City of Ottawa and Hydro Ottawa unveil electric car charging station at City Hall

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, River Ward City Councillor and Chair of the City’s Environment Committee, Maria McRae and Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Ottawa, unveiled an electric vehicle charging station near the Lisgar Street entrance to City Hall this afternoon.

As part of a six month pilot project, the charging station is available for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicle’s batteries free of charge. Information gained from this project will help the City and Hydro Ottawa to determine strategies for the future direction of this technology around the city.

“As part of our Term of Council Priorities, we want to do everything we can to encourage our residents to make greener transportation choices” said Mayor Watson. “By using this charging unit, today’s electric car owners will help pave the way for those who make this green choice in future.”

“This pilot project provides an option for residents and businesses to charge up while accessing City services at City Hall,” said Councillor McRae.

The City is providing an accessible downtown parking space to host the charging station, and Hydro Ottawa is covering the cost of the electricity. Hydro Ottawa estimates that if the charging station is used around the clock, seven days a week, the hydro cost would be less than $600 per year. The $25,000 installation cost for the EV charging station is being split between the City and Hydro Ottawa.

“Hydro Ottawa is very supportive of the development and use of electric vehicles because of their clean-air environmental benefits and because they hold the promise of lowering transportation costs,” said Bryce Conrad. “As the use of electric vehicles gains acceptance, Hydro Ottawa’s grid will be affected by the new power demands for charging these vehicles. This pilot project will allow Hydro Ottawa to test charging technologies, determine operational requirements, and consider billing and payment processes.”