BC Hydro's electric vehicle fast charging site operational in Fauquier
FAUQUIER: A new BC Hydro electric vehicle fast charging site is now operational in Fauquier. This new location adds to 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 take advantage of B.C.'s clean, reliable hydroelectricity," says Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "Adding a site in Fauquier was an important part of expanding the fast charging network in the B.C. Interior and brings us closer to reaching our CleanBC goal of completing B.C.'s Electric Highway."
The Fauquier site opened on February 2 and is located on Highway 6 at the Fauquier Ferry Landing. 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 charge site in Fauquier will support electric vehicle tourism in the West Kootenay region," says Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. "The site is convenient for drivers using the Needles Ferry across Lower Arrow Lake."
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
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