BC Hydro Completes Phase One of EV Charging Stations Network

November 22, 2016

BC’S electric vehicle charging network has reached a significant milestone with the completion of a BC Hydro pilot project to install 30 direct current (DC) fast charging stations throughout the province.

Construction of the last station, located in Vernon, was completed this month.

“British Columbia is a leader in clean-energy vehicles, with the largest public charging infrastructure network in Canada,” says Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett. “Encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation is part of our broader plan to ensure BC remains a climate action leader.”

Fast charging stations can charge an electric vehicle’s battery to 80% in just 30 minutes. BC Hydro has been installing the stations since 2012 with support from the provincial and federal governments and in partnership with municipalities and regional districts throughout the province.

The 30 fast charging stations connect drivers from the Lower Mainland to Merritt and Kamloops, up to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior. BC Hydro works with local governments to implement policies, develop charging infrastructure guidelines and update building codes, making British Columbia a leader in electric vehicles.