The Province of British Columbia continues to invest toward an ambitious goal: to electrify the highways of B.C. and ensure that every community has access to a fast-charging station.
The government has earmarked $30 million in its 2024 budget to add more than 500 public charging stations, building on the 5,000 already in place today.
“We know that British Columbians want to have confidence they will be able to charge up easily when travelling across the province,” says Josie Osborne, who serves as Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
Osborne says the Province is working with BC Hydro “and other partners to expand B.C.’s public charging infrastructure and build an economy powered by clean, affordable electricity.”
BC Hydro anticipates up to 900,00 EVs on B.C. roads within the next decade.
“It is an exciting time for both the energy and auto industries as the role of clean and renewable electricity continues to grow when it comes to powering transportation,” says Chris O’Reily, chief executive of BC Hydro.
He says his organization is “preparing for this by ensuring we have the power to meet the demand and the infrastructure in place to support the growing number of EVs.”
In terms of infrastructure, the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program accelerates charging-station adoption by providing up to 50% of the cost of equipment and installation.
As a result of the program, B.C. has one of the largest public charging networks in Canada.
Indeed, the Province says it is on track to complete B.C.’s Electric Highway by the end of summer with “coverage along all highways and major roads”while working toward a longer-term target of 10,000 public charging stations by 2030.
“This $30-million investment will contribute significantly to the continued adoption of EVs in B.C.,” believes Robert Sparks of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association. “Making EV charging more available, accessible, and reliable are critical steps in supporting EV adoption.”
B.C. has the highest rate of EV adoption in the country, data shows.
In 2023, approximately 23% of light-duty vehicle sales were EVs, an increase from 18% of sales in 2022.
“Making the switch to an electric vehicle means less pollution, cleaner and healthy communities, and savings on fuel costs,” posits Josie Osborne, who serves as Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
Last year, BC Hydro pushed for a 15% rate hike for public charging stations.
Since 2018, FortisBC has also been supplying stations.
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