BC Hydro has completed work on a network of electric vehicle fast-charging stations spanning the province from east to west, including a new station in Horseshoe Bay.
The Crown utility announced today the completion of 28 new stations to wrap up the second phase of its fast-charging network in addition to 30 stations that opened on 2016.
Thirteen of the stations are in Metro Vancouver, seven are on Vancouver Island, including one at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre near Tofino, another is in Campbell River, and two have opened on the Coquihalla Highway at the Britton Creek rest area.
A further six stations are located throughout the East Kootenay and BC Hydro says the next phase of its program will connect drivers travelling between Kamloops and Prince George, while stations in Prince Rupert are also being planned.
Stations in the fast-charging network can charge an electric vehicle’s battery to 80 per cent in 30 minutes or less, according to BC Hydro.
“We’re very pleased to provide this network of fast chargers to encourage electric vehicle drivers to get out and explore B.C. this summer,” stated BC Hydro president Chris O’Riley in a release. “Electric vehicles are a great option for British Columbians looking to reduce their impact on the environment because we generate 98 per cent clean electricity. They also help lower their driving costs by around 75 per cent.”
Charging sessions at BC Hydro’s existing stations have increased 63 per cent in the last year. According to BC Hydro, there are now approximately 9,000 electric vehicles on the road in B.C. but that number is expected to rise to 300,000 by 2030.
Here are the locations of the new charging stations:
Lower Mainland
-Coquitlam Superstore (east)
-Coquitlam Superstore (west)
-Horseshoe Bay – 6000 block of Bruce Street
-Mission Superstore
-Peace Arch Superstore
-Richmond Superstore
-Surrey – Esso Tynehead (to be energized in mid-July)
-UBC Wesbrook Place
-Vancouver – 500 block of Homer Street in Vancouver (two stations)
-Vancouver – 5000 block of West Boulevard
-Vancouver Superstore – Grandview Highway (to be energized in mid-July)
-Vancouver Superstore – South East Marine Drive
Vancouver Island
-Campbell River community centre
-Courtenay Superstore
-Nanaimo Superstore
-Pacific Rim Visitor Centre
-Port Alberni No Frills
-Qualicum Quality Foods
-Sidney City Hall
Interior
-Britton Creek rest area along the Coquihalla Highway (two stations)
East Kootenay
-Canal Flats Arena
-City of Cranbrook municipal parking lot on Cranbrook Street N
-District of Sparwood municipal office
-Golden – end of Ninth Avenue (to be energized in mid-July)
-Jaffray Pump & Pantry
-Radium Hot Springs community centre
