Combining green transportation and wireless technologies to benefit the community
Combining the charging stations with cellular infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to efficiently fund the costly charging station set up. TELUS is fully funding the construction of and power to the new infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayer, and is also compensating the Park Board for this space, which will help support the betterment of parks and recreation throughout the city. The project sets a new standard for industry and government working together to provide a service to both businesses and residents at a lower cost overall.
New EV charging stations will meet a growing demand
- Three new EV stations are part of the City's strategy to support a lower emission vehicle option
- The City's goal is to deliver an additional 64 charging stations by the end of 2013
- Electric vehicles significantly reduce carbon pollution and improve local air quality
- This project brings the City closer to its goal of being the Greenest City in the World by 2020, and supports the Park Board's strategic direction as a Leader in Greening
The West End neighbourhood will enjoy an improved 4G LTE cellular network
- Cellular bandwidth is currently at maximum capacity
- Without more infrastructure the networks cannot support growing cellular phone use
- There is a direct and immediate need to expand wireless service
- Public safety will be enhanced by ensuring emergency call connection, especially during large public events
Project scope and details
Extensive public consultation on the project was carried out in the spring of 2012 with 75% of respondents fully supportive of the proposal and design. The three West End sites were carefully selected based on convenience for EV users and the need to provide effective ground level cellular coverage.
The designs chosen for the units will be integrated into the landscape and based on best aesthetics, balanced with operational requirements of the infrastructure. Efforts will be made to minimize the size of the units and situate them so they will be as unobtrusive as possible. There are two components to the design: a nine metre high monopole housing wireless antennae at the top, and a shelter housing electronic equipment and outlets for the EV station.
Each unit will be located immediately adjacent to EV designated parking stalls. Although electricity is free to EV users, vehicle operators will pay for parking while charging.
Below: photo simulation of electric vehicle charging station and cellular tower at Bidwell St. and Beach Ave.
Below: photo simulation of electric vehicle charging station and cellular tower at Broughton St. and Beach Ave.
Below: photo simulation of electric vehicle charging station and cellular tower at Bute St. and Beach Ave.
Electric vehicle charging station and cellular poles in English Bay parks
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