B.C. plugging in to electric vehicle fast chargers

VANCOUVER – A $1.3-million investment in direct current (DC) fast-charging infrastructure in 13 communities throughout the province continues to help electric vehicle owners plug in and get charged. Environment Minister Terry Lake made this announcement in unveiling the future location of Vancouver’s first DC fast-charging station at Telus World of Science.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see such widespread interest among communities across the province in hosting and operating electric vehicle charging stations, including DC fast chargers,” said Lake. “Providing electric vehicle owners with more options to charge their vehicles will make electric vehicles an even more attractive option.”
DC fast chargers require only 20 to 30 minutes for 80 per cent charge and are necessary to give electric vehicle owners the confidence to travel between communities.
On the other hand, Level 2 charging stations (240 volt) require four to eight hours to reach full charge, which is usually adequate for commuters, but can hamper electric vehicle mobility between communities, especially for pure battery electric vehicle owners.
“More efficient charging stations make driving vehicles that use clean B.C. electricity a much easier choice,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas. “B.C. families in communities throughout the province can now charge their electric vehicles more quickly and reduce their transportation energy costs.” The installation of these stations will also mark a significant milestone for B.C.’s Clean Energy Vehicle Program – completing the B.C. portion of the West Coast Green Highway, a commitment made by Premier Christy Clark under the Pacific Coast Collaborative (Washington State, Oregon, California and B.C.) to ensure electric vehicle fast charging is deployed along the Highway 99/I-5 Corridor. Electric vehicle owners will eventually be able to drive from Baja, California all the way to Whistler knowing they can charge their vehicles along the way.

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