Tag Archives: electric car

This 1980s Tech Can Keep Gas Powered Cars Relevant In EV Age

May 17, 2024 The Silo 1 Comment

Read enough automotive-related articles on the internet and you will be convinced the internal-combustion engine is being hunted with a fervor typically reserved for villains in Jason Statham movies.

Okay, that conclusion may be extreme—but it holds some truth. Regulations regarding emissions and engine efficiency grow stricter with each passing year and manufacturers are faced with an impossible task: Take a centuries-old design and make it endlessly better—faster, cleaner, stronger, ad infinitum. At some point, progress will plateau, and the cost of ICE experimentation will simply outweigh the incremental gains in efficiency and power. The good news? The internal-combustion engine might have one more trick up its cylinder sleeve.

Fuel, air, and spark—the three things an engine needs to run. Air is one ingredient that it makes sense to leave alone. Fuel type is essentially decided by contemporary infrastructure. (Synthetic fuels are in the works, but we’re thinking of large-scale changes in the ICE design that would extend far beyond the top echelons of motorsport to the everyman (and woman) on the street.) That leaves spark as the low-hanging fruit in this equation. If a different type of ignition could more completely burn the fuel and air mixture, it would not only reduce emissions but also increase efficiency.

Enter plasma ignition.

This is what plasma looks like compared to the sharp spark of a traditional ignition system. Transient Plasma Systems, Inc

Traditional spark ignition is very simple.

A coil transforms the 12 volts from the car’s charging system into thousands of volts that discharge quickly to jump between the electrode and the ground strap of a spark plug. This forms a sharp but small zap that lights off the chemical chain-reaction that expands the air and fuel mixture to push the piston down and thus rotate the crankshaft. In order for the fuel-and-air mixture to be lit by this type of ignition system, it needs to be fairly close to a stoichiometric mixture; right around 14.7 to 1. That ratio—14.7 grams of air to one gram of fuel—puts a ceiling on efficiency. But here’s where things get interesting.

If we were able to lean out the mixture by adding air but still getting the same in-chamber expansion, and the corresponding force exerted on the piston, efficiency would increase dramatically. A lean mixture is much harder to ignite, though. So hard that you’d need transient plasma to make it happen in any reliable fashion. Technically, the spark on a standard spark plug does create plasma when it ionizes the gasses between the electrode and ground strap; transient plasma takes that small arc and dials it up to 11. If a spark plug is a zap in the chamber, plasma ignition is a TIG welder mounted in a cylinder head.

difference between spark ignition and plasma — Ionfire Ignition

This much more violent mode of ignition can regularly and predictably ignite extremely lean air/fuel mixtures. One of transient plasma’s most obvious advantages, besides a higher-efficiency combustion cycle, is that relatively low amounts of energy are used to perform a lot of electronic “work.” (The difference between energy and power, for those of you who enjoy recalling high school chemistry class.) The spark itself is not lighting a fire to burn the fuel; rather, a rapid-fire sequence of low-range electronic pulses generates a highly potent electric arc, which then breaks the bonds holding the oxygen molecules together and allows the electrons to shoot out, essentially attacking the hydrocarbons (fuel) and creating combustion. This means we are not waiting on a flame to consume the fuel and, in the amount of time between combustion and exhaust strokes, we get a more complete burn.

The most fascinating part? This technology is not new.

We traced the basic concept to patents from the 1980s, but technology has obviously come a long way since then. Outfits like Transient Plasma Systems, Inc. and Ionfire Ignition are reviving the concept and the reintroduction is timed quite nicely. (If you’ll forgive the pun.) TPS ignition systems have been tested and show a 20 percent increase in efficiency while also decreasing harmful emissions like NOx by 50 percent. Numbers like that aren’t a silver bullet in the ICE gun, but plasma ignition could keep our beloved internal combustion engines on the road longer than we’d expected. TPS claims it is working with manufacturers to integrate its ignition tech into production engines, but we are still a few years away from seeing the fruit of that collaboration.

The internal-combustion engine has undergone constant evolution for centuries, and at this point we’re extracting incremental gains. Plasma ignition could be one of the last significant improvements to be found in the ICE story. Here’s hoping that this ’80s tech, refined for the 21st century’s needs, makes its way onto the streets. For the Silo, Kyle Smith /Hagerty.

Culture

Ontario Building About 500 Electric Vehicle EV Charging Stations- Here’s Where

July 13, 2016 The Silo 2 Comments

Ontario is building almost 500 electric vehicle EV charging stations at over 250 convenient locations across the province to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight climate change.

The province is working with 24 public- and private-sector partners to create an unprecedented network of public charging electric vehicle stations in cities, along highways, at workplaces and at various public places across Ontario. This includes over 200 Level 3 and nearly 300 Level 2 charging stations. The entire network will be in service by March 31, 2017.

The province’s $20-million investment under Ontario’s Green Investment Fund will expand charging infrastructure across the province and will help address “range anxiety,” a common concern of consumers regarding the distance electric vehicles can travel compared to traditional vehicles. Building a more robust network of public chargers across Ontario allows electric vehicle owners to plan longer trips knowing that charging stations are as readily available as gas stations. With the new network of stations, electric vehicle drivers will be able to travel confidently from Windsor to Ottawa or from Toronto to North Bay and within and around major urban centres.

The $325-million Green Investment Fund, an initial investment in Ontario’s new five-year Climate Change Action Plan, is already strengthening the economy, creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change — a strong signal of what Ontarians can expect from the plan and proceeds from the province’s cap and trade program. These investments will help secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future and transform the way we live, move, work and adapt to our environment while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.

Investing in climate action is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUOTES

“By investing in charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable and affordable, we are encouraging more Ontarians to purchase electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas pollution and keeping our air clean.”

— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

“Transportation is one of the single biggest contributors to climate change. Supporting more charging stations across the province will help to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by making it more convenient for drivers of electric vehicles to get around.”

— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

QUICK FACTS

An interactive map of the EVCO network of stations will be easily accessible on

Ontario 511. Station location data will also be posted on Ontario’s Open Data Catalogue to allow software developers and other interested parties to use the data in their mobile application or digital product development.

Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan is providing people and businesses with tools and incentives to accelerate the use of clean technology that exists today.
A shift to low- and zero-emission vehicles is vital to the fight against climate change and achieving Ontario’s greenhouse gas pollution reduction target of 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
Green Investment Fund projects include: more electric vehicle charging stations; energy retrofits for single-family homes and affordable housing; support for Indigenous communities, industry and small and medium-sized businesses, and helping local organizations fight climate change.
Greenhouse gases from cars account for more emissions than those from industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemicals combined.
There are nearly 7,000 electric vehicles currently on the road in Ontario.
Over 200 applications to the Electric Vehicle Charger Ontario program were received between Dec. 21, 2015 and Feb. 12, 2016, totalling more than $165 million in grant requests.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

Ontario 511 Climate Change Action Plan

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

	*BACKGROUNDER*
Ministry of Transportation

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

July 13, 2016

The province is investing nearly $20 million from Ontario’s Green Investment Fund to build almost 500 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at over 250 locations in Ontario by March 31, 2017.

City/Town	Number of Chargers	Location of Chargers
Central Region	Level 2: 223 Level 3: 84
Barrie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 446 Bayfield St.
Beamsville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 5005 Ontario St.
Beaverton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 84 Beaverton Ave.
Bolton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Albion Bolton Community Centre – 150 Queen St. South
Bradford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 440 Holland St. West
Brampton	Level 2: 6 Level 3: 0	Soccer Centre Recreation Facility – 1495 Sandalwood Pkwy. East Heart Lake Conservation Area – 10818 Heart Lake Rd. Claireville Conservation Area – 8180 Hwy 50
Burlington	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	IKEA – 1065 Plains Rd. East Appleby Crossing – 2435 Appleby Line
Caledon	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 1	Albion Hills Conservation Area Chalet – 16500 Regional Rd. Albion Hills Conservation Area Beach Parking – 16500 Regional Rd. Glen Haffy Conservation Area – 19245 Airport Rd. Margaret Dunn Library – 20 Snelcrest Dr.
Collingwood	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 285 First St. Tim Horton’s – 4 High St.
Elmvale	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 68 Yonge St. South
Fort Erie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 325 Garrison Rd. Tim Horton’s – 1167 Garrison Rd.
Goodwood	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Claremont Field Centre – 4290 Westney Rd. North
Hamilton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	Centre on Barton – 1275 Barton St. East Tim Horton’s – 1470 ON-6 Tim Horton’s – 473 Concession St.
Keswick	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Glenwoods Centre – 443 The Queensway South
Markham	Level 2: 10 Level 3: 2	123 Commerce Valley Dr. West 125 Commerce Valley Dr. West 50 Minthorn Blvd. 140 Allstate Pkwy. Armadale Crossing – 7690-7770 Markham Rd. 80 Allstate Parkway
Midhurst	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Simcoe County Museum – 1151 Highway 26
Midland	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 16815 ON-12
Milton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Campbellville Country Court Plaza – 35 Crawford Cres.
Mississauga	Level 2: 58 Level 3: 20	80 Courtneypark Dr. 5800 Explorer Dr. Meadowvale Corporate Centre – 6880 Financial Dr. 5750 Explorer Dr. 2085 Hurontario St. 4701/4715 Tahoe Blvd. Indian Line Campground – 7625 Finch Ave. West Pearson International Airport – 6301 Silver Dart Dr. Pearson International Airport – 8 Network Rd. Pearson International Airport – 3111 Convair Dr. Hilton Mississauga – 6750 Mississusauga Rd. 2630 Skymark Ave. Novo-nordisk – 2680 Skymark Ave. Airway Centre – 5935 Airport Rd. 30 Eglinton Ave. West
Newmarket	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1100 Davic Dr.
Niagara Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 8089 Portage Rd.
Oakville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Tim Horton’s – 228 Wyecroft Rd.
Orangeville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 23 Broadway Ave.
Orillia	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 320 Memorial Ave. Tim Horton’s – 25 Colborne St. East
Oshawa	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Best Western Oshawa – 559 Bloor St. West
Pickering	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Petticoat Creek Conservation Area – 1100 Whites Rd.
Richmond Hill	Level 2: 9 Level 3: 0	30 Leek Cres. 38 Leek Cres. 95 Mural St. 1725 16th Ave. Swan Lake Centre – 1229 Bethesda Sideroad
St Catharines	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 170 4th Ave. South
Stayner	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Clearview Joint Emergency Services Operations Centre – 6993 ON-26
Stouffville	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area – 3291 Stouffville Rd.
Toronto	Level 2: 121 Level 3: 25	IKEA Etobicoke – 1475 The Queensway IKEA North York – 15 Provost Dr. St. Joseph’s Health Centre – 30 The Queensway Royal Bank Plaza – 200 Bay St. University Centre – 383 University Ave. 5775 Yonge St. Lucliff Place – 700 Bay St. York Mills Centre – 4325 Yonge St. MaRS Centre – 661 University Ave. Yorkville Village – 87 Avenue Rd. Madison Centre – 4950 Yonge St. Citibank – 123 Front St. 110 Yonge St. 525 University Ave. 175 Bloor St. Metro Centre – 200 Wellington St. Airport Marriott – 901 Dixon Rd. Maple Leaf Square – 15 York St. Air Canada Centre – 50 Bay St. Air Miles Tower – 438 University Ave. 720 Bay St. 655 Bay St. 5001 Yonge St. Adelaide Place – 181 University Ave. 2075 Kennedy Rd. Dynamic Funds Tower – 1 Adelaide St. East Atria – 2235 Sheppard Ave. East 30 Adelaide St. East Commerce West – 401 and 405 The West Mall SNC-Lavalin – 304 The East Mall Burnhamthorpe Square – 10-20 Four Seasons Place Morneau Shepall – 895 Don Mills Rd. 145 King St. West 150 King St. West Sun Life Centre – 200 King St. West Manulife Centre – 55 Bloor St. West Bloor Islington Place – 3250 Bloor St. West 33 Bloor St. West Scotiabank Plaza – 40 King St. West 115 Gordon Baker Rd. Foresters – 789 Don Mills Rd. 277 Wellington St. West Glen Rouge Conservation Area – 7450 Kingston Rd. Milliken Crossing – 5631 – 5671 Steeles Ave. East Black Creek Pioneer Village – 1000 Murray Ross Parkway Humber River Hospital – 1235 Wilson Ave.
Tottenham	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Tottenham Mall – 55 Queen St. South
Vaughan	Level 2: 4 Level 3: 3	TRCA Head Office – 101 Exchange Ave. Joint Operations Centre – 2800 Rutherford Rd. IKEA – 200 Interchange Way
Vineland Station	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 3335 North Service Rd.
Washago	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Washago Carpool Lot – HWY 11/169
Whitby	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Taunton Gardens – 320 Taunton Rd. East
Woodbridge	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 0	Boyd Conservation Area – 8739 Islington Ave. Kortright Centre – 9550 Pine Valley Dr.
East Region	Level 2: 17 Level 3: 49
Arnprior	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 3	Tim Horton’s – 201 Madawaska Blvd. Metro/Food Basics – 375 Daniel St. South McDonald’s – 16 Baskin Dr. West
Bancroft	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 234 Hastings St. North
Barrhaven	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Ottawa Park and Ride – 3347 Fallowfield Rd.
Belleville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 218 Bell Blvd.
Brockville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 2454 Parkdale Ave. Tim Horton’s – 77 William St.
Campbellford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 148 Grand Rd.
Carleton Place	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 144 Franktown Rd.
Casselman	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Metro/Food Basics – 21 Richer Close
Cornwall	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 3	Tim Horton’s – 81 Tollgate Rd. West McDonald’s – 1301 Brookdale Ave. St. Hubert – 705 Brookdale Ave.
Deep River	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 33235 Hwy 17
Embrun	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Embrun Arena – 8 Blais St.
Fenelon Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 23 Lindsay St.
Gloucester	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	St. Hubert – 2484 Boulevard St. Joseph
Hawkesbury	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	St. Hubert – 456 County Rd. 17 Tim Horton’s – 418 Main St. East
Johnstown	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Gas Bar – 2618 CR-2
Kanata	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Ottawa Park and Ride – 130 Earl Grey Dr.
Kemptville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	TSC Stores – 2966 County Rd. 43
Kingston	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 681 Princess St.
Lindsay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Lindsay Recreation Complex – 133 Adelaide St. South Tim Horton’s – 85 Mt Hope St.
Madoc	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 14118 Hwy 62 Tim Horton’s – 14121 ON-7
Manotick	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 989 River Rd.
Napanee	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 478 Centre St. North
Nepean	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Ben Franklin Place – 101 Centrepointe Dr.
Newcastle	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 361 King Ave. East
Ottawa	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 8	McDonald’s – 670 Bronson Ave. City of Ottawa Fire Administration Building – 1445 Carling Ave. St. Hubert – 4010 Riverside Dr. Ottawa Public Parking Lot – 687 Somerset IKEA – 2685 Iris St.
Pembroke	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 805 Pembroke St. East Tim Horton’s – 11 Robinson Ln.
Perth	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 35 Dufferin St.
Peterborough	Level 2: 7 Level 3: 4	Tim Horton’s – 1527 Water St. Lansdowne Place Mall – 645 Lansdowne St. Norwood Town Hall – 2357 County Rd. 45 King Street Parking Garage – 200 King St. Memorial Centre Arena – 151 Lansdowne St. West Riverview Park Zoo – 1230 Water St. Downtown Lakefield Public Parking – 39 Queen St.
Picton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Downtown Picton Public Parking – 55 King St.
Port Hope	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 175 Rose Glen Rd. North
Port Perry	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 14500 Simcoe St.
Rockland	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Metro/Food Basics – 9071 County Rd. 17 Tim Horton’s – 2875 Laporte St.
Northeast Region	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 24
Azilda	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 514 Notre Dame St. East
Burk’s Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 27 Commercial Dr.
Elliot Lake	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 269 King’s Hwy 108 Tim Horton’s – 261 ON-108
Espanola	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 701 Centre St.
Gravenhurst	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 1105 Bethuine Dr. Tim Horton’s – 150 Talisman Dr.
Huntsville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 44 ON-60
Kapuskasing	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 240 Government Rd. Tim Horton’s – 8 Government Rd. East
Kirkland Lake	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 155 Government Rd. West Tim Horton’s – 175 Government Rd. West
New Liskeard	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 883350 Hwy 65 West Tim Horton’s – 883307 ON-65
North Bay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 999 McKeown Ave. Tim Horton’s – 114 Drury St.
Parry Sound	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 118 Bowes St.
Port Severn	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Jag’s Petro Canada – 41 Lone Pine Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 673 Trunk Rd. Tim Horton’s – 223 Second Line West
Sudbury	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 914 Newgate Ave.
South Porcupine	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 4556 ON-101
Timmins	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 520-522 Algonquin Blvd. East
Wawa	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 92 Mission Rd.
Northwest Region	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 7
Dryden	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 520 Government St. Tim Horton’s – 655 Government St.
Fort Frances	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 831 Kings Highway Tim Horton’s – 525 Hwy 11 West
Kenora	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 900 Highway 17 East
Thunder Bay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 770 Memorial Ave. Tim Horton’s – 121 East Ave.
West Region	Level 2: 33 Level 3: 47
Amherstburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	The Libro Centre – 3295 Meloche Rd.
Arthur	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	Arthur Library and Medical Centre – 110 Charles St. East Arthur Sports Complex – 158 Domville St.
Brantford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 73 King George Rd. Tim Horton’s – 1290 Colborne St. East
Cambridge	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 416 Hespeler Rd.
Cayuga	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 51 Talbot St.
Chatham	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 710 Richmond St. Tim Horton’s – 33 3rd St.
Clifford	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Clifford Community Complex – 2 Brown St. South
Clinton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 300 Ontario St.
Drumbo	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Mister Steak Highway Travel Plaza – 80667 Oxford Rd. 29
Essex	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 4	Essex Centre Sports Complex – 60 Fairview Ave. West Colechester Harbour – 100 Jackson St.
Exeter	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	153 Main St. North
Goderich	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 354 Bayfield Rd.
Guelph	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 3	Social Services Building – 138 Wyndham St. North Puslinch Library – 29 Brock Rd. South N Hanlon Park Mall – 218 Silvercreek Pkwy.
Hanover	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 800 10th St. Tim Horton’s – 639 10th St.
Harriston	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 182 Elora St.
Ingersoll	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 1	Downtown Ingersoll Public Parking – 16 King St.
Innisfil	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 940 Innisfil Beach Rd.
Kitchener	Level 2: 8 Level 3: 0	50 Queen St. North 55 King St. West
Leamington	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 214 Talbot St.
London	Level 2: 6 Level 3: 1	Wellington Commons – 1210 Wellington Rd. South Tim Horton’s – 146 Clarke Rd. City Centre – 380 Wellington St.
Meaford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 291 Sykes St. South
Mount Forest	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Mount Forest Sports Complex – 850 Princess St.
Owen Sound	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1015 10th St. West
Port Colborne	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 429 Main St. West
Port Dover	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 1 St Andrew St.
Port Elgin	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 278 Goderich St.
Sarnia	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 1399 Colborne Rd.
Simcoe	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 77 Queensway East
Southampton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Saugeen First Nation Gas Bar – 43 Cameron Dr.
Stratford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1040 Ontario St.
Strathroy	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 269 Caradoc St. South
Tillsonburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Tim Horton’s – 401 Simcoe St.
Wallaceburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 848 Dufferin Ave.
Wasaga Beach	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1275 Mosley St.
Waterloo	Level 2: 7 Level 3: 0	Northland Business Centre – 60 Northland Rd. Waterloo Corporate Campus – 180 Northfield Dr. West / 595 Parkside Dr.
Welland	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Fitch Street Plaza – 200 Fitch St
Wiarton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 445 Berford St.
Windsor	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 80 Park St. East
Wingham	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 33 Josephine St.
Woodstock	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 1	Quality Inn – 580 Bruin Blvd.

Some of the above noted locations may be subject to change prior to March 31, 2017.

Level 2 charging stations use a 240 volt system (similar to a clothes dryer plug) and can fully charge a vehicle from zero per cent charge in about four to six hours.

Level 3 charging stations (also known as Direct Current Fast Chargers or DCFC) use a 480 volt system and can charge a vehicle to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. These stations allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles about eight times faster than Level 2 charging stations, and permit them to travel further than ever before.

Transportation

Ontario Set to be First Province to test Auto-driving Vehicles and Technology

October 14, 2015 The Silo 2 Comments

Ontario First to Test Automated Vehicles on Roads in Canada

Province Supports Innovation in Transportation Technology

You should take auto-driving cars seriously- every major Auto manufacturer is venturing forward with concepts like this one- GM's EN-V — You should take auto-driving cars seriously- every major Auto manufacturer is venturing forward with concepts such as this one from General Motors- the GM EN-V

Ontario is launching a new pilot to allow for the testing of automated vehicles on Ontario roads.

Automated vehicles are driverless or self-driving vehicles that are capable of detecting the surrounding environment using artificial intelligence, sensors and global positioning system coordinates. Automated and connected vehicle technologies have the potential to help improve fuel efficiency as well as reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and driver distraction.

Beginning on January 1, 2016, Ontario will lead Canada as the first province to test automated vehicles and related technology on-road. Currently there are nearly 100 companies and institutions involved in the connected vehicle and automated vehicle industry in the province. The pilot will enable those companies to conduct research and development in Ontario rather than in competing jurisdictions, as well as support opportunities to bring automated vehicles to market.

The province is also pledging an additional $500,000 in funding to the Ontario Centres of Excellence Connected Vehicle/Automated Vehicle Program, in addition to the $2.45 million in funding recently provided. The program brings academic institutions and business together to promote and encourage innovative transportation technology.

Ensuring Ontario’s place as a world leader in the auto, transportation, information and communications technology sectors are part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Not all concepts are futuristic looking such as Google's modded Prius. We're betting Ontario will test more conservatively styled auto-drivers such as this one. CP — Not all concepts are futuristic looking such as Google’s modded Prius. We’re betting Ontario will test more conservatively styled auto-drivers such as this one. CP image: New York Times

QUOTE

“In the world of transportation, Ontario has the opportunity to show leadership on automated technology. Today, Ontario is making its claim in the global marketplace by taking the next steps in automated vehicle innovation. The automated vehicle pilot will ensure that the province’s roads remain safe without creating burdens that stifle investment and innovation in Ontario’s dynamic business environment.”

— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

“Ontario is a global leader in developing and manufacturing the next generation of vehicles.

This new pilot program will build on our success, and help Ontario lead the development of automated and connected car technologies. In this highly competitive global economy, investing in people’s talents and skills to create the next generation of innovative technologies is good for business, and can help lead to the easier movement of goods and services across the province.”

— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

QUICK FACTS

Information about applying for the pilot will be available online from the Ministry of Transportation in late November.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers forecast that by 2040, autonomous vehicles will account for 75 per cent of all vehicles on the road.

LEARN MORE

Ontario Investing in the Next Generation of Connected Vehicles

Connected Vehicle/Automated Vehicle (CVAV) Research Program

Who wouldn't want to ride/drive Chevrolet's FNR concept car? — Who wouldn’t want to ride/drive Chevrolet’s FNR concept car?

Disponible en français:
L’Ontario est la première province à mettre à l’essai les véhicules automatisés La province encourage l’innovation dans les technologies des transports
L’Ontario lance un projet pilote en vue de la mise à l’essai de véhicules automatisés sur ses routes.
Les véhicules automatisés sont des véhicules sans chauffeur ou autoconduits qui peuvent détecter l’environnement avoisinant grâce à l’intelligence artificielle, aux capteurs et aux coordonnées fournies par le système de positionnement global. Les technologies relatives aux véhicules automatisés et connectés ont le potentiel d’améliorer le rendement du carburant et de réduire la congestion routière, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et la distraction au volant.
Dès le 1^er janvier 2016, l’Ontario sera le premier lieu au Canada à mettre à l’essai les véhicules automatisés et les technologies connexes sur la route. Près d’une centaine d’entreprises et d’établissements œuvrent actuellement dans le secteur des véhicules connectés et automatisés dans la province. Le projet pilote permettra à ces entreprises de mener des activités de recherche et de développement en Ontario plutôt que dans les territoires concurrents, en plus de créer des possibilités qui favoriseront l’introduction des véhicules automatisés sur le marché.
La province s’engage aussi à injecter 500 000 $ de plus dans le Programme de recherche sur les véhicules connectés et autonomes par l’intermédiaire des Centres d’excellence de l’Ontario, outre le financement de 2,45 millions de dollars récemment alloué. Ce programme réunit des établissements universitaires et des entreprises en vue de promouvoir les technologies de transport novatrices et d’encourager leur utilisation.
S’assurer de faire de l’Ontario un chef de file mondial dans les secteurs de l’automobile, du transport et des technologies de l’information et des communications s’inscrit dans le plan du gouvernement visant à renforcer la province. Ce plan comprend quatre volets : investir dans les talents et les compétences de la population, faire le plus important investissement dans l’infrastructure publique de l’histoire de l’Ontario, créer un environnement dynamique et novateur où les entreprises prospèrent, et établir un régime d’épargne-retraite sûr.
CITATIONS
« L’Ontario a l’occasion de montrer l’exemple par le recours à la technologie automatisée dans le domaine des transports. L’Ontario marque aujourd’hui le marché mondial de son empreinte en franchissant une nouvelle étape pour stimuler l’innovation dans l’automatisation des véhicules. Le projet pilote sur les véhicules automatisés sera mis en œuvre de façon à s’assurer que les routes de la province restent sûres sans créer des fardeaux qui étoufferaient l’investissement et l’innovation dans le dynamique environnement commercial de l’Ontario. »— Steven Del Duca, ministre des Transports
« L’Ontario est un chef de file mondial dans la conception et la fabrication de la prochaine génération de véhicules. Ce nouveau projet pilote misera sur notre succès et aidera la province à prendre les devants dans le développement des technologies des véhicules automatisés et connectés. Dans cette économie mondiale hautement concurrentielle, le fait d’investir dans les talents et les compétences de la population afin de créer la prochaine génération de technologies innovatrices est bon pour les affaires et peut faciliter un mouvement plus fluide des biens et des services dans l’ensemble de la province. »— Brad Duguid, ministre du Développement économique, de l’Emploi et de l’Infrastructure
FAITS EN BREF

Le ministère des Transports offrira de l’information en ligne sur la présentation de demandes dans le cadre du projet pilote à la fin novembre.
L’Institut des ingénieurs électriciens et électroniciens prévoit que les véhicules autonomes compteront pour 75 p. 100 de tous les véhicules sur la route d’ici 2040.

POUR EN SAVOIR DAVANTAGE
Soutenir l’innovation dans les technologies de transport Programme de recherche sur les véhicules connectés et autonomes

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