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News release

BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Valemount

VALEMOUNT: BC Hydro has doubled the capacity of its electric vehicle fast charging site in Valemount with the addition of a new 100-kilowatt charging unit.

“We are working to make it easier for drivers in B.C. to go electric and use more of B.C.’s clean, reliable hydroelectricity,” says Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. “This charging location in Valemount will help make public charging more convenient as a growing number of people in the B.C. Interior make the switch to electric vehicles.”

The Valemount site originally opened in October 2019. It’s located at Valemount Centennial Park at 1288 5th 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 November 21, a 100-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service. It can add 100 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 Valemount Council’s Strategic Priorities include a greener tomorrow and we welcome the opportunity to work with BC Hydro to increase electric vehicle charging capacity, says Owen Torgerson, Mayor of Valemount. “The centralized location will provide travellers with access to playgrounds, commercial shopping and automated public washrooms to enjoy as they charge for the next leg of their journey.”

Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September, 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 add 325 charging units to its network at 145 sites within the next five years.”

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 123 charging units at 80 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