Orillia, Ontario — Sept. 25, 2019 — Sustainable Orillia is hosting an event this weekend aimed towards dispelling myths and answering questions concerning EVs from the public, as well as giving attendees a chance to take some popular models for a spin.
20 EVs will be displayed at Orillia Square mall on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 am to 3 pm for Sustainable Orillia’s “Electric Vehicle Weekend.“ Some will be available to test drive, but all will stand-by with their owners to answer any burning electrical questions.
The weekend event is partially presented by PlugnDrive, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of EVs. As part of its efforts, it is also offering a used EV incentive — it will be presenting within the mall both days at 1 pm, giving all viewers $1,000 off a used EV.
The most frequent (and changing) answer posed towards EV groups is such: What are today’s ranges? In 2011 with releases such as the Nissan Leaf, ranges averaged at about 100 km on a full charge. Today, that range has almost tripled, with the brand’s Leaf S Plus reaching to more than 350 km per charge.
EVS, Ontario’s largest EV owner’s group also reminds that as EV technology improves, it also multiplies. Dave Vanalstyne, chapter lead for EVS Orillia and Barie says the stresses of route planning are all but removed.
“There are now over 2,500 Level 2 chargers in Ontario located in public parking garages, car dealerships, public parks and at businesses that want to attract future customers,” he wrote. “More are being installed daily.”
Vanalstyne adds, “there are at least 750 high-powered Level 3 chargers in the province and that number is growing. These chargers are capable of delivering enough power at 200 to 600 volts to bring a vehicle battery up to 80 percent of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes.”
Vanalstyne will be in attendance at Orillia Square mall with his EV to answer any questions from the public.
