Hydro-Québec is testing a mobile charging point (fast-charge) for electric vehicles in collaboration with the Electric Circuit to offer resiliency solutions during service interruptions. This initiative aims to reduce inconveniences during major power outages.
Testing of the prototype
The mobile charging point is a temporary solution that will offer EV drivers a backup electrical supply during major service interruptions.
Technical features
The mobile charging point consists of a trailer containing four fast-charge stations, each providing 50 kW of shareable power and two connectors per station. Together, they can supply up to eight simultaneous 25-kW charging sessions. Each charging station can therefore supply one EV at a maximum power of 50 kW, or two EVs at a maximum power of 25 kW.
Note that plug-in hybrid vehicles are not compatible with fast-charge stations (some exceptions apply).
The charging stations will be equipped with CCS Combo connectors. Two CHAdeMO connectors will be available as well.
The mobile charging point will initially include four 50-kW shareable charging stations that can supply up to eight simultaneous 25-kW charging sessions. Given that the charging point can’t connect to the grid in the event of an outage, it will be powered by other energy sources. During the first phase of the pilot project, the charging stations will be supplied exclusively by a mobile generator. A high-capacity battery will be added during the second phase to reduce use of the generator and the resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The mobile charging point is a temporary solution to help deal with the temporary unavailability of clean, renewable electricity for EV charging. It will be available only in exceptional circumstances and is meant to be temporary.
(The mobile station can also be powered by an overhead transformer substation, allowing for a temporary connection to the grid, in certain exceptional situations.)
Dispatch during a major outage
The mobile charging point will be dispatched in conjunction with emergency services in the event of a major power outage in the greater Montréal area.
Affected EV drivers who are near the site of the mobile charging point can get an emergency charge if needed.
Potential sites
The pilot project will test a single mobile charging point.
The mobile charging point can be dispatched to one of four potential sites, depending on the area affected by the outage. The sites are located in the greater Montréal area on land belonging to Hydro-Québec.
IMPORTANT!
- The location of the mobile charging point will be provided only once the dispatch process has begun.
- In the event of an outage covering an extended area, the location of the mobile charging point will be determined based on where the greatest number of people are affected and service restoration is expected to take most time.
Mobile charging points will be included in the Electric Circuit’s website and app
The location of the mobile charging point will be displayed on the interactive map of charging stations on the Electric Circuit’s website and app.
Members of the Electric Circuit and partner networks can take advantage of this temporary charging solution by using the Electric Circuit app.
To start a charging session
To start a charging session, you must use the Electric Circuit app.
Drivers who do not have the app can start a charging session remotely with telephone assistance.
Charging fees
Charging fees will be the same as those for the Electric Circuit’s fast-charging stations.
Given the exceptional situation, activation fees for remote charging do not apply to the mobile charging point.
Charging limit
A charging limit may apply depending on demand and the expected duration of the outage in order to allow as many EV drivers as possible to charge their cars.
Get ready!
Already a member of the Electric Circuit? Please take a moment to update your profile and complete all fields (including optional fields such as your postal code). This will help us notify you when the mobile charging point is dispatched in the event of a major outage in your area.
Become a member of the Electric Circuit
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When creating your account, please complete all fields, including the optional ones. By entering your postal code, for example, we can notify you when the mobile charging point is dispatched in the event of a major outage in your area.
Download the Electric Circuit app
The Electric Circuit app will provide access to the temporary mobile charging point as needed, in addition to the largest network of public charging stations in Québec.
Survey after charging your EV
Drivers who have charged their EV at the mobile charging point will receive a short survey by email so they can provide feedback about their experience. The survey results will help us improve this temporary solution during the test period.