BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Port Hardy
PORT HARDY: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Port Hardy with the addition of a new 100-kilowatt charging unit.
"B.C. has one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in Canada, but running out of power with no place to charge up, especially on longer trips, can still be a worry for people," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "Together with BC Hydro and other partners we're continuing to expand our public charging network to reduce range anxiety and encourage more drivers to make the switch to an EV powered by B.C.'s clean electricity."
The Port Hardy site originally opened in October 2019 and is located at the Port Hardy Visitor Centre (7250 Market Street).
"The expansion of the charging site in Port Hardy will make it easier for visitors and residents alike to get out and explore our beautiful region," says Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. "Improving services for EV drivers will also encourage more people to consider choosing electric vehicles on northern Vancouver Island."
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 May 30, an additional 100-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service which can add 100 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.
"It is exciting to see BC Hydro providing increased capacity in sustainable energy advancements for EV users," says Pat Corbett-Labatt, Mayor of the District of Port Hardy. "With more and more people moving to renewable energy transportation, this service will be provided to the community to support residents, businesses, and tourism. We look forward to further enhancements that support sustainable power solutions."
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 149 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