Simon Lindley, creator of the YouTube channel “Trucked Up EVs,” is on a mission to demonstrate the viability and benefits of electric trucks.
I met Lindley at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia while he was charging his Ford F150 Lightning.
In a recent interview with Green Energy Futures, Lindley shared his experiences driving his electric truck across Canada, offering insights into the current state of charging infrastructure and the challenges and triumphs of EV truck ownership.
Lindley, a self-described “geek,” embarked on his cross-country journey, dubbed the “Trucked Up Canada-wide Coffee Stop Tour.” His goal, connect with truck enthusiasts and challenge common misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. He believes that EVs are a significant leap forward in transportation technology, akin to the transitions from horses to gasoline engines.
His channel serves as a platform to celebrate this “step change” and to educate viewers about the practical realities of owning and operating an electric truck.
Fighting Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt
One of Lindley’s primary goals is to combat the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) that often surrounds EVs. He argues that misinformation and scare tactics, often fueled by vested interests, have hindered the adoption of this cleaner technology.
Through his videos, Lindley aims to present viewers with verifiable data and firsthand experiences that debunk common myths about EV trucks, such as the perceived risks of battery fires. He says internal combustion engines (ICE), which rely on controlled explosions of volatile fuels, pose a far greater fire hazard than EV batteries.
Lindley’s journey across Canada revealed a mixed bag when it comes to charging infrastructure. He identified a significant disparity in the availability and quality of chargers across different provinces.
Quebec emerged as a leader in EV infrastructure, boasting a robust network of fast chargers and a government committed to supporting EV adoption. Lindley was particularly impressed by Hydro-Québec’s proactive approach to ensuring fair pricing by strategically placing their charging stations near those of private companies, fostering competition and preventing price gouging.
The “Mordor” of EV charging infrastructure
In contrast, Lindley found Alberta lagging behind in its support for EVs. He encountered a “hodge podge mix of chargers,” unreliable charging apps, and a general lack of a unified strategy to promote electric vehicle adoption.
“Crossing over into central and northern Alberta was like entering the realm of Mordor,” says Lindley.
“I mean at first it seemed promising, but then it just deteriorated.” Lindley was surprised at this apparent resistance to EVs in a province known for its embrace of capitalism. If electric trucks were truly inferior, they should be allowed to fail in the market rather than being subjected to protectionist measures, he says.
Lindley’s firsthand experiences highlighted the need for standardized regulations and pricing models for charging infrastructure. He criticized the practice of charging per minute, arguing that this system disproportionately burdens owners of less expensive EVs with slower charging capabilities. He advocates for a per-kilowatt-hour pricing structure, similar to the way electricity is billed in homes and businesses, to ensure fairness and transparency.
BC’s Electric Highway
Lindley’s journey was not without its highlights. He was very impressed by the Electric Highway being developed in British Columbia, by BC Hydro installing fast chargers every 150 kilometers along paved highways.
One very pleasant surprise for Lindley was Charge Stop in Edmonton, a company creating high-end charging stations offering amenities like cappuccinos and comfortable waiting areas. These examples demonstrate the potential for a more enjoyable and convenient charging experience that goes beyond simply plugging in a vehicle.
Lindley remains optimistic about the future of electric trucks in Canada. He plans to continue producing content for his channel, focusing on showcasing the diverse ways people are using their EV trucks and highlighting the cost savings and versatility they offer.
He hopes to secure sponsorships to expand his work and ultimately contribute to greater EV adoption. Lindley believes that by sharing his passion for electric trucks and providing viewers with accurate information, he can help dispel misconceptions and accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.