Papillons Infrastructure Nature and Earth Day Canada announce the implementation of a preferential night rate on its EcoCharge IGA fast-charging network for electric vehicles, which it claims to be the first in the country.
Starting June 17, 2024, electric vehicle users will get a discount of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during what would be considered off-peak hours, so from 9 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. when charging their vehicle. It’s not a lot, but every bit counts, after all.
This night rate will take effect alongside a shift from an hourly rate to a kWh rate, reflecting actual electricity consumption and ensuring users pay the fair price for what they consume. The rate will be set at $0.49 per kWh during the day and $0.39 per kWh at night, compared to the current rate of $22 per hour.
These changes will apply to the entire EcoCharge IGA network of 102 level 3 fast-charging stations installed in the parking lots of 51 IGA supermarkets in Quebec and New Brunswick.
“This distinctive measure is a sustainable action that can help reduce pressure on our electrical grid,” says Pierre Lussier, President and CEO, Papillons Infrastructure Nature, the operator of the EcoCharge network. “As an electric charging station operator from the environmental sector, we are working to implement innovative and concrete solutions to participate in the energy transition. We are confident that this rate will have a positive impact and hope that people will take advantage of it!”
“IGA and its merchants are proud to support the EcoCharge program,” adds Geneviève Dugré, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations Quebec and National Operations Support, Sobeys. “Since 2020, more than 100 fast-charging stations have been installed in IGA stores across Quebec and New Brunswick. We want to highlight this first-of-its-kind initiative, which demonstrates our commitment to contributing to sustainable projects that simplify the daily lives of our customers.”
Charging stations are accessible 24/7 and illuminated at night. You can use the mobile app to track electricity consumption in real-time and receive a notification once your vehicle is charged. Pay using the ChargePoint app as well, which is available for both iOS and Android phones, or directly with a credit card through the payment system installed on the stations.
When paired, the two EcoCharge IGA stations can deliver a power of 125 kW. On the 22nd of each month, the entire amount of the charge will be donated to a local charity associated with each station.
An interactive map of station locations is available at www.rechargeco.org.