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Charging Up A New Vehicle Future

Powering up your electric car

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The first thing drivers notice the first time they sit behind the wheel of an electric vehicle is typically the silence. Without the familiar turning over and background thrum of a combustion engine, they wonder if the car is even on. But it is. And this silent powering up is part of an exciting transformation in the way we drive.

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Charging 101

Of the four types of electric vehicles on the road today, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) require charging.

Although cars can be charged using a regular household outlet, the process is slow (eight to 20 hours). Installing a level-2 charger at home or using a public charging station allows you to charge up in three to eight hours. High-voltage “fast chargers” get the job done in less than an hour.

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Public charging fast facts

  • Several charging networks—including Flo, ChargePoint, and Greenlots—operate throughout North America.
  • Individual stations are generally located next to businesses and public facilities (e.g. community centres, parks) or along major roads.
  • Chargers are activated with an app or scan card.
  • Charging is either free or inexpensive ($1 to $2 per hour), although some stations are located in pay parking lots.
  • At busier stations, time limits may be in effect.

This is a web exclusive for the article "A Driving Force" from the June 2020 issue of alive magazine.

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