New highway charging stations make it easier to drive electric in B.C.
British Columbians will have access to 11 new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations added to highway rest areas throughout the province.
In addition to the 11 new charging sites, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure supported the installation of two more BC Hydro direct-current (DC) fast-charging facilities at Britton Creek and at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction.
Eight of the new locations will be fast charging, with two stations per site, allowing drivers to charge up in 30 minutes or less. The other three will provide Level 2 stations, supplying 240 volts of power, as part of the Accelerate Kootenays EV charging network co-ordinated by the Community Energy Association.
People looking to take action for the environment can make a big impact by switching to an electric vehicle. An average EV driver will avoid producing at least four tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, compared to a gasoline vehicle. EV drivers also save approximately $2,400 per year in fuel costs and maintenance.
Quick Facts:
- British Columbia has more than1,300 Level 2 charging stations, and 64 DC fast-charging sites, installed or in the process of completion.
- It is estimated that B.C. roads are home to over 10,000 electric vehicles, with popularity on the rise.
- The combined $1.8 million in contracts, for 11 new charging locations, has been awarded to:
- Fraser City Installations;
- 644230 BC Ltd.; and
- Westcana Electric Inc.
Resources
Estimated completion dates for B.C.’s new EV charging stations
- Loon Lake rest area: Highway 97C, between Merritt and Kelowna, completed in February 2018 (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Taylor River rest area: Highway 4, between Port Alberni and Tofino – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Buckley Bay rest area: Highway 19, between Qualicum Beach and Courtenay – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Hope Slide rest area: Highway 3, east of Hope – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Anarchist rest area: Highway 3, east of Osoyoos – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Fish Trap rest area: Highway 5, between Kamloops and Barriere – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Little Fort rest area: Highway 5, between Barriere and Clearwater – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Wire Cache rest area: Highway 5, between Clearwater and Avola – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
- Kootenay Bay ferry landing: Highway 3A, near Crawford Bay – fall 2018 for completion (two Level 2)
- Spillimacheen rest area: Highway 95, between Radium Hot Springs and Golden – fall 2018 for completion (two Level 2)
- Wasa rest area: Highway 95, between Canal Flats and Cranbrook – fall 2018 for completion (two Level 2)
Click to load the original online