The technology used at the service point located at 80, boulevard Cartier, was developed by the Finnish company Kempower. It is distributed in the province by Bornes Québec. This innovative power-sharing terminal system allows all types of cars to be recharged. “The charging station adapts to the vehicle,” says Patrick Côté, manager and transport electrification expert at Bornes Québec.
Thus, the user does not have to choose his terminal according to his power, for example 50 kW or 100 kW, but only to connect his vehicle and the necessary energy will be distributed to him. “You arrive here and you have all the solutions at the same time, he says. This means that the electromobilist can recharge more quickly since it is adapted to his vehicle”.
Jonathan Côté informs that when drivers use, for example, a 100 kW terminal and only half is transferred to the car, all of the power available at the terminal is not used. “Whereas here, if a vehicle uses just a certain capacity, for example 75 kW, all the rest of the capacity can be redistributed to other vehicles present. It will really adjust dynamically,” he says. This technology therefore allows more people to recharge, and more quickly.
The charging station site at St-Hubert has a capacity of 500 kW. Each branch wire can distribute a maximum of 300 kW, whereas currently on the market, the power margin of a load amounts to 100 and 180. The recharge time, on the other hand, is between 15 and 20 minutes. Usually, electric motorists are accustomed to having to stop for between 40 and 60 minutes.
The service point has also been configured so that trucks pulling trailers or trailers can easily protect themselves.
WIN-WIN
For the owner of the St-Hubert restaurant, Charles Pomerleau, the partnership concluded with the Electric Circuit is a win-win. “I can’t say what percentage of people come to eat at the restaurant, but there is still a good one,” he rejoices. According to Jonathan Côté, Quebecers are used to finding charging stations when they go to a St-Hubert. The subsidiary was one of the founding partners of the Electric Circuit 10 years ago.
During the construction holiday, customers told him about the terminals. Mr. Pomerleau reports that they appreciated the new technology as much as the location of the site.
His desire to have an electric charging service point has been present at his home for quite some time. “Technologies are there to help us,” he proclaims. Contributing to his advancement makes him proud. It should be noted that in addition to this charging site, the entrepreneur has acquired two electric cars, server robots and reception terminals at his restaurant in recent years.
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