Ultra-fast charging stations being tested
We’ll be setting up test benches at three locations. Each will be fitted with a charging station able to provide power at over 100 kilowatts (kW) to compatible vehicles.
Not only will this let us test next-gen technologies, including their viability for the Electric Circuit and suitability for the Québec climate, but it will also yield vital information about ultra-fast charging stations. The data collected will help the Electric Circuit determine the best solutions to look toward for charging both passenger cars and heavy vehicles.
All EVs that can use fast-charge stations are compatible with these ultra-fast charging stations.
Useful information
One hour of 100-kW charging corresponds to an additional range of 500 km.
Porte-du-Nord rest area
The first test bench will be located at the Porte-du-Nord rest area on Highway 15, halfway between Saint-Jérôme and Saint-Sauveur.
This test bench has been made possible through contributions from Hydro-Québec, the Ministère des Transports du Québec and the Government of Canada.
125-kW charging stations
Two ChargePoint charging stations will be installed toward the end of fall and are expected to be up and running by December 2020.
The two stations share a maximum charging capacity of 125 kW, allocated dynamically. In practice, this means that a single vehicle can charge at full power, depending on the connector used. However, if a second vehicle connects to the second charger while the first is still in use, the power is split between the two, with priority going to the first vehicle.
Charging capacity is also bound by constraints specific to the vehicles and to the type of connector. When an EV is plugged into a charging station, its Battery Management System (BMS) sets the charging voltage (V). As of December 2020, most EVs charge at 400 V; only few vehicules like the Porsche Taycan or the Audi e-tron GT has an 800-V system.
ChargePoint charging stations also set the current intensity, or amperage (A), that can flow through the connectors. The CCS Combo connector is limited to 200 A, and the CHAdeMO connector, to 125 A. Consequently, based on vehicle voltage and the type of connector, the maximum charging power is as follows:
| EV charging voltage | Maximum charge per connector type | |
| CCS Combo | CHAdeMO | |
| 400 V (most EVs) | 200 A × 400 V = 80 kW | 125 A × 400 V = 50 kW |
| 800 V (ex: Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT) | 200 A × 800 V > 125 kW* | 125 A × 800 V = 100 kW |
*Maximum output of the charging station
Each test bench charging station will be able to accommodate only one vehicle at a time.
As part of the testing process, charging will be free for a certain period of time. Any changes to pricing will be indicated in the information about these stations found on the Electric Circuit’s interactive online map and in the mobile app.
Magog rest area
The second test bench will be the Magog service area at 2911, Chemin Milletta, at exit 115 of Highway 10.
This test bench has been made possible thanks to Hydro-Québec, the Ministère des Transports du Québec and the Government of Canada.
This site will feature two Efacec charging stations—one at 350 kW and one at 160 kW.
The power level will be indicated on each station.
Charging capacity is also bound by constraints specific to the vehicles and to the type of connector. When an EV is plugged into a charging station, its Battery Management System (BMS) sets the charging voltage.
350-kW charging station
On the left, the 160 kW charging station and on the right, the 350 kW charging station.
This charging station will have two CCS Combo connectors that share a charge of up to 350 kW. Note that there will be no CHAdeMO connectors.
The first connector is marked “Up to 350 kW” and the second, “Up to 175 kW.” Only one vehicle at a time can access the maximum charge, and only if it uses the first connector.
If your vehicle can charge at over 160 kW, we recommend that you use the first connector, “Up to 350 kW,” to access the station’s maximum power. However, when the charge from this connector exceeds 175 kW, the second connector cannot be used.
If your vehicle cannot charge at over 160 kW, we recommend that you use the second connector, “Up to 175 kW.” In this case, both connectors when used simultaneously can each provide a maximum charge of 175 kW.
160-kW charging station
This station’s CCS Combo connector can charge at up to 160 kW, while the CHAdeMO connector can charge at a maximum of 62 kW.
Power sharing is not possible between these two connectors, meaning that only one vehicle can be charged at a time.
As part of the testing process, charging will be free for a certain period of time. Any changes to pricing will be indicated in the information about these stations found on the Electric Circuit’s interactive online map and in the mobile app.
Laval
The third test bench ise located at the rear of the Laval municipal garage, at 2550, Boulevard Industriel.
This site offer ultra-fast charging through two ABB charging stations that can provide up to 350 kW each.
This test bench has been made possible through contributions from Hydro-Québec and the Ville de Laval.
Charging capacity is also bound by constraints specific to the vehicles and to the type of connector. When an EV is plugged into a charging station, its Battery Management System (BMS) sets the charging voltage.
350-kW charging stations
These two charging stations share a maximum of 350 kW.
When only one vehicle is plugged in, then depending on the connector used, it can charge at full power, i.e., up to 350 kW with the CCS Combo or up to 100 kW with the CHAdeMO.
If the vehicle’s power demand exceeds 175 kW, the second charging station cannot be used. However, if it is below 175 kW, a second vehicle can be plugged into the second charging station and charge at up to 175 kW, regardless of the connector used.
Each station will be able to charge only one vehicle at a time.