Drivers using the Electric Circuit network in Quebec and eastern Ontario logged 68,000 charging sessions in July, after usage fell as low as 15,000 in April

Earlier this month, we reported that EV drivers’ use of charging networks in B.C. as well as several networks across Canada had rebounded to nearly pre-COVID levels.

Now, new data from The Electric Circuit, Hydro Québec’s network of more than 2,500 charging stations, shows a similar pattern of recovery — with 68,000 charging sessions in July. That total is only slightly below the average of 73,000 sessions in the first months of 2020 and dwarfs the 50,000 sessions logged in July 2019.

“We anticipate a moderate increase in the number of charging sessions in the coming weeks,” says a statement on the Electric Circuit website accompanying the data. “However, we must bear in mind that things may change as the pandemic evolves.”

Lag through June

According to data provided, charging activity was still lagging last year’s levels through June, when only 49,000 sessions were recorded, compared to 56,000 in 2019.

The Electric Circuit network includes 300 fast-charging stations. In addition to serving much of Quebec, it also operates a small number of stations in eastern Ontario.