The City of Pickering has lost money on two (Level 2) of the three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that were part of a pilot project.
However, the third – a Level 3 – charger brought in revenue which resulted in a net operational gain of $6,314 in 2024, Laura Gibbs, Pickering Director of Community Services, said at a June council meeting.
In a question and answer session, Councillor Lisa Robinson said the two Level 2 chargers lost $847 and only the Level 3 charger brought in any notable revenue. This excludes the $150,000 capital cost and ongoing maintenance and future repair costs.
Councillor Robinson said future maintenance and repair costs, especially of the costly Level 3 charger, would be high and asked if the project was a viable business model.
She also asked if taxpayers were subsidising EV owners who can’t afford to charge their vehicles at home.
Gibbs said the chargers showed an operational net gain and so were on a breakeven program.
She said they were put up at key locations such as Chestnut Hill and Pickering Operations Centre for use by residents.