Propulsion Québec says just seven DC fast charging sites would be needed using current technology

A recent study conducted by Propulsion Québec and WSP Canada has found that the corridor between Quebec City and Toronto would be technically achievable with today’s technology to support an all-electric medium- and heavy-duty trucking system.

Titled 100% Electric Truck Corridor Project: Québec–Toronto, the report is meant as a “Phase 1” look at feasibility by identifying obstacles to electrifying heavy transport, as well as defining  infrastructure needs. 

The study involved discussions with industry stakeholders to identify requirements for long-haul electric transport, including regulatory compliance, the use of management technologies and cost control. Motivations for electrifying include cost reduction and customer satisfaction, while high initial costs and resistance to change remain the primary barriers.

The study acknowledges that most freight carriers currently use private charging with stations installed at their own sites. According to Natural Resources Canada’s Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator database, more than 71 charging sites with more than 250 ports are located along or near the corridor, but none are suitable for Class 7 and 8 vehicles.

Seven potential station locations

Seven potential charging station stops were identified along the 827-kilometre route, spaced between 60 and 150 kilometres apart to ensure safe charging levels in cold temperatures or under heavy load. According to the report, real-world driving range for trucks available today ranges between 160 km and 300 km.

The proposed charging station locations are Villeroy and Saint-Édouard along Highway 20 in Quebec, and Bainsville, Cardinal, Pittsburgh (Kingston), Napanee and Port Hope along Highway 401 in Ontario.

Driver amenities, such as food and rest areas, were also factored into the selections. 

Because of charging needs, electric trucks require approximately 12 hours to complete the trip, compared with about 9.5 hours for a diesel truck. This represents an 11 per cent to 27 per cent increase in travel time.

Current DC fast chargers work best

Traditional DC fast chargers are still the best method for charging heavy trucks, the report finds. Technologies such as induction (wireless), catenary (overhead lines) and conduction (ground rails) were reviewed but found to be in their infancy when it comes to complexity and cost.

As of March 2024, Quebec had 5,911 registered electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks (Classes 6, 7, and 8) out of a total fleet of approximately 45,000 vehicles.

The study notes that, in 2021, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector amounted to 150 megatonnes, accounting for nearly a quarter of Canada’s total emissions. Freight transport accounted for a third of these emissions.

Future phases of Propulsion Québec’s corridor investigation will include financial evaluations and business models.