BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Mission
MISSION: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Mission with the addition of a new 100-kilowatt charging unit.
"Having recently bought an electric vehicle I know how important it is – especially for those of us living in more remote and rural areas – to know there are charging stations we can rely upon for a fast charge along the way," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "This expanded site in Mission is another step in our work with BC Hydro and other partners to expand our public charging network so more people, no matter where they are in B.C., can make the switch to an electric vehicle and start saving money on gas and lowering their carbon emissions."
The Mission site originally opened in May 2018 and is located at the Real Canadian Superstore (32136 Lougheed Highway). 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 February 16, 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.
"This charging site is located in a busy area in Mission and the additional charger will help improve charging access for electric vehicle drivers on the Lougheed Highway," says Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. "The updated location has newly installed lighting to enhance safety for all users and it's also wheelchair accessible."
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 140 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
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