It is after 6:00 pm. Only now am I able to sit at my desk and reflect upon the rather confusing activity of the day.  It was early this morning  – following a peremptory though oddly substantial and singularly nutritious breakfast – that we directed ourselves to the EV (electric vehicle) charger at the Elizabeth Kelly Library. We both have much to learn about such facilities. We thought to use this charger location to familiarize ourselves with what is locally available for public consumption. We are also using the “FLO” App which is not only proudly Canadian but also – as we have discovered – enormously successful. Afterwards we detoured to a similar charger at the Geoheritage Park along the river adjacent the Brian J. Gallagher Generating Station. Nothing came of either location because we hadn’t resolved how to extend the charging limit of the car beyond 80% (to which it had already charged overnight). This was an obstruction we later overcame.

I interrupted the flow (pardon the pun) by driving into the city and choosing, instead of the latest Campeau Drive car wash, to go to Bells Corners. There first I stopped at Starbucks for an espresso. Intent upon further enquiry into charging facilities I afterwards sought out what I understood to be a charging outlet at 60 Moodie Drive. Earlier today I had succeeded to extend the charging limit beyond 80% (although with the driving usage already the charge had fallen below that limit). My search for 60 Moodie Drive did not go well (in spite of using GPS). I found myself at what I later learned was National Defence Headquarters with – I can tell you – some very Austin Powers overtones! Though lovely, it was an almost spooky environment. Of course I never found a charger at 60 Moodie Drive (If the address even exists).

You would think that would be the end of my investigation of public charging outlets.  But I was determined to try another go at the App (to ensure that it worked – and perhaps to enquire what to do when the $25 deposit to the account runs low or out). Even charging at a Level 2 charger with 240v capacity takes time.  So at the town’s arena I patiently sat in the car while placing a call to FLO for intelligence about whether my credit card is already on file or do I need to replenish my account.  I waited 2 hours before getting connected to FLO. Actually I was connected – then disconnected when dealing with an incoming call – then connected again. In spite of the delay in on-line service, everything I read about FLO is commendable.

I have overlooked mentioning that within the canvass of car wash and chargers were visits to the grocery store, the purchase of nefarious compliments (pills and “gummies”)  and hands-on research regarding “passive” door locking.

It has made for an engaging day – and clearly one not accommodating the fluctuation of these minor events. The highlight of the day is that we have succeeded to activate a FLO CA account both independently through its APP and also as a Linked Account on My Cadillac APP (wherein I am assured that in addition to identifying the year, model and VIN of my vehicle, “Your FLO CA account will be billed for the charging session.  You will get a notification from FLO CA when a Plug and Charge Session has started.”