Walmart EV charging stations (photo credit: Walmart Canada)

By Kevin Rothwell

New study to determine best options

B.C. zooming toward electric vehicle charging station goal

Jun 9, 2021 | 9:48 AM

VICTORIA — The province is speeding toward its goal of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with 50 per cent of the 2040 target of 400 stations already built or underway.

“A record number of British Columbians are adopting electric vehicles for a quieter ride, cleaner air and lower fuel costs, and we’re making sure we have the public infrastructure needed to support this uptake,” Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation said. “We are on track to meet our goals for 2040 with more than half of the fast-charging sites needed already with one or more stations built.”

More than 54,400 EVs are on the road in B.C., leading to an estimated 216,000 tonnes in emission reductions per year.

The B.C. public light-duty zero-emission vehicle infrastructure study will serve as a guide for municipalities, First Nations communities and the private sector to invest in further expansion of the fast-charging and hydrogen-fuelling network in B.C. by identifying where and how many fast-charging or hydrogen-fuelling stations are needed for drivers to safely and easily travel around B.C.

According to the report, the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) forecast in B.C. by 2040 may reach over 2.5 million. This vehicle population will require approximately 400 fast-charging sites throughout the province. As of December 2020, B.C. had 205 fast-charging sites built or underway.

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The 2021 budget provided an additional $8.5 million to continue expanding B.C.’s public charging network through rebates provided to Indigenous and local governments and B.C. businesses that are investing in public fast-charging stations.

“People across the province are switching to electric vehicles in record numbers, thanks to CleanBC programs,” George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy said. “Our government is planning for a cleaner, low-carbon future where all new cars are emission free and reliable charging stations are readily available right across the province to support users.”

The report also identifies important criteria to be considered by public charger developers when planning station sites, such as distances that allow for travel under challenging weather conditions, accessibility for drivers with diverse physical abilities and around-the-clock availability of stations in well-lit areas.