Electric Vehicles (EVs)…

Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer significant potential to support the grid in Ontario and to assist in the transition to increasing electrification.

Plug'n Drive is a not for profit organization that has been accelerating the transition to electric transportation since 2011 by educating consumers on the benefits (environmental, economic, health) of EVs. We provide an unbiased, non-sales environment for consumers to learn about EVs as well test drive a variety of makes and models. We work with utilities, OEMs and charger providers and other corporate partners and have become a trusted voice in the EV space. Although we are now a national organization, our roots are in Ontario and the bulk of our outreach work continues to be based here in Ontario.

In 2020, Plug'n Drive undertook some modelling work with the support of the IESO. The goal of the study was to see how significant a role EVs could play in supporting the grid and what the benefits to the driver, the grid, and Ontario's economy could be. The study shows that EVs could provide a significant boost to the grid while at the same time benefitting the drivers, even under quite conservative assumptions about how many drivers might be willing to participate. The highlights are provided in the attached PPT slides and the full study is attached for your review.

EVs could provide support during the next few years before the new nuclear plants are on line and might help Ontario avoid building or using as much natural gas in that interim period. Given how hard Ontario worked to go off coal and reduce its GHG emissions, it would be a shame to see emissions rise in the interim period more than they need to. We should do everything we can to fill the gap with other options and keep gas as the last resort. Given EV batteries are already paid for, they are a cheap form of storage and load shifting compared to setting up new battery storage.

I would be happy to discuss the opportunities further at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Cara Clairman
President and CEO
Plug'n Drive
cara@plugndrive.ca
416-606-9326