Charging an EV in Saint John Just Got Easier
Working in partnership with businesses in the city, Saint John Energy has opened eight new Level 2 EV chargers in locations across the city, part of a wider project to bring charging stations to communities across the Maritimes.
March 9, 2022, Full media release
“We are pleased to have had this opportunity to work with community-minded businesses to make EV charging more convenient in Saint John,” said Ryan Mitchell, President & CEO of Saint John Energy. “We know that the more accessible and affordable we provide access to cleaner energy solutions, the more likely people will make the transition.”
8 new locations, 16 new charging spots
Each location is equipped with two dedicated parking stalls and two charging ports with separate connectors.
The chargers are owned and serviced by Saint John Energy and are available for public use. Users will pay by the hour for charging while their electric vehicle is connected to a charging port. The chargers are linked to the ChargePoint network, allowing drivers to use the ChargePoint app or card to pay for their charge. The stations are now visible on the public network locator maps.
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt AC “J” plug, and the Saint John Energy chargers will accommodate any type of electric vehicle (some models such as Tesla will need an adapter to match to the “J” plug). Charging stations cost about 2.5 cents per minute to use, and to put it into perspective, an hour of charging can add about 50 kilometers of range to a vehicle, at a total cost of about $1.50.
“We know from our survey this fall, Saint John electric car owners are more likely to charge up at home,” said Mitchell. “This service allows a quick top-up while people are out shopping, enjoying a game or coffee and also provides the ability for out-of-town visitors to top up their vehicles.”
The eight chargers are part of a larger project investment of $1.1 million for Saint John Energy to lead the installation of 99 level 2 EV chargers across the Maritimes with its regional partners, partially funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
“We’re making electric vehicles more affordable and chargers more accessible for Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources. “Investing in more charging stations like the ones announced today in New Brunswick will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals.”
How do I charge (fuel) my electric car? With a charger.
Charging your EV varies from the wall outlet you charge your phone with to high-speed chargers near highways. Here is an explanation of the 3 levels of chargers. In 2021, if a New Brunswick resident was to install a specialized charger at home for their vehicle, they most likely install a Level 2.
Electric vehicles seem much more expensive than regular vehicles. Why should I make the switch?
Electric vehicles may seem more expensive because the up-front cost is higher than regular vehicles, but if you eliminate the burden of purchasing gas for the years you will be using it and the additional help of government rebates, they are much more affordable and will save you money in fuel costs in the long run. By switching to an electric vehicle you can save up to 75% on fuel costs.
By switching to an electric vehicle, you can cut your carbon dioxide emissions by 80%.
Electric vehicles are more reliable- they only have around 20 moving parts, compared to 2,000 in gas vehicles, which means fewer things can go wrong. Many have been on the road for over 1 million kms!