Tesla easing ‘range anxiety’ with supercharger station on Mountain

If you suffer from “range anxiety,” there’s a remedy on the Mountain.

Work on 20 Tesla supercharging stations at Lime Ridge Mall is expected to wrap up in the next few weeks.

The electric car manufacturer knows where its clients are and what distance they need to drive from one station to the next, says Liem Vu, general manager of the mall.

“We see more and more customers at shopping centres that require charging stations due to range anxiety. For us, basically it’s a perfect fit.”

Range anxiety is when drivers of electric cars worry about batteries running dry before reaching charging stations.

The 20 Lime Ridge stations add to the 16 on public property in Hamilton.

There are two at the York Boulevard Parkade, 10 at the Harry Howell (North Wentworth) Arena in Flamborough, and four at Tim Hortons Field.

Electric car owners with adaptors for regular plugs can also charge up in the Hamilton Convention Centre parking garage.

The city is working with a consultant to apply for free Tesla chargers, akin to the ones at Lime Ridge, says Kerry Davren, manager of parking operations and initiatives.

“It wouldn’t cost the city anything if we qualified.”

City hall and the convention centre garage at 80 Main St. W. are eyed as two main locations.

There is an increased demand for charging stations, Davren says.

In fact, a few drivers have complained about permit holders parking all day and hogging stations at the York garage.

“I think we will probably put a two-hour time limit on it until we can expand the program,” Davren said.

Vu says Tesla was smart to choose the Upper Wentworth Street mall, placing the hub near the convergence of major highway routes.

CF Lime Ridge started working with the California-based manufacturer in the spring, with construction getting underway in late October.