An electric vehicle (EV) uses an electric motor, powered by a battery, instead of a traditional gasoline engine. The batteries in these vehicles need to be recharged when depleted. Electric vehicle charging stations are specialized outlets that these vehicles can plug into to recharge their batteries.
These charging stations are being installed as part of the Sunnybrook’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Helping to make electric vehicle usage more convenient for staff will encourage more staff to adopt this environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cars, and lower their carbon footprint.
All the stations are level-2 charging stations manufactured by Chargepoint.
Yes, these charging stations’ coupler are standardized (SAE J1772) and compatible with 99% of the EV models from large automakers.
Charging stations are available at Parking Garage 1, Level 2B West.
All visitors with a plug-in electric vehicle are welcome to use the charging stations.
Designated parking spaces are marked with signage indicating that parking is restricted to electric vehicles only. They also have a green electric car symbol painted on the pavement.
No, parking in these spaces is reserved exclusively for electric vehicles while they’re charging. A fine may apply to non-complying vehicles.
These circuits do not have sufficient current capacity and for safety reasons are not to be used for charging electric vehicles.
In addition to the normal garage parking fee, users pay a time-based fee for using the chargers. As of October 22, 2021, the charging fee is $0.5 per hour for the first four hours and $1.00 per hour afterwards. For example, plugging in for four hours costs $2, eight hours costs $6 and twelve hours costs $10. This price structure is set to cover the cost of operation, electricity and encourage users to move their cars when not actively charging, freeing up the space for other EV owners. The fee may change over time. Users can pay with their Chargepoint card, Chargepoint app, or FLO card.
EV owners are encouraged not to plug-in solely because a charger is available. The spot should be left free for EV drivers who may need to charge.
Sunnybrook Parking Services and Sunnybrook Sustainability Team will be monitoring the spaces to ensure they are neither going unused, or too busy to accommodate demand.
The driver pulls into the parking stall and can activate the charging stations by swiping a ChargePoint card or by calling the toll free phone number listed on the charging station.
Like all electrical devices, the EV charging stations should be handled with care. However, there are minimal safety concerns when handling the EV charging devices. They have been designed to engage with the car and the charging station unit and connect with electricity only when plugged in.
The chargers are not connected to emergency power and will be inoperative during a power outage.
We are investigating the feasibility of installing more charging stations in other locations. The outcome will depend on several factors including customer demand, funding (external and internal), and existing electrical infrastructure.
