BC Hydro opens higher-powered fast charging site in Pemberton
PEMBERTON: BC Hydro's electric vehicle fast charging network is expanding and getting even faster, with the addition of two new 180-kilowatt chargers in Pemberton.
"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 charge site in Pemberton continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians."
The new 180-kilowatt chargers are located in a paking lot at 7444 Frontier Street in Pemberton and can add 180 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new chargers for better accessibility.
"These new charging stations will help British Columbians get to where they need to go more quickly and reliably, all while using clean energy," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "More electric chargers bring both environmental and economic benefits as we work towards lowering our climate-changing emissions 40% by 2030."
In addition to being faster, the units also offer dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger. For example, a 180-kilowatt charger can adjust to provide two 90-kilowatt charging ports, which allows more drivers to access public charging stations at the same time.
"This project is a tangible example of our commitment to the goals outlined in our Community Climate Action Plan, specifically on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy solutions," said Mike Richman, Mayor of Pemberton. "Not only does this new infrastructure enhance accessibility for EV drivers, but it also supports our local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to explore Pemberton's downtown core and businesses while charging their vehicles. On behalf of Council and the Village of Pemberton, I would like to thank BC Hydro for making this project a reality and bringing us one step closer to achieving our climate action goals and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for our community."
The adoption of electric vehicles across British Columbia has increased significantly. There are now more than 170,000 EVs on the road in B.C., and BC Hydro predicts there will be between 700,000 and 900,000 EVs within the next 10 years.
"British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada and that's why we are continuing to make investments for growth within our current system and building out our fast charging network across B.C.," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "These new chargers are part of our expansion plan to achieve geographic connectivity of our EV fast charging network, with a station located at least every 150 kilometres throughout B.C."
BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 306 charging ports at 117 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
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468