BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Nakusp
NAKUSP: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Nakusp with the addition of a new 50-kilowatt charging unit.
"An important part of our CleanBC climate plan is helping people make the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to one that runs on B.C.'s clean electricity – whether you're driving around a city, a small town, or a more remote area of our vast and beautiful province," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "This new electric vehicle charger in Nakusp continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians."
BC Hydro acquired the Nakusp site in November 2022. It's located at the Nakusp Visitor Information Centre (92 6 Avenue).
"This expanded charge site in Nakusp will support electric vehicle tourism along Highway 6 in the West Kootenay region," says Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. "The site has newly installed lighting to enhance safety for all users and is convenient for drivers visiting the local business community."
The site was built with one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. On July 26, an additional 50-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service. This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.
"Thanks to BC Hydro, it has now become easier living in a rural community like Nakusp to now plug in your electric vehicle in helping reduce our carbon emissions," says Tom Zeleznik, Mayor of the Village of Nakusp. "BC Hydro has recently doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Nakusp, which can be seen and plugged in behind the Nakusp & District Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre."
Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September 2021, BC Hydro revealed its Electrification Plan, with initiatives to encourage B.C. residents, businesses and industries to switch to hydroelectricity from fossil fuels to help reduce carbon emissions. The plan encourages switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.
"As the primary fuel supplier for electric vehicles, we are building out charging infrastructure to ensure we can accommodate the volume and variety of electric vehicles that will be on B.C. roads in the coming years," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "BC Hydro will have 325 charging units in its network at 145 sites by the end of 2025."
BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 151 charging units at 84 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468