Earth Day Windsor Essex

Our participation at Earth Day Windsor-Essex on April 24 at Malden Park could not have gone better. It was an absolutely beautiful day which generated an excellent turnout to the event. We had significant interest in the electric cars on display and even gave a few test drives. We were helped somewhat by the plug-in Hybrid Chrysler Pacifica on display just across from us which generated huge interest as it was the first time this car was being displayed in Windsor. The level of interest really gives hope for an increasing adoption of plug-in cars in our region.

I would like to give special thanks to Gus Revenberg Kia Motors for bringing two of their brand new Kia Soul EV models, and to Overseas Motors BMW for loaning us their BMW i3.

I'd also like to thank WEEVA members Pino Mastroianni, Mick Hawtin, and Daniel Jimenez for joining me in volunteering their time and money to assist with the event. In addition my thanks to Green Sun Rising for letting us borrow some equipment and Tanja for helping arrange the embroidered logo on our shirts. Michael from Green Sun Rising also helped at both their booth and ours during the day.

Click here for a few photos from the day (includes the Leamington Earth Day Expo on April 22).

Ontario Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO)

The results of the EVCO program were finally announced a few weeks ago, although there is still a lot yet to learn. The successful applicants were listed but the exact locations of the charge stations are still not available. The biggest unknown is with the company receiving the largest award, Koben Systems Inc (KSI). They received over $11 million for a network of charge stations throughout Ontario and are partnering with both Tim Hortons and McDonalds (as well as others) to host those stations, however the locations have not been published yet.

I have created a map (click here) which shows the currently known locations for both Level 3 (red lightning bolts) and Level 2 (yellow plugs). Keep in mind those locations will likely more than double once the KSI locations are known.

Unfortunately a number of applications for our region were rejected which included; Green Sun Rising, Windsor Crossing, University of Windsor, City of Windsor (parking lots), and EPIC Winery Group. However the applications for the Town of Amherstburg and Essex Power were accepted which will give us 3 Level 3 fast chargers in Essex County. Unfortunately this does not include Level 2 stations for those of you not equipped for DCQC (such as the Volt). Hopefully locations in the city will be covered with the KSI proposal.

Stay tuned!

Open Streets Windsor

WEEVA has been invited to participate in the first annual Open Streets Windsor event on July 17. This is a free event for residents of Windsor and involves the temporary closure of roadways to vehicular traffic, allowing people to use them for a host of healthy and fun physical activities like walking, cycling, yoga, dancing and fitness.

The event will feature separate "hubs" for Environment as well as "Alternative Transportation" and I believe we can have a place at either of those. As well, I have offered to have WEEVA provide "emissions-free" transportation for organizers or staff at the event if needed.

Please mark your calendars if you are available and I will be reaching out for volunteers once I know more about how we can participate.

New WEEVA Members!

I would like to welcome a new WEEVA member to our group!

• Terry Marentette from McGregor joins us with his 2017 Chevy Volt.
• Barry Conners has also added a second EV to his fleet, a 2016 Hyundai Sonata PHEV! That's our first Hyundai! This is in addition to his 2014 Volt.

That brings our membership to 62 members and 57 vehicles as shown below. For now I will include Tesla Model 3 reservations in the vehicle count if it is the member's first EV. For members with an existing EV and a Model 3 reservation, I won't include it for now.

Happy driving,

Sean Hart
Founder & Chair, WEEVA