BC Hydro adds 2 fast charging stations for electric vehicles to Coquihalla Highway

BC Hydro has completed the second phase of its electric vehicle fast charging network.

The 28 new additions include a pair of charging stations on the Coquihalla Highway, as well as six new stations in the Kootenays.

Both Coquihalla stations are located at the Britton Creek rest area, allowing drivers to quickly charge up before heading to the Lower Mainland or Southern Interior.

Other additional charging stations have been added in the Kootenays, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, extending the possibilities of a trip in an electric vehicle.

“Our government is making zero emission transportation choices more accessible for all British Columbians,” said Michelle Mungall, minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources.

“B.C. already has one of Canada’s largest charging networks, but now motorists can travel all the way from Golden to Tofino using these new fast chargers.”

According to BC Hydro, existing charging stations in the Southern Interior saw a 62% increase between May 2017 and May 2018, showing the need for these additions.

There are currently 9,000 electric vehicles on the road in B.C., but that number is expected to skyrocket to 300,000 by 2030.

Here’s a full list of stations that were added as a part of phase two, which brings the total number of BC Hydro stations to 58:

Interior:

• Britton Creek rest area along the Coquihalla Highway (two stations)

East Kootenay:

• Canal Flats Arena
• City of Cranbrook municipal parking lot on Cranbrook Street N.
• District of Sparwood municipal office
• Golden - end of 9th Avenue (to be energized in mid-July)
• Jaffray Pump & Pantry
• Radium Hot Springs community centre

Lower Mainland:

• Coquitlam Superstore (east)
• Coquitlam Superstore (west)
• Horseshoe Bay - 6000 block of Bruce Street
• Mission Superstore
• Peace Arch Superstore
• Richmond Superstore
• Surrey - Esso Tynehead (to be energized in mid-July)
• UBC Wesbrook Place
• Vancouver - 500 block of Homer Street in Vancouver (two stations)
• Vancouver - 5000 block of West Boulevard
• Vancouver Superstore - Grandview Highway (to be energized in mid-July)
• Vancouver Superstore - South East Marine Drive

Vancouver Island:

• Campbell River community centre
• Courtenay Superstore
• Nanaimo Superstore
• Pacific Rim Visitor Centre
• Port Alberni No Frills
• Qualicum Quality Foods
• Sidney City Hall