Charging your electric vehicle on the go
Charge on the go with public EV chargers
There are now thousands of electric vehicle (EV) public chargers in B.C., and they're becoming much more common across North America. Whether you're filling up for your daily commute or a scenic road trip, B.C.'s renewable electricity can power your journey.
Charging networks in B.C.
The majority of B.C.'s public chargers require drivers to join a service network to use them. Once you've registered with a network, you'll be sent a member card which you can use to pay at the EV charger. Some networks' chargers can also be accessed using a smartphone app or a credit card. By registering with multiple networks, you'll have access to more chargers.
Currently, there are seven main networks in B.C.:
- BC Hydro
- ChargePoint*
- FLO*
- Shell Recharge* (for fast charging ports)
- Petro-Canada
- Tesla (for Tesla vehicles)
- On-the-Run
* As a member of the BC Hydro EV charging network, you can charge your vehicle at any of our roaming partner chargers in North America.
Get familiar with PlugShare
Most public chargers are easy to find via PlugShare, a smartphone app and website. You can quickly use PlugShare's filters (network and plug type) to find a charger that works best for you and your vehicle.
PlugShare is the most comprehensive, up-to-date tool for finding chargers wherever you are. EV owners can add, review and edit charger information – and even safely share their private charger at home with other drivers.
PlugShare's helpful maps include colour-coded charger icons to highlight which chargers are public Level 2 or fast charging. They often include valuable crowd-sourced information such as whether a charger is not working, or detailed directions for on-site navigation in large parkades or parking lots.
Find out more about PlugShare.
Practice good charger etiquette
Here are some EV charging etiquette guidelines you can follow to help create a positive experience for all EV drivers:
- Take only what you need and limit your charge to 30 to 40 minutes.
- Stay close by in case you need to move your vehicle to let someone else charge.
- Only park in an EV-designated charging stall if you’re charging or waiting to charge.
- Don't unplug another vehicle.
- When you're done, neatly put the charging cord away so that people don't trip or drive over it.
- Keep the charger tidy.
- Be respectful and help your fellow drivers out.
Learn about BC Hydro's fast charging network
BC Hydro currently operates hundreds of fast chargers located along B.C.'s major highways. If you're new to using a fast charger, or need help, we're here to assist you. Learn more about our network, and how to use our chargers.
Plan your next EV road trip
Road trips in EVs are easier now than ever, with the availability of fast chargers along the highways of B.C. Depending on your EV model, you can plug in and charge your car to almost full capacity in 30 minutes or less.
We've put together four road trip ideas that you can take in your EV. Our road trip ideas consider the range, charger availability, and suggest activities at each spot to pass the time while you recharge.
Considerations for an EV road trip
First, use PlugShare or your favourite EV mapping app to map out the charging site location you'd like to use on your road trip. Check which stops offer good food, coffee, shopping, or fun activities, as popular charging sites may require a stop of an hour or two during busy times of the year. Have a backup plan with a second charger within range of your planned destination.
Here are a few other things to consider as you plan your trip:
- Plan for range variables. The following can decrease your range:
- Use of air conditioning or heating.
- Very cold weather or extreme heat, which can also slow down your charging.
- Steep hills and mountain driving, even taking into account the regenerative braking of your EV on the downhills.
- Check the popularity of planned charging site(s). In the days before your trip, check how often EVs are checked in to the chargers in your trip plan and what time of day is busiest to plan accordingly.
- Learn EV charging etiquette. Read about charging etiquette, and always use your app to check in and out of a charging site.
- Embrace the journey. Charming small towns, farm markets or a short hike can be great experiences en route.
Taking your EV across the border
It's generally easy to charge along major routes south of the American border, but you'll see a variety of charging sites, compatible apps, plug type compatibility, and payment methods.
Costs range from free, to flat fees, to per-minute fees and per-kWh fees. When road-tripping in America, you can initiate charges at most sites with either a ChargePoint, Electrify America or PlugShare app, so it's a good idea to add these to your phone.
You may need a key fob or RFID card to operate certain charging sites and prices will vary. Most locations will have a toll free phone number posted on the equipment so you can call and get a guest charge with a credit card.
The West Coast Electric Highway initiative has ensured that DC fast charging sites are located every 40 to 80 km along Interstate 5, Hwy 99, and other major roadways in B.C., Washington, Oregon, and California. Each location also includes Level 2 equipment. Many of them are near coffee shops, shopping centres and restaurants.
Check to see that the sites you plan to use are compatible with the plug type of your vehicle. As you head to the interior of each state, fast charging options can be fewer and farther in between, but many communities offer Level 2 charging.