To support its energy transition and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transportation, the Municipality of East Hants sought to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of installing EV charging infrastructure. CIMA+ was retained to conduct a scoping study covering three key municipal facilities: the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre, the East Hants Sportsplex and Burntcoat Head Park.
The study was designed to provide the municipality with a robust foundation for future decision-making, support funding applications and guide the phased deployment of EV charging infrastructure. The work included an integrated assessment of municipal fleet energy requirements, projected public charging demand and the existing electrical capacity at each site.
CIMA+ evaluated the suitability of the municipal fleet for electrification, modelled vehicle energy consumption and simulated various charging scenarios, including both managed and unmanaged charging strategies. A detailed analysis of potential GHG emission reductions between 2025 and 2030 was also completed, along with a lifecycle cost comparison between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
From a financial perspective, the team developed investment models for both fleet and public charging infrastructure while reviewing available provincial and federal funding programs and incentives. This approach identified practical deployment strategies aligned with the municipality’s budgetary constraints.
The project concluded with clear strategic recommendations regarding charger sizing, optimal site locations, operating models and a phased implementation roadmap. The study provides East Hants with a comprehensive decision-making framework to support its transition toward electric mobility.
Key challenges
- Anticipating future demand for both public and municipal EV charging.
- Comparing the long-term lifecycle costs of electric and ICE vehicles.
- Planning a scalable infrastructure rollout within a constrained municipal budget.
Innovative solutions
- Modelling managed and unmanaged charging scenarios, including peak demand management strategies.
- Conducting an integrated assessment of GHG reductions and lifecycle costs.
- Developing a strategic implementation roadmap aligned with available funding and incentive programs.