BC Hydro completes phase one of network of electric vehicle charging stations
VANCOUVER – The electric vehicle charging network in B.C. has reached a significant milestone with the completion of a BC Hydro pilot project to install 30 direct current (DC) fast charging stations throughout the province. Construction of the last station, located in Vernon, was completed this month.
"Canadians want low carbon transportation options, which is why we are investing in electric vehicle infrastructure across the country," said the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "Efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector are key to achieving our climate change objectives and growing our economy."
"British Columbia is a leader in clean-energy vehicles, with the largest public charging infrastructure network in Canada," said Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett. "Encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation is part of our broader plan to ensure B.C. remains a climate action leader."
"British Columbia is one of the best places to own and drive an electric vehicle," said Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. "Last year, more than 98 per cent of the electricity generated in the province was from clean or renewable resources and it's this clean electricity that makes switching to an electric vehicle a practical and sustainable choice."
"Our Council has a strategic goal of creating a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation network in Vernon, which includes important infrastructure that can help reduce our impact on the environment," said Mayor Akbal Mund. "The DC fast charging stations are key components in meeting our goals of being a sustainable community and ensuring we meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in our city and in the province."
Fast charging stations can charge an electric vehicle's battery to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. BC Hydro has been installing the stations since 2012 with support from the provincial and federal governments and in partnership with municipalities and regional districts throughout the province.
"BC Hydro is focused on removing barriers for our customers who want to own an electric vehicle," said Keith Anderson, vice president, Customer Service, BC Hydro. "Electric vehicles can help British Columbians save money. Our electricity rates are among the lowest in North America, which means by switching to an electric vehicle you could save 75 per cent on fuel costs."
The 30 fast charging stations connect drivers from the Lower Mainland to Merritt and Kamloops, up to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.
It is estimated that 300,000 electric vehicles will be on the road in B.C. by 2030. BC Hydro works with local governments to implement policies, develop charging infrastructure guidelines and update building codes, making British Columbia a leader in electric vehicles.
Quick facts:
- British Columbia has the largest public infrastructure network in Canada and the highest adoption rate per capita of electric vehicles in the country.
- About 95 per cent of all car trips in the province are less than 30 kilometres, which is ideal for electric vehicles.
- Each electric vehicle on the road in B.C. displaces four tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Electric vehicle owners can save $1,600 per year on fuel costs.
With a growing network of charging stations, provincial incentives, and more electric vehicle models in the market, now is a great time to purchase an electric vehicle.
For more information, visit the Province of B.C. website.
See also:
- EV quick facts [PDF, 33 KB]
- BC Hydro network of EV DC fast charging stations [PDF, 2.1 MB]
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
p. 604 928 6468