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News release

BC Hydro’s electric vehicle fast charging site open in Gold River

GOLD RIVER: A new BC Hydro electric vehicle fast charging site is now operational in Gold River and adds to the company’s 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 hydroelectricity,” says Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. “This location in Gold River will help make public charging more convenient as a growing number of people on Vancouver Island shift to an electric vehicle.”

The new site in Gold River opened March 31 and is next to the Gold River Tourist Information Centre near the junction of Highway 28 and Scout Lake Road.

“This charge site in Gold River opens another section of Vancouver Island to electric vehicle tourism,” says Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “The site is convenient for drivers using Highway 28. The location is also wheelchair accessible and has newly installed lighting to enhance safety for all users.”

The charge site includes two 50-kilowatt charging units. Each unit can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

“We are very happy to see our community move forward with an electric vehicle fast charging site in Gold River,” says Brad Unger, Mayor of Gold River. “The number of electric vehicles in B.C. is growing and this site will make it possible for travellers to visit our community and the surrounding area. We are thankful for BC Hydro’s efforts to make this a reality.”

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 it’s network at 145 sites within the next five years.”

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 114 fast charging units at 78 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