Planning our EV network
How we choose charging sites and ways to get involved
We operate a large network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in B.C. Learn more below about opportunities to partner with us and host an EV charging site on our network, and what informs our network expansion plans.
Would you like to host BC Hydro chargers?
By hosting a BC Hydro EV charging site, you'll offer a safe, convenient space where EV drivers can charge with confidence, day or night. Your property will be part of a large network that supports sustainable transportation in B.C.
These reliable chargers are professionally built and maintained by us and offer long-term value to your property by drawing in more visitors. Hosting a charging site also positions your business or property as a partner in supporting sustainable transportation in B.C.
If your site meets the mandatory requirements below, submit a site proposal for consideration.
Mandatory site requirements
To be considered, your site will need to meet these requirements:
- Public can access it 24 hours a day on every day of the year, or during the site's hours of operation.
- It has space for a minimum of six EV charging stalls in rural areas, or eight in busy urban areas. Alternate configurations may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Other important considerations
- Site safety
- Proximity to core travel corridors, amenities, and other chargers
- Availability of parking lot space
- Availability of power
- Space for future expansion
- Accessibility
Our current sites and expansion plans
As EV adoption grows in the province, our charging network must as well. By the end of 2030, we plan to have over 3,000 EV charging ports available across B.C.
Our plans to expand our BC Hydro EV charging network are informed by the Government of B.C.'s EV network plan. We also look at trends in EV ownership and usage of existing charging sites to help us identify where new sites or expansions to existing sites would be most beneficial.
You can also view our network map on the BC Hydro EV mobile app, available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Types of charging sites on our network
Here are the categories we use when planning new public charging sites, and the characteristics of each.
- Allow drivers to top-up their charge and get back on the road quickly.
- Ideal charging duration: 10 to 20 minutes.
- Recommended chargers: High-power DC fast chargers.
- Pull-through layout.
- Allow drivers to top-up their charge while grocery shopping.
- Ideal charging duration: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Recommended chargers: DC fast chargers.
- Pull-in layout.
- Supports charging needs in the commercial town centre.
- Ideal charging duration: 15 to 30 minutes for errands, two to three hours for shopping, dining, etc.
- Recommended chargers: A mix of DC fast and Level 2 chargers.
- Pull-in layout.
- Supports charging needs during recreational activities.
- Ideal charging duration: One to three hours.
- Recommended chargers: Level 2 chargers.
- Pull-in layout.
Other resources
If you're interested in building your own public fast charging station that's not part of the BC Hydro EV network, we provide design and operation guidelines to help.