TIM Hortons may be known for its traditional donuts and coffee, but the Canadian company is taking an innovative step into the future as it installs six electric charging stations in B.C. including one in North Vancouver as part of a new pilot project.
The electric charging station is ready for use at the franchises 1384 Main St. location as part of a study on electric vehicle technology, its usage and opportunities.
The idea has Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA) president and North Vancouver resident Bruce Stout excited.
Its a brilliant initiative on their part to provide free charging for electric vehicle owners, Stout said. Because now electric vehicle owners will go to Tim Hortons to buy their donuts rather than another chain.
Charge stations are important for both the practical use and the symbolic acceptance of electric vehicles, Stout says.
Its the lifeline thats thrown to electric vehicle owners to increase their range, to increase where they can go, he said.
Stout said he would definitely be visiting Tim Hortons with his 100 per cent electric powered vehicle.
Other Metro area Tim Hortons electric charging stations are operational in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Abbotsford, with two more on Vancouver Island. The placement choices were made so that its possible to drive an electric vehicle from one charging station to the next strictly on electric power.
The project initially took off in Oakville, Ont., at a single Tim Hortons in February 2013. The company was coy in its power usage results, but said Oakville usage exceeded expectations.
