BC Hydro's electric vehicle fast charging site operational in Cherryville
CHERRYVILLE: A new BC Hydro electric vehicle fast charging site is up and running in Cherryville. It joins the company's growing network of more than 130 public fast chargers in B.C.
"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. Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. "This charging location in Cherryville 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 Cherryville site opened February 2 and is located near Highway 6 and Sugar Lake Road. It includes two 25-kilowatt charging units. Each unit can add 25 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.
"This new charge site in Cherryville will significantly improve charging access for electric vehicle drivers on Highway 6 in the North Okanagan," says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. "The location is also wheelchair accessible and has newly installed lighting to enhance safety for all users."
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 139 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