British Columbia’s transmission and distribution utility BC Hydro has installed 180 kW chargers on Vancouver Island at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Sooke.
The chargers (located in the Evergreen Centre parking lot), will add 180 kilometers of driving range to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. Additionally, the location comprises of a curbless design and lower displays on the chargers for better accessibility.
“More electric chargers bring both environmental and economic benefits as we work towards lowering our climate-changing emissions 40% by 2030,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for British Columbia.
The units also offer dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger. For instance, a 180-kW charger is capable of adjusting to provide two 90 kW charging ports, which helps drivers to access public charging stations at the same time.
British Columbia has more than 170,000 EVs on the road, and BC Hydro predicts between 700,000 and 900,000 EVs within the next 10 years.
"British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada and that's why we are continuing to make investments for growth within our current system and building out our fast charging network across B.C.," said Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "These new chargers are part of our expansion plan to achieve geographic connectivity of our EV fast charging network, with a station located at least every 150 kilometers throughout B.C."
BC Hydro also is building out its fast-charging network in Surrey and Horseshoe Bay. Transportation accounts for close to 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the British Columbia province, the utility has reported.
Cement and road materials manufacturer Lafarge Canada also is adding EV charging capacity in British Columbia and other locations around the nation.
EVs comprise nearly 8% of all vehicles registered in Canada, according to reports. Those who are hesitant pinpoint range worry as a primary reason for not buying EVs.
