BC Hydro’s electric vehicle fast charging site operational in Duncan
DUNCAN: Duncan is home to BC Hydro’s newest electric vehicle fast charging site, as the company adds to its growing network of more than 100 public fast chargers in B.C.
“We are working to make it easier for drivers in B.C. to go electric and take advantage of B.C.’s clean, reliable and affordable hydroelectricity,” says Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Duncan is an important location in our fast-charging network, as we complete B.C.’s Electric Highway and accelerate toward our CleanBC goals.”
The new site in Duncan opened September 23 and is located at the Peninsula Co-op at 1007 Canada Avenue. The site includes one 100-kilowatt charging unit which can add 100 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. There is also one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.
“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.”
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.
BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 120 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