While the popularity of electric vehicles has been on the rise over the last decade, EV Charging On Commercial Properties options have largely lagged behind. In the third quarter of 2020, over 50,000 new vehicles registered in Canada were zero-emission; however, according to Natural Resources Canada there are only 5,000 charging stations that are available to the public across the country.
With this, the need for EV charging stations will undoubtedly increase significantly over the next few years, especially as fleet vehicles will turn from fuel to EV charging as primary. This need will be largely installed on commercial properties, such as your workplace or an adjoined or shared parking lot area. If you are considering how EV charging could impact or support your commercial property, learn more in this article.
Here are the benefits of installing EV Charging Stations On Commercial Properties
1. Tenant or customer attraction and retention for commercial properties
Whether you have a commercial property, or you are renting units in your building, offering stations can help to attract and retain your customers or tenants. Offering charging is a great way to visibly show your building’s focus on innovation.
2. Revenue generating fees or other opportunities
Commercial charging stations, like ChargePoint, for example, gives administrators the option to generate revenue from those who use the commercial stations. This can be done in the form of pay-for-parking services.
3. Put your commercial business on the map
Installing EV charging stations can help to increase your business visibility. When you have an active station on your property, your business will be displayed on active EV maps like the aforementioned ChargePoint, or PlugShare.
4. Attract eco-conscious customers
If your business is one that is seeking to attract a customer base that is eco-conscious or eco-curious, installing an EV charger is an excellent way to showcase to your clientele that you care about the environment.
Tips and Tricks to find what you need for your commercial property
Determine which station is best for your commercial business
There are many EV charging station options on the market. Two of the most popular ones in British Columbia are ChargePoint and FLO. Based in Quebec, FLO is the largest network in Canada, while ChargePoint provides more global coverage. For consumers, it is important to know that the two companies recently reached an agreement that allows each other’s members to use the other network’s chargers.
Clearly articulate how you are going to charge your users
Some commercial or public properties, like Grouse Mountain, provide free charging for EV users, while others, like the FLO charging network at Kits Beach, charges $1 per hour. As a business, determine what you will provide for your customers and what is best for you.
Identifying, buying and installing an EV charger for your commercial property is an important decision. The investment and time needed is important to get right! Are you are navigating through the purchasing and installation process for your business, consider these valuable additions for your commercial property and these two tips for buying and deciding your best way forward.
When Vehicle Wash Systems through the Greater Vancouver Area, you have likely passed by one of the Coast Mountain Bus fleet vehicles. Have you ever wondered how these large vehicles are cleaned throughout the week? Thankfully, when searching for a partner to support this fleet, Coast Mountain came to Western Oil Services for a full-scale installation.
Vehicle Wash Systems can be difficult to find in the Greater Vancouver Area, especially when it comes to identifying the perfect partner for you. To learn more about our service and solution offering, read on…
Here are 4 reasons why you should consider Western Oil Services for your Vehicle Wash System in the Greater Vancouver Area
1. We represent Ryko Manufacturing, North America’s leading provider of touch-free vehicle wash systems
Ryko is part of the National Carwash Solutions family of brands, and is one of the largest manufacturers of car wash systems in the United States. The product itself includes friction and touch-less systems, drive-through options, self-service and more. The business was founded in 1973, and has grown significantly since beginning.
2. We can install truck, bus and car wash systems
Unlike competitors, we can provide support to a variety of vehicle sizes, from the aforementioned Coast Mountain Bus Fleet to cars. That is why we can deliver what you need, regardless of your business type of size.
3. Our work spreads across municipalities, transportation companies and more
We are proud to work within the Greater Vancouver Area, in addition to other areas of British Columbia. From dealerships and automotive garages to large scale fleets, our experience is vast and our projects can be complex. Our work with Coast Mountain Bus Company, for example, expanded from bus washes and in-ground hoists to the fuel systems.
4. We’ve been in business for over 60 years
We have built a strong reputation over the past 60 years, and we are proud of it. Our journey started with building and installing floatplane airport fuelling systems. Since then, we have expanded our expertise, serving a growing customer base. Our team takes great pride in every project we undertake.
We bring decades of experience across various industries.
Finding a reliable partner for Vehicle Wash Systems in the Greater Vancouver Area can be challenging. However, our team is dedicated to delivering the best. We focus on creating and executing customized projects for vehicle wash systems.
If your business is looking to expand or install such a system on your property or Vehicle Wash Systems, you can contact us for a customized quote here.
For over 67 years on Handling Energy with Expertise, our business has been proud to build and develop a reputation for providing high quality service within our British Columbia clients. From our early beginnings of installing airport fuelling systems, to expanding across our growing and active client base, we know what it takes for a business with a focus on handling energy with care and expertise.
If your business is searching for a partner with experience in handling energy, here are 5 things you must know.
1. Your partner must understand the complexities within British Columbia
From government regulations around managing fuel tanks to adhering to the field guide of fuel handling and storage, your selected partner must understand the nuances of regulations within British Columbia. Environment Canada has regulations around petroleum and allied petroleum products for storage tanks, which is essential to have knowledge of. Be sure to inquire with your potential partner as to their adherence to all provincial regulations.
2. Do their business hours or hours of service reflect that of your own?
Now that you have determined what your partner needs to know and have accreditation for, it is important to ensure that your partner matches that of what you need. If your business hours are 24/7, let’s say, it is essential that your partner can provide support for your offering.
3. Can your partner adequately prepare your site?
Site preparation, with any partner, is essential. Here at Western Oil, we can manufacture your storage fuel system and prepare for installation or preparation accordingly.
4. Is your partner fully qualified in your industry?
We are qualified to work with 100 low lead fuel and insured to work with jet fuel and all aspects of aviation fuelling systems. Moreover, We can work with helicopter businesses to aircraft, and from rail – like CP Rail – to Harbour Air. We are fully equipped to work with any industry, from transportation as shared to institutional and commercial.
5. Do you have a key contact to work with within your day-to-day partnership?
When you work with a business, you must work with people who you connect with. Instead of connecting with a 1-800 number or general email address, it is important that you have a person or a partner to work with. Whether you are assigned a project manager, or perhaps you are connected with a business partner to work alongside, be sure that you have a key contact who you can reach out to through your partnership or project.
Here at Western Oil we take our partnerships seriously. We are focused on the success of our clients, just like you. If you would like to learn more about how we can support your next project, you can get in touch with us here.
At Western Oil, we provide Retail & Fleet Fueling solutions, from gasoline and car wash systems through to private fuel and fleet maintenance systems. Working with global clients like Shell Oil and Petro Canada has meant that our experience of managing large brands and fleets expands across recognized brands.
As a fleet manager, you may be considering different options for your business. Perhaps you are contemplating bulk fuel, or you may be assessing the cost of installing and operating private fuel systems on your premise.
Whatever the consideration may be for your business, here is what you need to know as a fleet manager.
Retail & Fleet Fuelling – What To Know As A Fleet Manager
Your role as a fleet manager is important. You must make the best decision for your business with time and resources in mind.
Here are considerations to be mindful of as a fleet manager.
1. How important is uninterrupted fuel access?
In some scenarios for your business, private fuel tanks make sense. This approach to fuelling is very useful for business who depend in a critical fashion on uninterrupted fuel access. Some of these industries are government, repair trucks or utility fleets. If your business is 24/7, such as snow plowing services, private fuel tanks may be the best solution.
2. If you have an existing system, consider a retrofit
Our focus on retail gas operations has expanded over the last decade. We can retrofit older gasoline dispensing systems while offering preventative maintenance on existing systems that are under contract with Western Oil Services.
3. How often are you planning on scheduling maintenance and inspections?
Details and regular inspections are held by our team at Western Oil Services to ensure that all equipment is not only maintained, bu that it will work efficiently and safely. We will always work to catch ant problems or concerns that may arise before they happen. With this is mind, it is important to understand what would be needed for scheduled maintenance and inspections throughout the year.
What Lies Ahead for Retail & Fleet Fuelling
As the future of fuelling changes and transforms, we understand that Fleet Managers are planning for what lies ahead. We have a wonderful opportunity to partner with you and plan for the future of operations.
We understand that, as a fleet manager, you are looking for:
- Empowerment of your business team to enhance, optimize and improve your efficiencies as a company
- Making the process as simple and easy as possible for your drivers and your team
- Collecting and sharing your fleet data so we can stay in touch and in tune with driver and consumer demands
As your trusted partner in retail & fleet fuelling, we are committed to not only understanding what you need, we are also committed to growing and changing with you as a business leader. Through the last decade, we have led the industry in retail & fleet fuelling, and we are excited to continue in the future. To learn more, or to receive a consultation with our team, contact us here.
When you are on the road, nothing is more important than driver safety with Windshield Washer Fluid. That’s why you need to not only have a strong set of windshield wipers, you also need to make sure that your windshield washer fluid is always topped up. This is a critical piece of basic maintenance of any vehicle, small or large.
When looking for windshield washer fluid, what do you need to be aware of and what do you need to look for?
There are specialized cleaners that must be kept in mind the next time you buy washer fluid.
Here are four (4) types of windshield washer fluid to be aware of…
1. Classic Blue
The traditional windshield washer fluid that you can find at essentially every gas station is classic blue. It is the “jack of all trades” as it is so kindly referred to. This is the washer fluid commonly found in vehicles as it gets most jobs done; it can scrub off grime, insects, and can de-ice your windshield, albeit with some time. Be sure to always check the temperature rating before purchasing, especially if you live in areas of British Columbia where it gets exceptionally cold.
2. Bug Remover
There are windshield washer fluids that are made specifically to remove bugs. If you drive large trucks, this is an excellent option to ensure safety and protection during the Summer months. Bug remover windshield washer fluid is also great to clean up certain types of sap, pollen or other droppings. Be sure to bring this type of washer fluid with you on road trips.
3. De-icing
Especially practical for the months we are currently in now, de-icing washer fluid is a great option for those of us who live in a chilly climate. It may be in the Fraser Valley in the thick of Winter, or if you are traveling up North outside of current travel restrictions. Check the labels to be sure it is safe down to the temperatures you are visiting.
4. All-Season
Perhaps the best of all worlds is the all-season double acting formula. All-season windshield fluid can get bugs and grime off your windshield, while also removing ice during the cold months. As always, be aware of formulations that are rated according to the temperature of your climate.
While these are the most popular windshield fluids on the market, you may also consider replacing your wiper blades if your windshield still isn’t coming clean. Of course, this can be a frustrating experience if you are driving, so it is important to always check the status of your windshield fluid as well as the state of your wipers.
Here at Western Oil Services we work with large scale services and projects to ensure just that. Our clients are always safe and protected when they embark on their next journey, with safety and security in mind. To learn more about how we support enterprise and large scale businesses, click here to contact us and learn more.
While we have shared in great detail our work with energy and fuel storage for Transportation and Western Oil Services, we have yet to share our depth of work with the transportation industry.
Have you ever sat on a plane and wondered, “wow – where is all that fuel stored between take-off and landing?”
That’s where Western Oil comes in. We are fully qualified to work with 100 low lead fuel, and we are insured to work with jet fuel and other aviation fuelling systems. Working with great local clients such as YVR, Langley Airport, CP Rail and others, we are a trusted partner to provide safety, security and trust within the transportation industry.
What is 100 Low Lead Fuel?
Avgas is a particular type of aviation fuel that is generally used in small piston engine powered aircraft. These types of aircraft are most often seen with private pilots and flying clubs, for example. Piston engines operate within generally the same principles as spark ignition engines found in cars.
There are two types of avgas grades – 100 and 100LL low lead. Other types of avgas, that you may be aware of, are either rarely used or are no longer able to be purchased.
The sales and use of low lead fuel is highly regulated. That’s why it is essential to work with a partner who is fully qualified. In fact, most aircraft fuel dealers will refuse to place this type of fuel into anything other than aircraft fuel tanks.
Avgas 100
This is the standard, high octane fuel that is used within aviation. The lead content is high and it is dyed a green colour.
Avgas 100LL
This is the low lead version of Avgas 100 and is dyed a blue colour.
One of the most common questions we receive is, “why is there not an option for unleaded gas?”
Businesses like Shell are working on developing unleaded Avgas which will perform in a similar fashion to Avgas 100 and 100LL; however, testing and development has not yet shown the overall stability and suitability of fuel for fleets at this time.
Why it is essential to work with an expert for avgas
Avgas is the most popular aviation fuel worldwide. It powers aircraft with piston or internal combustion engines. Its ability to adapt to different temperatures and pressures makes it reliable. This ensures safety for airplanes. However, it is crucial to work with an expert. At Western Oil Services, we are qualified to handle 100 low lead fuel. We are also insured to work with jet fuel and all aspects of aviation fueling systems. We understand the regulations involved. As a result, we are trusted partners for British Columbia’s leading aviation businesses.
If you are searching for a partner to begin, or perhaps transition, your transportation fuel systems to, contact us here. We would be thrilled to discuss your business or upcoming project with you and your team.
