B.C to expand public charging network with help of BC Hydro

BC Hydro will increase the number of public charging stations in the province to 3,500 by 2035, creating one of Canada’s largest public charging networks.

The $700 million investment will more than triple its existing network and increase charging capacity throughout the province. Charging stations will be added along major highways and in high-demand areas.

“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,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. 

“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 B.C.”

The province is also providing funding to Indigenous communities, local governments, businesses, non-profits and utilities and public-sector organizations to help expand B.C.’s charging network.

Applications for the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program have opened, which will invest approximately $18 million in new public fast chargers, focusing on Indigenous, rural and northern communities as well as high-demand areas.

“The program aims to fill current gaps in the public fast charger network in B.C. such as Indigenous communities, rural and northern areas, and communities experiencing long queues at fast chargers due to high EV adoption,” it says on the PlugInBC website.

BC Hydro’s current public fast-charging network includes 917 charging ports at 190 locations in the province. 

“As conflicts overseas increase pain at the pumps here at home, more British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles,” said 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. By dramatically expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging, we’ll help make it easier to choose a car that cuts pollution and saves families money every time they get behind the wheel.”