Gas-powered combustion engines that have been the mainstay of the auto (as well as the oil and gas) industries are going the way of the Dodo. In Canada, new regulations proposed by Environment Minister Steve Guilbeault will end the sales of new passenger vehicles, only powered by gas or diesel, in 2035.

The so-called Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will see automakers phase out combustion engines in cars, trucks and SUVs over the next 12 years. By 2026, automakers will need to show 20% of their models are electric with a slight rise to 23% in 2027. By 2028 that grows to 34%, in 2029 43% and by 2030 the percentage needs to be 60%. This all leads to the quota of 100% starting in 2035.

While all this is going on, the Federal government is pouring $44 billion into three EV battery factories for Volkswagen in St. Thomas, Stellantis in Windsor and Northvolt in suburban Montreal. As battery and auto production ramp up, the hope is that the costs of EVs will begin to drop. And when that happens, the infrastructure for charging stations will have to improve to meet the quotas and demands expected. Currently, the Federal government, as part of its Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, has a goal of supporting the creation of 33,500 EV chargers and 10 hydrogen-refuelling stations.

However, that’s small potatoes compared to what will be needed in the future. Natural Resources Canada estimates that depending on the availability of home charging, Canada will need between 442,000 and 469,000 public charging ports by 2035. It says that as of Dec. 1, 2023, there are 10,425 charging stations and 25,246 charging ports based on data from the Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Station Locator.

“Whether for public or private charging, the uptime and operational quality of our nation’s charging infrastructure is critical to fostering the further adoption of electric vehicles,” says Andrew Hicks, Director of Professional Services, US with BGIS. “BGIS delivers technical maintenance and repair services for over 3,000 charging stations across North America, leveraging a proven platform built from 30 years of experience providing technically led integrated facility management services for commercial real estate clients across the globe.”

The creation of those stations and continued maintenance requires proper execution. Adds Hicks: “A robust EV charging infrastructure operations and maintenance (O&M) program should typically include 24/7 response capability, proactive remote monitoring, standardized WO dispatch and tracking, full lifecycle asset management, integrated safety processes, trained and certified mobile technicians with coverage across the entire charging network/portfolio, parts and equipment logistics, and risk management. These aspects of successful charging infrastructure operations are not only critical to consider once the project is complete, but also during the project feasibility, design, and construction phases.”

It’s important to distinguish certain terms. A charging station is a specific physical location, which has one or more charging posts. A charging post itself may have one or more ports, where each port can charge a single EV. Each post may have multiple types of service connectors to support different EV charging connector standards. And a port may supply varying power levels.

Without getting too technical, and depending on the make and model of your EV, you might have one of three fast charging connections, which DO NOT work interchangeably. They include:

• SAE Combo connector – This is used by most automakers except Tesla.
• CHAdeMO – This is a DC only connector and not widely used except by Nissan and Mitsubishi.
• North American Standard (NACS) connector – This is the charger developed by Tesla and was made available to all vehicles in 2022. It is now being adopted for multiple non-Tesla makes and models.

RESIDENTIAL VS. PUBLIC

As has been stated, the needs for public charging ports are growing exponentially. And those needs differ than what the home consumer will need for their residential charging solutions.

Michael Habouri is National Segment Leader, Mobility & Transportation for Schneider Electric. He says that the charging infrastructure for residential application will require:

finally manage their home and its electricity with digital tools.” As for public charging stations, Habouri states: “Most of these charging stations will require an upgrade or a new electrical distribution system to energize the chargers, such as new load panels or switchboards, a low voltage transformer, and a metering unit. Second, having the right digital platform to effectively manage the chagrining is crucial, with features like access control, energy management, billing integration, and reporting tools to facilitate efficient charging management.”

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

Every charging station requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and a positive experience for drivers. Regular maintenance is key and just like traditional gas stations, charging networks must operate reliably to keep pace with the amount of EVs on the road, and ensure drivers have confidence in the system.

The charging infrastructure includes a variety of components – from the chargers themselves to the underlying software that manages power distribution and billing. Maintenance of these systems involves a combination of routine inspections, cleaning, software updates, and prompt repairs when necessary.

As part of the charging station maintenance process, technicians inspect and clean the various parts of the chargers, including the charging ports and screens. They also verify that the charger is securely anchored and that all safety features are functioning properly.

Fast chargers, due to their high-power output, may require more frequent check-ups. Their high usage rate, coupled with the intense energy they output, can lead to wear and tear over time. Consequently, they need regular upkeep to ensure they remain in optimal condition and are safe for EV drivers to use.

“The management of charging networks is crucial for an efficient and seamless charging experience,” says Habouri. “Schneider Electric offers advanced software platforms that enable network operators to monitor, control, and optimize the charging infrastructure remotely. These platforms provide real-time data on charging station availability, usage patterns, and energy consumption, allowing operators to proactively address any issues and ensure optimal performance.”

He adds that scalability is another vital aspect of charging network development. “As the adoption of EVs continues to grow, it is essential to have a flexible and expandable infrastructure.” Habouri explains that it is essential to design with scalability in mind, allowing for the addition of more charging stations as demand increases. “Our expertise in energy management enables the integration of renewable energy sources and the implementation of smart grid capabilities, ensuring a sustainable and future-proof charging network.”

EV charger maintenance also requires professionals who understand the technical aspects of the chargers and the intricacies of the EV ecosystem. That’s why these organizations that install and maintain these charging networks play a pivotal role in the burgeoning EV revolution. “ Schneider Electric provides comprehensive maintenance services, including regular inspections, software updates, and proactive troubleshooting. Our team of experts ensures that the charging stations are functioning optimally, minimizing downtime, and maximizing user satisfaction.”

Overall, EVs and hybrids can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. They produce zero tailpipe emissions save on fuel costs, require no tune-ups or oil changes, and leave a smaller environmental footprint. The industry is moving in that direction, but the infrastructure to meet government targets has some catching up to do. The current government says it will subsidize 84,500 charging stations by 2029 with the hope that the private sector will step in to expand that. It’s a road less traveled for now, but gaining momentum fast.

Quotes for the above article were provided by:

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