From time to time, the Electric Circuit sets up a test bench. These are in different locations, sometimes even in very remote areas, to test innovative charging solutions.
Test benches make it possible to try out next-gen technologies, including assessing their viability for both the Electric Circuit and the Québec climate. They also yield vital information about how charging stations are used. The data collected help the Electric Circuit determine the best solutions to look toward for charging both passenger cars and heavy vehicles.
Autonomous charging stations
This test bench features the very first prototype of a 100% autonomous fast charging station. Developed in collaboration with Quebec start-up Yultek, it holds out the prospect of recharging electric vehicles in locations not connected to the Hydro-Québec grid.
The solar panels installed on the container have a peak output of 15 kW, which is insufficient to directly power a 50 kW charging station. The installation therefore relies on used electric vehicle batteries to accumulate the solar output and enable recharging at 50 kW.
While the test bench uses solar energy, the system is designed to accept different types of power supply in parallel. For example, solar generation could be combined with a single-phase grid connection for days when the sun is scarce. It is also possible to power the autonomous station with microturbines, wind turbines or even a generator in case of emergency.
Complexe sportif Guimond, Laval
As part of a partnership with the City of Laval, the prototype was tested for a year at the Complexe sportif Guimond. Over 1,000 charging sessions took place and more than 6,000 kWh were produced and supplied during the test period.
Relais Gabriel
Following the test period, the system was moved to its final destination on the Côte-Nord. The 50 kW bollard is now in service at Relais Gabriel, on Route 389, and is designed to facilitate access to Fermont from Manic-5 by electric vehicle.
The terminal can supply a maximum of 100 kWh. A limit of kWh per recharge may be introduced, depending on the level of traffic.
The Circuit électrique mobile application indicates the level of energy available from the terminal. If the level is sufficient, electromobilists can stop to recharge, thus increasing their comfort level on the road.
A Wi-Fi network is available at the station, but it is recommended that you use your Circuit électrique membership card to start charging at this station, as it enables you to start charging in the event of a telecommunications network failure.
Fire Lake
A second fully autonomous charging point from Yultek has been added at KM 480 on Route 389 near Fire Lake. It includes a 50-kW charging station supplied by a battery energy storage system (BESS) that collects energy from the grid at a low power and discharges it at a higher power thus enabling the station to provide a fast-charge.
This station works in the same way as the one at Relais Gabriel.
Your feedback is valuable
If you experience a technical problem, please use the Electric Circuit application to send us your comments, photos or observations, as well as a description of the technical problem that occurred.
More information on Yultek’s autonomous charging station.
Neighbourhood charging stations
The purpose of the neighbourhood charging station project is to test a charging solution for EV drivers who can’t charge at home.
As part of this test bench, several schools and hospitals in Montréal and the city of Québec, in collaboration with the Electric Circuit, are making charging stations in their parking lots available to the public. These level-2 charging stations are reserved for staff during the day and become accessible to neighbourhood residents at night at a reduced rate during periods of inactivity (when the charge is complete, but the vehicle is still connected to the charging station).
List of participating establishments
In Montréal:
- École des Saules-Rieurs – 1050, 5e Avenue, Verdun
- Centre d’éducation des adultes Champlain – 1201, rue Argyle, Verdun
- Centre d’éducation des adultes Outremont – 500, boul. Dollard, Outremont
- École primaire Saint-Joseph – 4080, av. De Lorimier
In the city of Québec:
- Centre d’hébergement Hôpital Général de Québec (CIUSSSCN) – 260, boul. Langelier, Québec
- Centre Louis-Jolliet – 1201, rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, Québec
- École Sans-Frontière – 360, av. Bélanger, Québec
Sign up by filling out the registration form and your get your first charging session at one of our neighbourhood charging stations free of charge! Conditions apply.
CAFU - A mobile fast-charging solution
The CAFU mobile fast-charging solution is now in service in certain Montreal boroughs and targeted sites for short-term needs. This additional charging solution aims to:
- Facilitate access to EV charging in densely populated neighborhoods, especially for those without charging options at home
- Provide back-up when charging stations are out of service in busy areas
Since July 2024, the E-Transit CAFU truck, equipped with a 50 kW fast-charging station, is travelling on a predefined schedule to targeted Agence de mobilité durable parking lots and on the outskirts of Montréal.
Charging can be started via the Electric Circuit mobile app.
Hourly rates apply.
Look for the mobile fast-charging icon in the Electric Circuit mobile app.
