Electric Vehicles
Peg City Car Co-op is excited to expand into electric vehicles. We’ve partnered with two other co-ops to place three EVs so far!
Why EVs?
Peg City is committed to reducing C02 emissions. We purchase as many hybrid electric vehicles as we can and plan to buy more EVs every year.
Our members already reduce congestion, traffic, and greenhouse gases with carsharing. To increase our responsibility to sustainability, we aim to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, too.
CHARGING EVS
All Peg City FIX stations with EVs have chargers installed. For short trips around the city, plug the EV back in when you return.
For longer trips, use the charge card in the EV’s glove box. These cards work at both ChargePoint and Flo Inc. stations (not to be confused with our free-floating service, FLO). If charging outside the ChargePoint or Flo Inc. network, pay out of pocket, and we will reimburse you. Charge Hub is great for finding EV charging stations on your route. There are three types of chargers.
Level 3
This is the fastest option. On average, it takes an hour to ninety minutes to charge from empty to 90%. Please look for a combo (CCS) port when charging at level 3. Tesla and CHAdeMO chargers are incompatible with our EVs.
Level 2
These chargers are generally found at workplaces, malls and community centres. Chargers in the level 2 category can vary widely in their charging speed. They typically charge 30-40km of range per hour and take 8 to 16 hours to charge from empty to 90%.
Level 1
These chargers come with the car as an emergency backup. They typically recover around 8km of range per hour. At a level 1 charger, the EV will charge from empty to 90% in 48 hours or so.
It’s important to note two things when charging EVs.
First, the EV battery will charge up to a maximum of 90%. This setting is in place to protect the battery’s health.
Second, idling fees may be applied when a vehicle sits plugged in after reaching 90%. While Peg City is glad to provide charge cards with all our EVs, any idling fees are not covered by Peg City and will be passed along to the member.
TRIP PLANNING
From a driving perspective, EVs are much the same as gas-powered vehicles. When you look at the dash, you’ll see how many kilometres of range are left in the vehicle, similar to reading the fuel gauge.
Please note that the range estimate is based on optimal conditions. The EV’s range will be reduced if (for example) you’re driving a car full of passengers into a strong headwind on the highway with the A/C blasting. Members should be especially cautious when planning long-distance trips in sub-zero weather.
It’s important to plan your trip and estimate conservatively with EVs. The Better Route Planner is a helpful resource here. While situations vary, as a general guideline, members should plan to stop at a level 3 charger every 200-300 kilometres when driving on the highway.
You’re free to leave the city in an EV or even take a road trip, but please be aware of the limitations and responsibilities of travelling long distances with EVs. Planning for charging time before leaving the city is wise. You’ll also need to budget at least an hour to stop every 200-300km (depending on conditions). Finally, use Charge Hub to ensure adequate charging infrastructure along your route and destination.
Costs associated with towing or roadside assistance for a vehicle out of charge will be passed on to the member.
FAQS
Why are your rates the same for electric vehicles as gas-powered engines?
The short answer is that EVs are more expensive to purchase than gas-powered vehicles.
Part of carsharing means that things get averaged out as everyone pitches in. We do our best to make our rates simple and understandable.
How much of a charge should the EV have at the end of my trip?
In consideration of other members, please try to return the EV with at least 30km of range. Call our Member Services team if the EV’s range is less than 30km at the end of your trip.
Can I take an EV on a long-distance trip?
Yes, but please be aware of the limitations and responsibilities. You can find more advice on driving EVs here, but in short, you’ll need to budget at least an hour to stop every 200-300km (depending on conditions). You’ll also need to ensure adequate charging infrastructure along your route and destination.
Costs associated with towing or roadside assistance for a vehicle out of charge will be passed on to the member.