More electric vehicle charging stations pop up across British Columbia
BC Hydro enters phase two of its electric vehicle (EV) charging station rollout which sees 28 new stations hit the streets around the province, according to The Canadian Press.
British Columbia’s EV network has been expanding fast; these 28 new stations are following on the heels of the 30 EV stations installed in 2016.
“Thirteen of the stations are in Metro Vancouver, seven are on Vancouver Island, including one at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre near Tofino, another is in Campbell River, and two have opened on the Coquihalla Highway at the Britton Creek rest area,” said Automotive News.
Another six stations are positioned throughout the East Kootenay in an attempt to connect drivers travelling between Kamloops and Prince George. More stations are planned for Prince Rupert.
Mora Scott, Hydro spokeswoman, says the new EV stations are able to charge an electric vehicle up to 80% of its total battery life in as little as 30 minutes. The cost comes in at just 35 cents “per kilowatt hour.”
The modest kilowatt hour equates to roughly $3.50 per vehicle for “the equivalent of a full tank of gas in the average four-cylinder car,” said Scott.
There is an increasing number of electric vehicles on BC roads, continued Scott in a press release. “There’s currently around 9,000 across the province, and we actually expect that number to rise to 300,000 by 2030.”
British Columbia Hydro, in partnership with municipalities, regional districts, and other businesses, has been placing charging stations throughout the province since 2012 with government support.
"One big thing that we know drivers of electric vehicles worry about is the concept called range anxiety, that the stations aren't going to be where they need them," said Scott.
Modernizing electric vehicle models are capable of travelling up to 500 km per charge.
Hydro president Chris O’Riley knows that the new charging stations will encourage drivers of electric vehicles to explore BC all summer.