From Bread to Batteries: Offshore Bakery’s EV Journey in Bruce County
Southampton, ON — In the heart of Bruce County, Offshore Bakery is making waves—not just with its pastries, but with its commitment to sustainability. Owner Justin Niklaus recently transitioned to an electric delivery van, marking a bold step toward cleaner operations and inspiring other local businesses to consider the switch.
Why Go Electric?
For Justin, the decision was driven by practicality. Daily deliveries to Kincardine and Sauble Beach were racking up fuel costs. “We were spending hundreds on gas for small orders,” he explains. The switch to an electric van promised relief from rising fuel bills and aligned with his long-standing desire to reduce environmental impact.
Navigating the Transition
Like any big change, the transition came with a few learning curves. The EV van, a demo model, experienced a software glitch in its first months, something quite different from the mechanical fixes Justin was used to. “It was like rebooting a phone,” he says. “A quick update solved it, though it did take some patience.”
Charging infrastructure also required some planning. Fast chargers are limited in Bruce County, and the van’s size means certain parking spots are off-limits. Justin relies on a drip charger (Level 1 charger) at the bakery and maps out routes to make sure charging stays seamless.
Financial Considerations and Support
The initial investment—over $110,000—was significant. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz Canada provided trade-in support and helped navigate the paperwork for available incentives. Justin acknowledges that EVs may not suit every business model. “If you’re hauling rocks, stick with your flatbed,” he jokes. “But for bakeries or light delivery businesses, it’s a practical choice.”
Environmental Impact and Future Plans
Justin’s motivation wasn’t just financial. “When you’re stuck in GTA traffic, seeing all that combustion—it’s obvious it affects the environment,” he says. Offshore Bakery values knowing that their EV is powered by clean electricity from the local grid.
Looking ahead, Justin is exploring high-efficiency electric ovens and even considering solar—especially with government programs offering up to 75% off capital costs.
Advice for Other Bruce County Businesses
Justin encourages other local businesses to explore cleaner energy solutions, while acknowledging that they can take planning and upfront investment. “It’s a commitment, but the payoff comes in the long run,” he says. Lower energy bills, cleaner operations, and potential government support make the journey worthwhile.
Community Response
Most customers haven’t noticed the switch, which Justin sees as a positive sign. “At the end of the day, people just want the bread to show up on time,” he laughs. With this story now public, Offshore Bakery’s quiet sustainability efforts are sure to inspire fresh ideas across the community.
