BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Chase
CHASE: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Chase with the addition of a new 50-kilowatt charging unit.
"An important part of our CleanBC climate plan is helping people make the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to one that runs on B.C.'s clean electricity – whether you're driving around a city, a small town, or a more remote area of our vast and beautiful province," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "This new electric vehicle charger in Chase continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians."
The Chase site originally opened in March 2016 and is located at the Chase Chamber of Commerce (400 Shuswap Avenue). The site was built with one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. On April 12, an additional 50-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.
"The Village of Chase is very happy to receive an additional electric vehicle charging unit," says David Lepsoe, Mayor of the Village of Chase. "This fits in very well in our efforts to being a more environmentally responsible community."
Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September 2021, BC Hydro revealed its Electrification Plan, with initiatives to encourage B.C. residents, businesses and industries to switch to hydroelectricity from fossil fuels to help reduce carbon emissions. The plan encourages switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.
"As the primary fuel supplier for electric vehicles, we are building out charging infrastructure to ensure we can accommodate the volume and variety of electric vehicles that will be on B.C. roads in the coming years," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "BC Hydro will have 325 charging units in its network at 145 sites by the end of 2025."
BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 146 charging units at 83 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468