MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2023 –Two major Canadian charging networks, Circuit électrique and BC Hydro, as well as ChargeHub, a leader in charging network interoperability solutions, announce the launch of Agora. This industry initiative, made possible by funding from Natural Resources Canada, aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through charging network interoperability. Although the concept is in its early stages, Agora will raise awareness and offer educational resources about the fact that in Canada, EV drivers and fleet managers can use a single account to connect to multiple charging networks.
Charging network interoperability for EVs is a pillar of transport electrification by enabling access to the maximum number of charging stations while allowing the use of the payment and activation method preferred by the user. Accordingly, Agora is launching a bilingual pan-Canadian campaign to raise awareness of the topic among the general public, as well as commercial fleet managers and industry stakeholders.
Agora offers several elements, such as:
- A website that answers the main questions about charging network interoperability;
- A tool that allows finding charging networks compatible with the major mobility services in Canada and the United States
- Statistics on the state of interoperability in Canada as well as dedicated resources for the industry
This industry initiative, made possible by a $184,369 grant awarded to Mogile Technologies Inc. (parent company of ChargeHub) from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Outreach Initiative, will support EV adoption by improving the charging and payment experience for EV drivers and commercial fleet managers.
Note that this initiative is also supported by many other industry partners, who are also committed to raising awareness of the importance of charging network interoperability to help provide the best charging experience to Canadians: Nissan, VinFast, Ivy Charging Network, Hypercharge, SWTCH, ATCO, Énergie NB, Chargelab, Bectrol, Electric Vehicle Society, Propulsion Québec, the Quebec Electric Vehicles Association (AVEQ) and the Campagne Roulons électrique.
ChargeHub quote
“As project manager for Agora, ChargeHub seeks to unite the industry around greater interoperability of charging networks, which we believe is essential to accelerate the electrification of transportation. With the growth of public charging networks, we as an industry must always aim to provide the best charging experience for end users. The Agora initiative ensures that the industry shares this vision and secures the scaling of charging network interoperability.”
“Zero-emission vehicles help Canadians reduce their emissions and save on fuel, while creating good jobs in the sector’s supply chain. Investing in zero-emission vehicles will enable more Canadians to take the wheel for a carbon-neutral future, and to contribute to meeting our climate goals.”
“British Columbia is a fantastic place to drive an electric vehicle since approximately 98% of the electricity produced by BC Hydro is clean and renewable. We are pleased to be an Agora partner to make EV adoption even easier and more accessible for EV drivers, no matter where they travel in Canada.”
“Charging network interoperability is an important asset for transport electrification and Agora will help promote it effectively. Promoting access to interoperable networks using a single account is a priority for Le Circuit électrique, which is why we are proud to be a partner of this initiative.”
For more details
Watch the Agora educational video on charging network interoperability:
About Agora
Charging network interoperability is a key element to accelerate transport electrification. The ability to charge an electric vehicle anywhere with a single account is the vision behind the Agora initiative. This industry-led project is supported by many partners in order to offer the best charging and payment experience to EV drivers and commercial fleet managers.www.agoracharge.com
About ChargeHub
ChargeHub recently launched thePassport Hub, an interoperability solution that enables the industry to interconnect networks to offer charging interoperability at scale. ChargeHub's unique expertise allows mobility service providers and charging networks to streamline, simplify and ensure the scaling of interoperability integrations.https://solutions.chargehub.com/
About Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada develops policies and programs aimed at improving the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy, improving the quality of life for all Canadians, and conducts innovative scientific research in facilities across Canada to generate ideas and transfer technologies. We are an established leader in the areas of sources andenergy distribution,forests and forestry,minerals and mining,earth sciences,energy efficiency,science and data. We also represent Canada internationally to meet the country's global commitments on the sustainable development of natural resources.
About BC Hydro
BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation that belongs to the government and citizens of British Columbia in Canada. It generates and delivers electricity to 95% of British Columbia's population and serves more than five million customers.
About Le Circuit électrique
Le Circuit électrique is the largest public charging network for electric vehicles in Quebec. It includes more than 5,000 public charging stations, including more than 870 fast chargers, deployed across all regions of the province. Users of Le Circuit électrique benefit from 24/7 telephone support and a station locator service. Thewebsite of Le Circuit électrique and the mobile app foriOS andAndroid are regularly updated as new charging stations are deployed. Members can use the Le Circuit électrique app to access charging stations on the Le Circuit électrique network and its partner networks.
https://electricvehicles.bchydro.com/
Contact
Simon Pillarella
Marketing and Business Development Manager, ChargeHub
spillarella@chargehub.com
