Alimentation Couche-Tard has switched to per kWh billing at its DC fast charging stations in Quebec and Ontario, becoming the first charging network in Canada to bill customers by the amount of energy they put in their electric vehicle (EV).
The change comes after Measurement Canada temporarily approved existing DC fast charging network already operating to switch to per kWh billing, instead of billing customers by the amount of time they are plugged in.
According to Quebec-based Couche-Tard, which operates the popular Couche-Tard and Circle K brands in North America, EV owners plugging in at their DC fast charging stations, either CCS of CHAdeMO, will be billed at $0.65/kwh.
Although it is not listed on the website Drive Tesla has learned there will be a discounted rate of $0.59 per kWh offered to customers who create a Couche-Tard account. Customers who have already signed up should be receiving an email shortly about the new rates, which will be effective March 6, 2023.
For a Tesla Model 3 RWD with a 60kW battery pack that would equate to just under $23 to charge from 20% to 80% at the non-member rate, or about $21 at the member’s rate.
Couche-Tard currently operates one DC fast charging station in Lancaster, Ontario, and another four stations in Quebec. The company has several more planned for Quebec, as well as two stations for the west coast in Kelowna and Summerland, British Columbia.
There are additional sites planned for Canada that are still in the planning stages which are not included on their map, as the company has previously announced they intend to build 200 stations across North America.
Tesla was also covered under the temporary dispensation approval from Measurement Canada, so we expect to see kWh rates implemented across the Supercharger network soon.
