OUTLOOK - With electric vehicles becoming more and more relevant with each passing day, a local business has decided to make the move into accommodating such popular cars and trucks.
Riverbend Co-op has announced that it will be implementing two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations next year, with one in Outlook and the other in Davidson.
The move signifies an investment in the company's energy supply future, with its past dating back to over nine decades.
“Riverbend Co-op has been a proud energy supplier for over 90 years,” Greg Sarvis, Riverbend’s General Manager shared in a media release. “Transitioning to new forms of transportation energy is a natural fit, which complements our businesses.”
Both of the charging stations will be part of the FLO EV charging network, one of the largest networks in North America. Both the Outlook and Davidson locations will be equipped with two Multi-Standard DC Fast Charging stations that will be capable of 100kW maximum output. As well, the stations will be compatible with SAE and CHAdeMO connections.
“With these new stations, Riverbend will now be able to supply energy to all EV models currently available in the North American market,” Sarvis added. “We anticipate the Davidson station will play a critical role in the future of the Highway 11 economic corridor.”
The Outlook charging station, which Co-op says will provide EV owners with greater access to the Lake Diefenbaker area, will be located at the Co-op grocery store on Saskatchewan Avenue. The location was picked for its close proximity to amenities such as restaurants, boutique shops, and the Outlook & District Heritage Museum. As well, with the grocery store providing washroom access and free Wi-Fi, the charging station will provide a helpful atmosphere for any travellers along Highway 15 coming through Outlook, and Co-op says it'll improve the accessibility of the Lake Diefenbaker recreational area by electric vehicle.
The Davidson charging station will be at the Co-op's gas bar and convenience store on Highway 11, with Co-op noting that it will provide a critical link between the cities of Saskatoon and Regina.
Riverbend expects to be completing preparations and rough-ins for the chargers during the fall, and the equipment is expected to arrive in early 2023.
