Residents and visitors to Vaughan, Ontario now have more options to charge their electric vehicles. The City of Vaughan has deployed charging stations at nine City facilities for a total of 18 CoRe+ and SmartTWO Level 2 chargers.   

The publicly accessible chargers are located at:  

• Civic Centre Resource Library (2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.) 
• Bathurst Clark Resource Library (900 Clark Ave. W.) 
• Joint Operations Centre (2800 Rutherford Rd.) 
• Pierre Berton Heritage Centre (10418 Islington Ave.) 
• Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) 

The charging station fee is $2 per hour for the first four hours and then $3.50 per hour after that. Charging sessions can be initiated and paid for via the FLO app, which is available for both iOS and Android users.  

SmartTWO charging stations are specifically designed for curbside installation, making them ideal for city streets or busy areas. CoRe+ charging stations are built to last and provide reliable Level 2 charging.  

FLO^®,  CoRe+^TM  and SmartTWO^TM are registered or unregistered trademarks of Services FLO Inc.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/EVCharging or read the City’s public service announcement.  

About FLO 

FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We help to overcome climate change and accelerate EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and by delivering EV drivers the best charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 2 million charging events thanks to over 120,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates its network across North America with facilities in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what “EV charging done right” means to us, visit  flo.com.  

Contact:
Andrea Knapp
media@flo.com

Public chargers:

• 22 x SmartTWO (Level 2)
• 2 x SmartDC 50kW (DCFC)

Municipal fleet chargers:

• 12 x CoRe+ Series (Level 2)

It’s not just cities that have to contend with greenhouse gas emissions. Take Dufferin County, Ontario, a collection of eight municipalities made up of more country areas than city ones. Their natural beauty comes with long distances between homes, shops, and municipal offices. And like many rural counties, public transportation is limited in Dufferin. It’s a key reason why 49% of Dufferin’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from cars, trucks, and heavy equipment. Armed with statistics like these, Dufferin turned to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce GHG emissions in its county, and planned the deployment of a reliable EV charging network.

Getting an early start on climate protection

In a fluke of timing, the county’s plan shifted into gear earlier than expected, thanks to Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). ZEVIP is a Canadian national initiative geared toward funding EV chargers and their installation in public spaces across the country. It’s an ideal program for a municipality looking to deploy charging infrastructure and encourage EV adoption among residents. The County of Dufferin won their funding in time to inform the planning process.

“We were actually in the middle of writing our community climate plan when the ZEVIP funding came in,” Sara MacRae, Dufferin’s Manager of Climate and Energy, told us. “So right out of the gate, we had funding for charging stations.” The ZEVIP program offered up to 50% in rebates — a full $289,000 to subsidize Dufferin’s purchase and installation of 24 public charging stations¹.

Navigating pitfalls on the road to zero emissions

Even with funding in hand and a thoughtful deployment plan, Dufferin County faced challenges. Which chargers would prove to be the most reliable? What charging speed should they offer? Where should Dufferin purchase them? Lacking in-house expertise to answer these questions, Sara and her team spoke to other municipalities, where they collected information — and a few cautionary insights.

One county to the north-east had a DC fast charger break down, which left EV drivers with a limited choice of options to recharge. Worse still, the county in question was unable to get the charger repaired. Disagreements between its US vendor and UK-based maintenance provider left the county in a quagmire, which deepened when shipments of replacement parts experienced delays. “You name it,” Sara told us, “and it happened to them.”

Solving multiple problems by choosing the right supplier

Armed with this and other tales of poor vendor coordination and lack of domestic support, Dufferin went into procurement with eyes wide open. With the help of Kinetic, their Group Purchasing Organization, they chose FLO. A vertically integrated provider of hardware, network services, monitoring, customer service, and maintenance, FLO delivered a turnkey solution that addressed all the logistical issues Dufferin had been warned about.

FLO provides a single point of contact for any pre- and post-installation issues, resulting in worry-free operations for Sara and the Dufferin County team. The company’s fifteen-plus years in the market and considerable network footprint inspire confidence, and FLO’s 98% network uptime² demonstrates the remarkable reliability of its products. FLO’s Canadian presence also facilitates local stocking of spare parts. And FLO’s full suite of post-sale services like automated billing, remote firmware and software updates, maintenance and station health monitoring, streamline day-to-day charging station operations and issue resolution.

Location, installation, collaboration

For installation, FLO brought in a contractor that they’d worked with successfully for a variety of corporate and government clients. “I brought in a contractor that FLO had worked with successfully for other municipalities, like Region of Peel,” Alan Czechowski, Senior Business Development Manager at FLO, explained. “We knew from experience that they could provide Dufferin with the turnkey solution they wanted.”

“We worked alongside the contractors throughout. They’d say, ‘Hey, this location doesn’t have enough power.’ So we would work out options for power sharing. Any obstacles that came about, we’d solve collaboratively.”

Dufferin chose their EV charger locations where they’d get the most use, placing them at highly visible locations. This also addressed “range anxiety,” which refers to the concern some drivers express about EV battery range. The 22 SmartTWO chargers and two SmartDC 50kW chargers were installed at municipal offices, a long-term care facility, an arena, and a museum.

Multiple wins for Dufferin

The EV stations have given the county of Dufferin some meaningful victories around emission reduction and public service:

Took a vital first step in reducing carbon emissions

• Since the launch in November 2021, this first round of 24 EV chargers has prevented the equivalent of over 72.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere³.

Established leadership among municipalities

• By securing a substantial ZEVIP grant and launching a successful municipal EV charger program in every office, Sara and her team established themselves as local leaders in climate protection. A subsequent ZEVIP grant subsidized the purchase of EVs for the county’s fleet as well.

Increased public and tourist engagement

• Installing chargers at high-traffic corridors allowed Dufferin to appeal to both daily commuters and travelers enjoying a trip to “cottage country”. These chargers are easy to locate on station maps through FLO’s mobile app and third party map applications, making them accessible to everyone. “Folks heading to the North are getting some really nice use out of them,” Sara noted.

Pinpointed high-use areas

• Data collected from current stations revealed high usage at key locations like the courthouse in Orangeville, where the station has logged over 5,774 charging sessions since the November 2021 launch⁴. By mapping demand, Dufferin is collecting information to help guide where future installations will take place.

Heightened interest in EV adoption

• Surveys taken after the launch of Dufferin’s FLO EV network showed that a significant percentage of residents intend to make their next vehicle an EV. Sara mentioned that multiple municipal employees have bought EVs since the initiative launched.

EV charging as a new municipal service

• While the stations are pay-to-use, Dufferin County is pricing the service below standard rates to encourage usage. EV chargers are accessible at central locations, benefiting all residents. Now, drivers can charge their vehicles while they’re enjoying a visit to the museum or local arena, adding range to make it easier to reach their next destination.

Lessons learned

Sara and her team at Dufferin County collected valuable insights about deploying EV charging infrastructure:

The importance of fast, reliable service

• Reliable service and quick maintenance responses are crucial. If drivers see too many out-of-order stations, they’ll lose trust in EV charging. Fortunately, Dufferin’s FLO chargers have maintained 99.8% uptime over the last 12 months alone.

Committing to accessibility

• Sara and the Dufferin team understood the importance of making the stations accessible to a wide range of users, including seniors and people with disabilities. Lacking any authoritative accessibility guidelines tailored to EV charging stations, Dufferin created their own, based on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and, where feasible, best practices from the UK and British Columbia. This includes curb cuts for walkers and wheelchairs, lighter charger handles and cables, user-friendly cable management systems, and making sure interface screens are easy to read.

Building redundancy

• Having more than one charger per location is vital. This provides coverage if one charger goes down and accommodates high demand at busy locations like the courthouse. That’s why Dufferin planned two chargers minimum at most locations.

Planning ahead

• Preparation is essential for timely ZEVIP funding. Sara recommends planning at least a year ahead and estimating future charging needs. “It’s really thinking about, ‘Where do we want stations in three years?’” She advised. By settling on which site locations they wanted to electrify, and selecting the right amount of chargers and speed mix to cater to current and future EV adoption rates, they were able to submit their ZEVIP application in plenty of time to hit the program’s deadline.

FLO’s role in Dufferin’s success

The County of Dufferin knew what they wanted from an EV charging network. Choosing FLO resulted in multiple successes:

Reliable EV charging solutions 

Dufferin wanted a partner known for reliability. FLO, a Canadian company with a commitment to 98% network uptime, delivered SmartTWO and SmartDC 50kW chargers that not only withstood the local climate’s challenges, but have exceeded that standard with 99.8% reliability over the past year. FLO also provided effective maintenance and support, addressing operational issues promptly and efficiently.

Advice and assistance

FLO’s various teams, from sales to application engineering to deployment, all worked together to find the right product solutions that suited each parking environment. They assisted with the ZEVIP application by recommending best practices and supplying the relevant supporting documentation. And by collaborating with the installation team and Dufferin, they were able to design an electrical site plan that used existing power capacity and controlled costs associated with electrical upgrades by leveraging FLO’s Power Management technologies.

Centralized project management 

FLO’s centralized project management proved crucial. “I have like 15 projects at any given time,” Sara explained, “So the easier FLO can make it, the better.” FLO managed the entire installation process, made recommendations for contractors from their trusted network, and provided application engineers to build site design plans and consult on the installation. Equally important to Dufferin, FLO provided a single point of contact for communication, grant reporting, and billing.

Ongoing service and support

The value of FLO goes beyond sales and installation. Their customer service team provides both station owners and drivers with live customer support and station monitoring. FLO’s Network Operation Center (NOC) even detects potential issues proactively and either resolves them remotely, or, if needed, dispatches a technical expert to the location.

Because FLO designs and operates its EV stations and its network, the NOC team is able to constantly improve its remote capabilities, developing new monitoring features to detect problems faster — in many cases, remotely resolving issues before a user encounters them.

Plus, as the EV market evolves, FLO is able to provide over-the-air firmware updates designed to keep charging stations compatible with new vehicle models as they hit the streets. And the highly-rated FLO mobile app constantly evolves to provide a better charging experience — including a trip planning tool.

Next steps for Dufferin’s climate program

With the public-use phase completed, a subsequent round of ZEVIP funding enabled them to launch the next phase: fleet charging. Not long after the public chargers launched, Dufferin was able to install an additional 12 FLO CoRe+ Level 2 chargers for municipal vehicles, and they’re slowly replacing older cars with EVs. “We’re not going to buy EVs if we have nowhere to charge them,” Sara explained. “Plus, our people love driving them. Now, most every municipal car we’ll replace will be electric.” Since launching their fleet of 12 chargers in 2022, they’ve prevented an additional equivalent of 3.9 metric tons of greenhouse emissions⁵.

Future initiatives include Dufferin’s “Electrifying Backroads” campaign to raise EV awareness in rural areas, and a plan to encourage rural tourism by partnering with neighboring counties to fill EV charger gaps. This could lead to new charging station deployments at hiking trailheads and other parkland locations.

How a municipal success is gauged

The effective deployment of EV chargers is a victory, but the County of Dufferin celebrates even bigger reasons for their success:

Launching public EV charging in a big way

Since the program launched, Dufferin’s citizens have logged over 10,000 EV charging sessions, totaling more than 14,000 hours of charging time⁶. It’s a vital stake in the ground as Dufferin builds out infrastructure that supports continued adoption of electric vehicles.

Steady rise in Charger use

Over the course of Dufferin’s two full years of public EV chargers (2022 and 2023), station utilization grew by 28%, charging sessions increased by 22%, and the amount of energy transferred grew by 54%. It’s proof to other municipalities that when you deploy reliable stations, people will use them, rely on them, and consider EVs when purchasing their next vehicle.

Achieving climate goals 

The EV charger campaign’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a celebration-worthy achievement for Sara’s team. “At the municipal level, you can really see the benefits of your work,” Sara explained. “I can gather the numbers and see how many greenhouse gas emissions we’ve reduced by doing a project. You can quite literally see the impact. It’s really motivating.”

Inspiring other municipalities 

Dufferin’s success has motivated neighboring counties to adopt similar plans. Sharing their strategies and results, Sara and her team have stressed the importance of community engagement, proper planning, and reliable partners like FLO. Sara even invited FLO representatives to say a few words at the launch event. This ongoing partnership helps territories in Ontario (and beyond) become greener, one EV charging session at a time.

Client: Sara MacRae – Manager of Climate and Energy, Dufferin County

Sara is the Manager of Climate and Energy for Dufferin County, leading the development of the Community Climate Action Plan and other climate strategies. With over 15 years in climate action, she excels in partnership building, fundraising, and designing impactful GHG-reduction initiatives, emphasizing socially just, community-centered approaches.

Rebates and incentives can be crucial in moving your EV charging project ahead. While programs can vary widely and depend on many things, it’s a good idea to collaborate upfront with a trusted EV charging partner who has deep expertise in past, current and upcoming offerings from local government agencies, utility companies and other relevant organizations, to see every offer available for you in your specific location.  

Strike while the iron is hot 

Regardless of the source of the rebate or incentive, you need to “strike while the iron is hot”, as many program windows are short. To make the most of available rebates or incentives, it’s crucial to act quickly. By connecting with an EV charging partner like FLO early on about your EV infrastructure plans, you can create a charging strategy to fully leverage the financial benefits and meet project coordination requirements and eligibility. 

Why collaborate with FLO 

With over 15 years experience, FLO is Canada’s leading charging network operator, and in the top 4 in North America. FLO’s mission is to accelerate EV adoption by offering the best charging experience, one that is more inclusive, accessible and reliable.  

While each program is different, FLO has extensive experience to get you started with public EV charging, ensuring that your project meets eligibility criteria and is poised to capture the funding it deserves.  

Things to consider 

Your eligibility for funding aside, installing the right public charging infrastructure requires careful planning and consideration – from the number and power level of the chargers to installation locations and grid accessibility. When selecting an EV charging partner there are many things to consider, including your customer base, your physical location as well as your goals for the long term. 

High-level breakdown 

Charger parameters are one consideration.  You will want to know if the hardware is configurable and if it can be catered to your site. Will you be able to simultaneously charge two vehicles? What is the quality of the product – can it sustain harsh climates? Can it scale up in the future? Is there a solid performance warranty to support you? 

Network services are the second consideration. How will your chargers be found and how will they be used? Relying on a charging network operator like FLO means that your chargers will be found on mobile apps, including the highly rated FLO mobile app. Payment collection services and cyber security protection is paramount when operating a public EV charging station.  

Charger uptime is the most important aspect of EV charging. Basically “does the charger work”. FLO takes service and support seriously, and we have set the standard for network reliability with 98%* uptime. Outstanding uptime is an indicator that a charging station is dependable and that EV drivers can rely on it day and night, regardless of the weather, when they need to charge. A good charging partner should provide service plans with remote monitoring and diagnostics as well as dedicated in-field technicians and routine maintenance. For your customers, 24/7 support goes a long way to driver satisfaction, and takes the burden off your business if there is an issue.  

Working with a reputable EV charging network provider that not only oversees the entire lifecycle of charging stations, from manufacturing to network operations and maintenance, but that also allows you to choose the best solution for your needs; means that you can get the necessary elements in place to support your bid in a timely manner when the application window opens.  

The bottom line 

The incentive programs are competitive, with most of them designed to encourage the installation of public EV charging equipment in areas of need – perhaps narrowing a geographic gap or adding much needed fast chargers in areas where EV usage is heavy. Even if you meet baseline criteria, you can have a leg up on the competition if your site offers extra amenities that contribute to providing the best charging experience. 

Take for example a site that is planning to install multiple fast chargers – if this site is also adjacent to amenities, like a highway rest stop or bustling retail or hospitality, this location should be compelling for funding. Each program is different and provides comprehensive criteria to be met. 

FLO will work with you to put together a winning plan and provide insight into funding opportunities. The trick is to stay ahead of incentive announcements and help ensure compliance with new criteria.  By anticipating and preparing for upcoming incentives, you can make the most of the opportunities available, ensuring financial savings, strategic advantages, and a positive environmental impact.  

If you have any specific plans or need further advice, reach out today. 

As in-person events have resumed post-pandemic, the events industry — responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions — faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, with many attendees looking closely at sustainability practices as part of their sponsorship and attendance decisions. 

By choosing central venues, promoting eco-friendly travel, and aiming for sustainability certifications, organizers can reduce their events’ carbon footprint and promote a sustainable future while still connecting in person. 

Where transportation comes in: 

In a report released by the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, travel is ranked as one of the five key action areas for the events industry to help tackle climate change, alongside energy, production, food waste, and logistics. Transportation often constitutes the most significant portion of an event’s emissions, with percentages ranging from 50% to as high as 90%. 

Tips for sustainable travel and transportation 

1. Choose venue locations that support eco-friendly transportation

Beyond a venue’s eco-friendly programs and accommodation features, you may consider the location and available transportation methods for your attendees. Choosing a centrally located venue allows you to share eco-friendly public and active transportation options, such as the nearest subway station, bus stop, bike-sharing rack, or walking directions. This can reduce event-related emissions and promote healthy, sustainable practices. 

Additionally, check if your venue is equipped with EV chargers to support attendees with electric vehicles. Many hotels now offer EV chargers, and some venues provide EV charging via valet parking, making access easier. Highlighting the presence of these features in your event promo can also attract and inform attendees who prioritize sustainability and help them make informed decisions about how to attend. 

2. Facilitate a sustainable travel journey

The venue location is important for eco-friendly commuting, but that’s only part of the equation. To be truly sustainable in your planning, you may also want to consider travel by out-of-town attendees. Here are some options to consider: 

• Arrange shuttles (why not electric shuttles?) from different meeting points like headquarters, subway stations, or airports to reduce independent travel. 
• If resources permit, integrate sustainable ride-sharing options or electric taxis into your expense and travel policies to reduce tailpipe emissions from your staff, event teams, and attendees when applicable. 
• When helping arrange for transportation options (e.g. for internal corporate events), encourage EV carpooling and the use of personal EVs by offering incentives like a mileage bonus. 

For more ideas on how a sustainability-focused expense policy can help reduce travel emissions, read: How the right ESG policy can reduce corporate travel emissions

3. Use resources and apps for efficient planning

Consider preparing a list of FAQs for your attendees that supports efficient and sustainable planning during their travel and stay. Include links to local resources such as public transit apps, bike-sharing apps, and personalized road trip planning tools, like the free FLO trip planner to help identify optimal EV charging locations and routes. 

If your venue will have limited EV charging, you may also want to consider setting up a resource to coordinate charging sessions and encourage attendees to move their EVs once charged to help make room for others. 

A practice to embrace  

Making sustainable choices in event planning, particularly regarding transportation, can make a big difference on an event’s environmental impact and help promote a culture of sustainability within the events industry. 

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park in British Columbia’s Capital Regional District (CRD) now features FLO SmartTWO electric vehicle chargers. Park visitors can charge their EVs while enjoying the park’s lakes, trails, picnic areas, and Nature Center. 

Two FLO SmartTWO Level 2 chargers are installed in the park’s parking lot and are available to both the public and the CRD Regional Parks EV fleet during maintenance operations. 

The chargers are accessible from sunrise to sunset. EV drivers can charge their vehicles using a FLO account and the FLO app at a rate of $1 per hour, with a 3-hour charging limit. 

The CRD serves 13 municipalities and three electoral areas across southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, providing regional, sub-regional, and local services. 

“In 2023, 22% of new car sales in BC were electric vehicles – the highest per capita in North America. Adding EV chargers in high-visitation regional parks is a priority identified in the CRD Regional Parks & Trails Strategic Plan 2022–2032 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also a CRD 2023–2026 Board Priority,” stated the CRD in an announcement. 

The new chargers at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park join eight other publicly available FLO EV chargers already installed at CRD recreation centers and more than 60 EV chargers for electric CRD fleet vehicles at worksites across the region. 

About FLO 

FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We help to overcome climate change and accelerate EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and by delivering EV drivers the best charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 2 million charging events thanks to over 120,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates its network across North America with facilities in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what “EV charging done right” means to us, visit  flo.com.  

Contact:
Andrea Knapp
media@flo.com

As businesses and organizations gear up for their annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your next climate actions. Installing EV chargers can be a powerful and quantifiable way to make an impact and support employee and visitor engagement. Installing charging stations can also support sustainable building certifications. 

Reducing emissions by enabling EVs 

Most carbon accounting looks at Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Installing EV chargers can make an impact on each: 

• Scope 1 emissions: these are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by your company, such as emissions from company-owned vehicles and on-site fuel combustion. Electrifying your company fleet with EVs and chargers helps reduce direct Scope 1 emissions. 
• Scope 2 emissions: these are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (electricity, steam, heat, and cooling). Interestingly, while electrifying your fleet will reduce Scope 1 emissions, charging EVs will increase Scope 2 energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions used in the electricity. Don’t worry though… under almost all circumstances the Scope 2 increase will be more than offset by the Scope 1 reduction. The net emissions impact depends on the carbon intensity of the electrical grid. If the grid relies on cleaner generation sources, the increase in Scope 2 emissions will be minimal. Even when the grid relies on higher emitting generation, there is still an overall greenhouse gas emission reduction when an EV is compared to a comparable ICE vehicle. Charging station choice also matters. It’s a good idea to look for energy-efficient chargers. At FLO, we offer a variety of EV chargers that are ENERGY STAR certified. To achieve this certification, our chargers have demonstrated that they use 40% less energy than a standard EV charger in standby mode.   when an EV is compared to a comparable ICE vehicle.  
• Scope 3 emissions: these include all other indirect emissions that occur throughout your company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. Encouraging employees to use EVs for commuting and providing charging infrastructure can decrease emissions from employee travel. By supporting the use of EVs in your supply chain, you can also reduce emissions from transportation and logistics activities. 

FLO’s energy management and software tools can provide accurate energy consumption data, helping improve the granularity of the input data when doing your carbon accounting.  

We practise what we preach! Discover FLO’s latest ESG report. 

Achieving sustainable building certifications 

EV chargers can also play an important role in achieving sustainable building certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED ) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). For example, to gain a LEED point for EV charging, a project must install chargers in at least 5% of the parking spaces (minimum of 2 spaces) and reserve them solely for EVs. These chargers must provide at least Level 2 charging capabilities and use regionally standard EV connectors. 

Financial benefits  

Investing in EV chargers can also be a financially sound decision. Benefits can include lower fleet mileage costs, more in-store traffic, increased customer traffic, loyalty, more revenue, and more. Depending on your region, there may also be government-funded programs to help businesses offset the costs of installing charging stations. The duration of these programs is sometimes uncertain, so it’s best to take advantage of grants while they’re available. At FLO, we also offer hosting agreements for select sites to allow site owners to provide a tangible amenity without any responsibility for planning, installing, and operating a charging deployment.   

Social impact and community benefits 

Many areas in North America are still working hard to achieve appropriate public charging densities. By installing charging stations that can be used by the public, organizations have a chance to help make EV charging more convenient and accessible for drivers, including those living in urban areas, apartments, or multi-unit dwellings where home EV charging isn’t always feasible.  

Read more: How public EV charging stations are powering up communities 

For more tips on how to further reduce your company’s carbon footprint, check out our blog post: 10 ideas for reducing your company’s carbon footprint through expense policies. 

Award recognizes Best of the Best in New Global Design 

QUEBEC CITY —  FLO, a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging company and a smart charging solutions provider, has been awarded a prestigious 2024 Good Design® Award. The new FLO Ultra fast charger was recognized as one of the year’s ‘Best of the Best’ in new transportation design.  

“Recognitions like this highlight FLO’s dedication to innovation, accessibility, and delivering the best charging experience for EV drivers,” said Jeff Dion, FLO Vice President of Product. “The FLO Ultra charger features user friendly design in a modular package allowing for both  a smooth and reliable experience for drivers and hassle-free operation for station owners.” 

The Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. is the world’s first and oldest and longest running design prize that honors design achievements in all its disciplines: from product, packaging, communication and service design, architecture, and interior architecture to user interface (UI), user experience (UX), and professional concept. 

“From the thousands of designers and manufacturers who participated this year, the winners of GOOD DESIGN for 2024 have proved that they have created excellent products worthy of winning an award. The products won over the jury not only through their aesthetic, but also thanks to their incomparable functionality. With their designs, the award winners are setting the highest standards in their industry. I wish to congratulate them most sincerely on their continued success,” said Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, Architecture and Design Critic and Chief Curator of Good Design. 

From a short list of over 4,500 submissions, entries were judged on nine criteria, including degree of innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility, and symbolic and emotional content. The final jury selected products and graphics worthy of the GOOD DESIGN Award as a testament to the exceptional quality of the product design and the bold unwavering commitment of the designers and manufacturers behind them. 

About the FLO Ultra EV Charging Station 

The FLO Ultra EV charging station offers innovative features designed to enhance the charging experience for both drivers and site owners: 

• Versatile Charging Options: Designed to meet all drivers’ needs and to accommodate charging from all angles, including parallel, pull-in, or on both sides, allowing for flexible parking options. The charger features the FLO EZLift motorized cable management system, promoting accessibility and reducing strain on the user. 
• High-Speed Charging: Each FLO Ultra station features two 160kW ports housed in a durable aluminum enclosure, enabling rapid charging in a compact design. 
• Rugged and Weather-Resistant: Built with recyclable aluminum, the enclosure is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. 
• Always Connected: The FLO Ultra charger is integrated into the FLO network, providing 24/7 remote monitoring for swift diagnostics and proactive maintenance. 
• Easy Maintenance for Site Owners: Designed for hassle-free servicing, with large front and back doors and modular components for efficient replacements. 

The FLO Ultra charger is in production and is available to customers in Canada and the U.S.   

FLO^®, FLO EZLift^TM and FLO Ultra^TM are registered or unregistered trademarks of Services FLO Inc.

About FLO 

FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We help to overcome climate change and accelerate EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and by delivering EV drivers the best charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 2 million charging events thanks to over 120,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates its network across North America with facilities in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what “EV charging done right” means to us, visit  flo.com.  

Contact:
Andrea Knapp
media@flo.com

A transformative initiative in Trenton, New Jersey is providing residents with clean and reliable transportation solutions through the GoTrenton! EV Ride-Share & Job Shuttle Program. This innovative service uses electric vehicles (EVs) to connect residents to jobs, healthcare and essential services, and is supported by FLO SmartDC fast chargers  and FLO CoRe+ Level 2 chargers which keep vehicles charged and ready for service. 

Led by Isles, Inc. in partnership with state and local organizations, the program offers sustainable and equitable transportation options. Residents can hail electric cars and vans through a convenient mobile app, ensuring efficient and easy access. GoTrenton! tackles transportation challenges while fostering economic growth, reducing air pollution, and improving the quality of life for the community. 

“31% of Trenton households do not own a private vehicle, and 21% rely on carpooling as their primary mode of transportation to work. Addressing this transportation inequity while also reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is central to the GoTrenton! mission,” states the program website. 

Key Achievements of the GoTrenton! Program: 

• 40,000 riders served to date, with an average of 4,000 rides provided monthly. 
• Fleet includes four small vehicles, two vans, and one ADA-compliant van, with plans to double capacity. 
• Free rides offered across Trenton’s geographic footprint. 
• Addresses mobility challenges for the 30% of households without vehicles in Trenton. 
• Prevents an estimated 20+ tons of CO2 emissions annually. 

“GOTrenton! is committed to providing EV mobility and access to Trenton residents.  We meet residents’ transportation needs with right-sized solutions – connecting residents with jobs, healthcare, shopping, recreation, and services while lowering tailpipe emissions and improving environmental and wellness outcomes in the city.  We’re looking forward to expanding our footprint and services in 2025 to serve even more residents with high quality, reliable, and clean transportation options,” said Kep Short, Director, GOTrenton! 

FLO^®, FLO SmartDC^TM and FLO CoRe+^TM are registered or unregistered trademarks of Services FLO Inc.

About FLO 

FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We help to overcome climate change and accelerate EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and by delivering EV drivers the best charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 2 million charging events thanks to over 120,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates its network across North America with facilities in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what “EV charging done right” means to us, visit  flo.com.  

Contact:
Andrea Knapp
media@flo.com

EV drivers in Vermont now have access to ultra-fast EV charging at convenient locations, thanks to the installation of FLO’s most advanced EV chargers. Green Mountain Power (GMP) has deployed three dual-port FLO Ultra fast chargers—offering six total charging ports—in Montpelier and Windsor, making it easier to charge EVs while shopping, dining, or enjoying local attractions. 

In downtown Montpelier, two FLO Ultra chargers are conveniently located just off Main Street in a municipal parking area behind local businesses, including The Drawing Board and Ace Hardware. These chargers are within walking distance of several restaurants and the recreation path near the Winooski River. 

Another FLO Ultra fast charger has been installed at the Harpoon Brewery Taproom & Beer Garden in Windsor. Visitors can enjoy a meal, live music, and scenic surroundings while their EV charges nearby. 

All chargers were purchased by Green Mountain Power and manufactured at FLO’s Auburn Hills facility, in Michigan. FLO’s distribution partner, Rexel Energy Solutions, supported the sale to GMP. 

About the FLO Ultra EV Charging Station 

The FLO Ultra EV charging station offers innovative features designed to enhance the charging experience for both drivers and site owners: 

• Versatile Charging Options: EV charger designed to meet all drivers’ needs: Designed to accommodate charging from all angles, including parallel, pull-in, or on both sides, allowing for flexible parking options. The charger features the FLO EZLift motorized cable management system, promoting accessibility and reducing strain on the user. 
• High-Speed Charging: Each FLO Ultra station features two 160kW ports housed in a durable aluminum enclosure, enabling rapid charging in a compact design. 
• Rugged and Weather-Resistant: Built with recyclable aluminum, the enclosure is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. 
• Always Connected: The FLO Ultra charger is integrated into the FLO network, providing 24/7 remote monitoring for swift diagnostics and proactive maintenance. 
• Easy Maintenance for Site Owners: The charger is designed for hassle-free servicing, with large front and back doors and modular components for efficient replacements. 

FLO^®, FLO Ultra^TM and FLO EZLift^TM are registered or unregistered trademarks of Services FLO Inc.

About FLO 

FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We help to overcome climate change and accelerate EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and by delivering EV drivers the best charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 2 million charging events thanks to over 120,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates its network across North America with facilities in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what “EV charging done right” means to us, visit  flo.com.  

Contact:
Andrea Knapp
media@flo.com

Should I buy an electric vehicle (EV)? It’s a big decision, and while environmental benefits are often a leading talking point, the real question is: can an EV fit seamlessly into my  budget, my  driving habits, and my life?  

In this three-part series, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when switching from a gas-powered car to an EV. In part 1, we’ll break down the financial aspects, from upfront costs to long-term savings. In part 2, we’ll look at how an EV can align with your driving habits and charging options. Finally, in part 3, we’ll explore less tangible factors like performance and personal values. By the end of this series, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether an EV is the right choice for you. 

Budget: Short term spend, long-term save 

When it comes to buying any car, budget is usually the deciding factor. EVs often come with higher upfront costs than traditional gas-powered cars, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) tells a different story. 

Initial purchase cost 

At first glance, the price tag of an EV might seem a bit higher, especially for models with long driving ranges. EV prices are trending down as battery technology improves and more models and used vehicles hit the market. Some experts predict that EVs will reach price parity with gas cars in just a few years. 

Financial incentives 

One of the biggest advantages of buying an EV today is the financial incentives that governments offer. In the U.S., you may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on the model. Many states and local utilities also offer additional rebates, reduced registration fees, or perks like High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access. 

In Canada, federal rebates can reach up to $5,000, with some provinces offering additional rebates for both the car and home charger installations. These incentives can significantly reduce the initial cost, making EVs much more accessible than they might seem at first glance. 

Long-term savings: fuel and maintenance 

While the upfront cost of an EV might be higher, long-term savings are where EVs truly shine. Here’s why: 

• Fuel costs: Charging an EV is usually much cheaper than filling up a gas tank. On average, EV drivers spend significantly less on energy per mile (or kilometer) than drivers of ICE vehicles. Whether you’re charging at home or using public level 2 stations, the cost per kilowatt-hour is typically far lower than gasoline. 
• Maintenance: EVs have far fewer moving parts than ICE cars—no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (thanks to regenerative braking), and no exhaust system or transmission to worry about. This typically translates to about half as much in maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. 
• Total cost of ownership (TCO): Studies show that when you factor in fuel and maintenance savings, the total cost of owning an EV over its lifetime can be lower than an ICE vehicle. Some reports suggest that the average EV owner could save upwards of $11,000 USD over the course of seven years, making the initial investment worthwhile. 

Resale value and depreciation 

Another consideration is resale value. In the past, EVs depreciated faster than ICE cars, partly due to concerns over battery life and the fast pace of technological improvements. However, as EV technology matures, resale values are stabilizing, especially for models with strong warranties on their batteries. 

Read more: Assessing the battery health when buying a used EV 

As you can see, the financial side of buying an electric vehicle goes beyond just the upfront price. With government incentives, long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, and the potential for better resale value, the total cost of owning an EV can be surprisingly competitive with traditional gas-powered cars.