Editor:
We bought our (used) 2015 Nissan Leaf in June 2018. After nearly 18 months of driving this little EV around Metro Vancouver, I'm thrilled that Delta has finally joined the rest of the Lower Mainland in providing public chargers.
Until now, Delta, excluding Tsawwassen Mills, has been a void on the Plugshare map of car chargers that EV owners use to strategically plan routes, including shopping destinations.
The placement of car chargers has definitely changed our travel and shopping habits. Along with previous letter writer Wave Steinwand, we go to Walmart these days so we can charge while we shop.
Not all EVs have the same range or battery capacity. If we're out for the day in our 2015 Leaf, especially on the highway, which uses more charge than slow city traffic, we need to stop and top up. We typically must stop in New Westminster or Surrey for a half-hour before coming home to Ladner.
Now, we'll be able to charge in North Delta or Tilbury; both close to coffee shops and well-placed for a top up on the way home.
Like other EV owners, I charge my car at home or at work. I only use public chargers for a much-needed top up so I can get home from a longer trip, and that only takes 20 minutes to an hour. Most cities restrict free time at the charger to two hours, and that seems reasonable to me.
The locations selected by Delta are similar to those of other city-provided charging stations at libraries, recreation centres and city halls. However, businesses should be aware that car chargers attract shoppers, and if they'd like to lure EV owners away from Walmart and Tsawwassen Mills, a charging station is the way to do it.
Thanks to Delta for joining the rest of the Lower Mainland in providing car chargers. It will be a pleasure to finally see Delta represented on the Plugshare map.
Alexis MacPherson
