British Columbia plans to triple the size of existing electric charging infrastructure over the next decade.
The Province intends to deploy nearly 3,000 more public charging ports by 2035 as the government pushes electric vehicles onto residents 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.”
Supported by a $700-million investment, the long-term expansion will add new charging hubs in communities and along major highway corridors.
Currently, BC Hydro’s public fast-charging network includes over 900 charging ports at nearly 200 locations.
“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,” said Mitha.
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.
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.
Open to both new students and those already working in the industry, VCC’s programs teach skills needed to work with clean energy technologies, including how to work with high-voltage battery systems, repair EV traction motors, and more.