Expansion milestone: BC Hydro installs network’s 150th charger in Langley
LANGLEY: BC Hydro has installed the 150th charger in its electric vehicle fast charging network with the addition of a new 100-kilowatt charging unit in Langley.
"B.C. has one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in Canada, but running out of power with no place to charge up, especially on longer trips, can still be a worry for people," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "Together with BC Hydro and other partners we're continuing to expand our public charging network to reduce range anxiety and encourage more drivers to make the switch to an EV powered by B.C.'s clean electricity."
The Langley site originally opened in April 2017 and is located in the parking lot of the Langley Events Centre (7888 200th Street).
"This expanded site at the Langley Events Centre will help meet the growing demand for public fast charging in the Lower Mainland," says Megan Dykeman, MLA for Langley East. "Newly installed lighting and upgrades will make the station safer and more wheelchair accessible."
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 June 14, an additional 100-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service which 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 Langley Events Centre continues to grow as an entertainment and sports hub in the Township of Langley," says Eric Woodward, Mayor of the Township of Langley. "Expanding charging capacity at the LEC is a prime location to encourage more regional visitors and help local visitors connect while watching a soccer, hockey or basketball game."
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 150 charging units at 84 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