Skip to content
Home › Energy savings › Electric vehicles in B.C. › Public EV charging › Trip planning & public charging

Trip planning with public EV charging

A BC Hydro branded electric F-150 Lightning charging at an ultra-fast 350 kW BC Hydro public charger in Lake Country, B.C.

Exploring B.C. with your EV

There are now thousands of electric vehicle (EV) public chargers in B.C., and they're becoming much more common across North America. Whether you're filling up for your daily commute or a scenic road trip, B.C.'s renewable electricity can power your journey.

Charging networks in B.C.

The majority of B.C.'s public chargers require drivers to join a service network to use them. Once you've registered with a network, you'll be sent a member card which you can use to pay at the EV charger. Some networks' chargers can also be accessed using a smartphone app or a credit card. By registering with multiple networks, you'll have access to more chargers.

Currently, there are seven main networks in B.C.:

* As a member of the BC Hydro EV charging network, you can charge your vehicle at any of our roaming partner chargers in North America using the BC Hydro EV app.

BC Hydro's fast charging network

BC Hydro currently operates hundreds of fast chargers located along B.C.'s major highways. If you're new to using a public charger, or need help, we're here to assist you. Learn more about our network, and how to use our chargers.

Plan your route or visit our help centre.

Finding a charger

BC Hydro EV app

Whether you're headed to the grocery store or on a longer road trip, set yourself up for a smooth EV journey by getting familiar with charging sites near you.

The BC Hydro app allows you to easily find chargers along your route and favourite ports for easy access.
 

Apple app store logoGoogle Play logo

Other options

PlugShare allows you to quickly use filters including network, plug type, and amenities to find a charger that works for you and your vehicle.

ChargeHub expands your options by enabling access, activation, and payment for many charging networks, including BC Hydro's chargers.

Practice good charger etiquette

Here are some EV charging etiquette guidelines you can follow to help create a positive experience for all EV drivers:

  • Get to know your vehicle and how long it takes to charge. Stay close by in case you need to move your vehicle to let someone else charge.
  • Only park in an EV-designated charging stall if you're charging or waiting to charge.
  • Don't unplug another vehicle.
  • When you're done, neatly put the charging cord away so that people don't trip or drive over it.
  • Keep the charger tidy.
  • Be respectful and help your fellow drivers out.

Plan your EV road trip

Road trips in EVs are now easier than ever with fast chargers available along the highways of B.C., each within 150 km of one another. Depending on your EV model, you can plug in and charge your car to almost full capacity in 30 minutes or less. We've put together four road trip ideas that you can take in your EV. Our road trip ideas consider your EV's range, charger availability, and suggest activities at each spot to pass the time while you recharge.

Four EV road trip ideas.

Considerations for an EV road trip

First, use the BC Hydro app, PlugShare, ChargeHub or your favourite EV app to map out the charging sites you'd like to use on your road trip. Check which stops offer good food, coffee, shopping, or fun activities, as popular charging sites may require a stop of an hour or two during busy times of the year. On the BC Hydro EV app you'll be able to see amenities available and a popular times graph for each charging site (including roaming partners). Have a backup plan with a second charger within range of your planned destination.

Here are a few other things to consider as you plan your trip:

  • Plan for range variables. The following can decrease your range:
    • Use of air conditioning or heating.
    • Very cold weather or extreme heat, which can also slow down your charging.
    • Steep hills and mountain driving, plus considering the regenerative braking of your EV on the downhills.
  • Check the popularity of planned charging site(s). In the days before your trip, check how often EVs are checked in to the chargers in your trip plan and what time of day is busiest to plan accordingly. This feature is available in the BC Hydro EV app.
  • Learn EV charging etiquette. Read about charging etiquette, and always use your app to check in and out of a charging site.
  • Plan for limited cell reception in some areas. If you're traveling to northern B.C., cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Ensure you have your RFID card handy to access charging stations. Download maps and any charging site locations in advance to ensure you're covered.
  • Embrace the journey. Charming small towns, farm markets or a short hike can be great experiences en route.

Taking your EV across the border

It's generally easy to charge along major routes in the United States, but you'll see a variety of charging sites, compatible apps, plug type compatibility, and payment methods.

Costs range from free, to flat fees, to per-minute fees and per-kWh fees. When taking a road trip in the United States, you can initiate charges at most sites with either a ChargePoint, Electrify America or PlugShare app, so it's a good idea to add these to your phone.

You may need a key fob or RFID card to operate chargers at certain sites and prices will vary. Most locations will have a toll-free phone number posted on the equipment so you can call and get a guest charge with a credit card.

The West Coast Electric Highway initiative has ensured that DC fast charging sites are located every 40 to 80 km along Interstate 5, Hwy 99, and other major roadways in B.C., Washington, Oregon, and California.

Check to see that the sites you plan to use are compatible with the plug type of your vehicle. As you head to the interior of each state, fast charging options can be fewer and farther in between, but many communities offer Level 2 charging.