Skip to content

News release

BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in New Denver

New Denver, B.C. EV fast charging site

NEW DENVER: BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in New Denver 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 New Denver 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."

Ownership of the New Denver site was transferred to BC Hydro in November 2022. The site is located at 624 Slocan Avenue.

"The Village of New Denver is very grateful for receiving this 100-kilowatt fast charging unit," says Leonard Casley, Mayor of the Village of New Denver. "This expanded site will provide improved charging access for drivers with electric vehicles at our campground."

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 March 27, 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.

"There is a very passionate EV community in New Denver and this expanded site will help support electric vehicle adoption in the Kootenays," says Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. "This updated 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 142 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