The Province wants to dramatically expand electric charging infrastructure over the next decade while simultaneously hoping to conserve energy.
Since 2016, the Government of Canada has allocated more than $1 billion in funding to support the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations across the country, including developing the Electric Highway.
Moving forward, B.C. intends to deploy nearly 3,000 more public charging ports by 2035 as the government pushes electric vehicles via its Zero-Emission Vehicles Act.
“More British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles,” says Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We need to make sure they can count on a charging network that is convenient and reliable.”
The long-term expansion will add new charging hubs in communities and along major highway corridors, according to an official statement.
BC Hydro’s current public fast-charging network includes 917 charging ports at 190 locations in the province.
“British Columbians are adopting electric vehicles at one of the fastest rates in North America, and we’re building the charging network needed to support that growth,” commented Charlotte Mitha, chief executive officer BC Hydro.
Beyond expansion, the investment will see more fast charging technology, standardized site designs that improve accessibility, and “signature sites in strategic locations” that will offer “enhanced amenities.”
“By expanding to 3,500 charging ports, introducing faster charging technology and creating more reliable, customer-focused charging hubs, we’re giving EV drivers confidence they can have dependable charging wherever their journey takes them in BC,” Mitha remarked.
As electric vehicles see adoption in Canada, Vancouver Community College is “proactively creating programs that train students for future careers in clean energy.”
Designed in partnership with industry, new programs are focused on B.C.’s automotive sector, teaching skills needed to work with clean energy technologies, including how to work with high-voltage battery systems, repair EV traction motors, and more.
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