Repurposed transit bus batteries will run the first electric vehicle charging station at Red River College Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The C$120,000 (US$90,760) project will receive C$60,000 (US$45,380) from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Green Infrastructure Program. NRCan said the investment will improve the performance and reduce the cost of operating the rapid charging station by using recycled batteries and energy-efficient technologies.
“This investment in clean energy technologies will help ensure that Canada remains a global leader in clean energy. The Government of Canada continues to work to reduce pollution, foster change in our transportation choices and leave a cleaner planet for future generations,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
The project’s objective, according to Red River College, is to implement, operate and monitor a functional Level 3-equivalent, direct current, fast charge (DCFC) light-duty vehicle charging station. A Level 3 station can charge an EV up to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes. The charging station is scheduled to be operational in summer 2020 and will use recycled lithium batteries sourced from New Flyer Industries’ fleet of electric buses. The college explains that using the recycled batteries will help improve the performance and reduce the cost of operating the station.
“This investment will help the College to increase our current clean technology research activity on electric vehicles, along with renewable and alternative energy sources. We’re proud to continue our work in helping to develop sustainable infrastructure and technology that will benefit the environment and economy in Manitoba and across Canada,” said Ray Hoemsen, executive director, Research, Partnerships & Innovation at Red River College.
