
Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
Tesla and ATCO pitched to council this week about bringing electric vehicle ‘superchargers’ to Jasper.
ATCO proposed a 50 kilowatt (Level 3) charging station for public and fleet use. Their concept, which was not location-specific, would see Jasper Municipal Council providing the site and upfront equipment and installation costs (estimated to be about $120,000) in return for station usage data and a special rate for the municipal fleet. ATCO would own, operate and maintain the station and cover operating expenses.
Tesla, meanwhile, proposed taking over parking spaces in the parking lot on Connaught Drive between Balsam Avenue and Aspen Avenue - opposite Robinsons AG Foods.
The electric vehicle company wants to install eight superchargers with Level 3 fast-charging, eight J1772 ‘universal’ connectors for Level 2 charging and enable electric capacity for generic Level 3 chargers.
Tesla would pay for installation and operating costs in exchange for the use of land on a 15-year term.
Mayor Richard Ireland said he would like to see more charging stations in Jasper.
“It is the future,” he said.
“I’m challenged more how this is really support for the industry rather than support for a player in the industry.”
Ireland also had concerns over commercial use of public space, and how business licences and development permits would work.
Tesla said they have received more than 115 messages asking for charging in Jasper since February 20, 2020 and cited benefits like increased commerce and establishing Highway 16 as a viable East/West corridor for electric vehicles.
Councillor Jenna McGrath said she supported residents having the choice to use electric vehicles and the support it would add for visitors and neighbouring communities. Councillor Scott Wilson said he would like to see the project move forward.
Jasper currently has five public charging stations, including at the Sawridge and Jasper Park Lodge, all of which are Level 2.