BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Radium Hot Springs
RADIUM HOT SPRINGS: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Radium Hot Springs with the addition of a new 50-kilowatt charging unit.
"Having recently bought an electric vehicle I know how important it is – especially for those of us living in more remote and rural areas – to know there are charging stations we can rely upon for a fast charge along the way," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "This expanded site in Radium Hot Springs is another step in our work with BC Hydro and other partners to expand our public charging network so more people, no matter where they are in B.C., can make the switch to an electric vehicle and start saving money on gas and lowering their carbon emissions."
The Radium Hot Springs site originally opened in December 2017 and is located at the Radium Community Centre (4863 Stanley Street).
"A new EV charger will be a great addition for Radium Hot Springs, our residents and our many visitors," says Mike Gray, Mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs. "Radium's location at the border of Kootenay National Park means we are the first stop or last chance to charge up for people using the Highway 93 mountain pass, and the extra capacity that will come from the new EV charging station will be well used."
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 April 6, an additional 50-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service which can add 50 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.
"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."
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.
BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 145 charging units at 83 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