Tim Hortons will install EV fast-charging stations to combat ‘Driver’s Range Anxiety’. At least a 100 such locations will be open across Canada by the end of 2026… The first is already operational, in Regina, Saskatchewan…
The brand name ‘FLO’ EV fast chargers may already be familiar to many Canadian electric vehicle owners and operators in Western Canada – in Regina, Saskatchewan, in particular. That’s where the first of a planned ‘fleet’ of new charging stations is already moving forward with installations on real-estate patches pledged by doughnut king Tim Hortons.
According to a news release from Tim’s dated earlier this week, the company has committed to a partnership with FLO to install 50 chargers in parking lots at selected Tim’s locations across Canada by the end of next year, and a total of at least 100 across the country the end of 2028.
Primary connection…
“We’re thrilled to partner with FLO to make life a little easier for guests driving electric vehicles. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee and a charge before work, or taking a break on a roadtrip, we want every Tims Run to be convenient, welcoming, and a highlight of the journey,” says Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.
A fast charge for your electric vehicle – in as little as 10 minutes per visit – and a convenient, fast cup of Java go hand in hand, adds Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO.
Pivotal moment…
“This partnership with Tim Hortons marks a pivotal moment in making EV charging a seamless part of everyday life for Canadians,” Bagozzi enthuses. “By installing FLO Ultra chargers at trusted, well-visited locations, we’re not only building the reliable infrastructure EV drivers need but also empowering Canadians to confidently accelerate their transition to electric mobility.”
Never one to set a low bar, Tim’s is planning to make its brand and FLO inseparable in the minds of consumers…
“Our planned rollout will make Tims the largest restaurant provider of EV fast charging in Canada and we are targeting installations in all 10 provinces to provide coast-to-coast coverage for our guests.”
‘Drivers’ Range Anxiety’
“The partnership between Tim Hortons and FLO uniquely […] help[s] to address drivers’ range anxiety,” Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank [CIB]. CIB is committed to helping CIB finance as many as 1,9oo public access fast chargers at locations across Canada, at a total investment of (C)$235 million.
My take
So far, in most geographical regions, the availability of charging stations – fast or not – has been a factor that has held back the mass deployment of electric vehicles. A certain fraction of EV drivers has made the commitment to electric contingent on the availability of chargers both at work and at home. Indeed – like our next-door neighbour, an electrical engineer working EV technology – many early-acquirers of EVs have been folks in the biz who understand the technology better than most.
Nobody’s said as much, but I believe that once folks get used to seeing Flo stations at Hortons locations, their confidence in the tech will increase in proportion to their comfort with the well-known and trusted Hortons brand…
~ Maggie J.