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By Katlyn Eriksen

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SOUND OFF: Kamloops builds a thriving electric vehicle charging network

Feb 7, 2026 | 6:01 AM

ABOUT ONE IN EVERY FIVE NEW VEHICLES sold in B.C. in 2025 was a zero-emission vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid. As EVs become an increasingly familiar sight on Kamloops roads, the city’s charging infrastructure has evolved to keep up. The city now boasts 112 charging ports within 15 kilometers of the city centre and new homes are also being built EV-ready, with the infrastructure in place to support residential charging. These changes show just how far Kamloops has come and how it’s contributing to B.C’s wider shift to EVs. The province actually leads Canada in EV adoption, with more than 210,000 zero-emission vehicles already on the road, so it’s more important than ever for Kamloops to have reliable charging options, not just for locals, but also for visitors passing through the city as well. 

Fast chargers in Kamloops: quick top-ups on the go 

Kamloops is currently home to 49 fast-charging stations, also known as Level 3 stations, that charge EVs from empty to completely full in about 25-30 minutes. The BC Fast Charger at Tournament Capital Centre is one of the most popular fast-charging locations in Kamloops. And for Tesla drivers, the Tesla Supercharger is conveniently located at the city’s former visitor centre. Many of the city’s fast chargers are part of B.C.’s Electric Highway project, which has established a network of fast-charging stations every 150 kilometers along highways and main roads. This makes it easy for people to drive long distances without worrying where to charge next. 

The province also aims to have over 10,000 chargers by 2030, so it’s no surprise that more businesses are installing EV chargers in order to cater to the growing number of drivers. In fact, recent research finds that adding just one charging station can boost annual spending at nearby businesses by 1.4 per cent, or $1,484. For businesses near highways, a Level 3 fast charger is a great choice as it can recharge vehicles in under half an hour. This gives drivers enough time to do some shopping while they wait, but doesn’t hugely delay their journey. Installation costs range from $25,000-$30,000, and this is an investment that can pay off in the long run by bringing in more customers and increasing sales. 

Level 2 chargers for daily use 

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The city also has 63 Level 2 charging ports that take between four to ten hours to fully charge an EV. These ports add between 16 and 50 kilometres of range per hour of charging. While they’re not as fast as Level 3 chargers, Level 2 chargers are still useful, particularly for people who are happy to leave their cars parked for a while as they shop or work. There’s a Level 2 charger located at the former Kamloops visitor centre, which is conveniently near major highways and downtown Kamloops. This makes it easy for locals and visitors alike to top up as and when they need. To add to the convenience, around 13 per cent of Kamloops’ charging ports are also completely free to use. That means EV drivers can easily top up without worrying about the cost.

New homes in Kamloops now EV Ready 

In Kamloops, new residential buildings also now need to include EV-capable parking stalls. What this means is that builders need to install wiring and electrical infrastructure for at least one Level 2 charger during construction. It will then be easier for people to install their own EV chargers in the future without having to break the bank on retrofits; installing this wiring up front costs a fraction of what it would to do it later. This rule applies to a range of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and apartments, so it’s a win for both homeowners and renters alike. It’s definitely a positive step forward, even if it doesn’t help people in older homes just yet.  

Kamloops’ EV infrastructure has certainly come a long way in just a few short years. Fast and Level 2 charging options are now widely available and new homes are also being built to be EV friendly. This progress is helping to prepare the city for a greener future where EVs become the norm. 

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.