File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Is Kamloops ready to go electric?

Aug 13, 2022 | 12:43 PM

The transportation sector in Canada is the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) accounting for 24 per cent of total emissions. Around 66 per cent of Kamloops’ emissions come from the transportation sector as well. In recognition of the high GHG emitted by vehicles, the city has adopted the Electric Vehicle and Electric Bike Strategy to support the transition to electric transport. In addition, charging stations are sprouting all over the city to encourage the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles.

Key Barriers to Electric Vehicle or Bike Adoption

The use of electric vehicles does not happen overnight. People are wary if these vehicles can give them the same autonomy that petrol engines offer. One of the major reasons why people are not convinced of going electric is the fear that they cannot travel long distances with EVs. Furthermore, the problem of charging points is another barrier that affects EV intake. Vehicle owners might even have to think of modifying their homes so that they are EV ready. The purchase cost of an electric vehicle is another challenge as well facing those who want to make the switch.

Addressing these barriers is an important aspect of increasing uptake of EVs. Fortunately, technology advancements resulted to the manufacture of vehicles that have longer driving range. For example, an Audi A3 e-Tron has an electric range of 329km while the Jaguar I-PACE is already at 377km. Tesla also offers several models that have good driving autonomy. Tesla Model 3 can go as far as 499km while the Model 5 is at 595km. In the coming years, automobile manufacturers are going to release more models that have better electric driving range. When it comes to infrastructure, the availability of charging stations is addressed by building more plugging outlets. Incentives in the form of rebates (up to $5,000 per qualifying vehicle) can also encourage owners of vehicles to make the transition.

Kamloops is Getting Ready

Week In Review

Week In Review: Week of March 2

Mar 07, 2026

TWO & OUT

PETERS: Celebration from Iranian ex-pats speaks louder than our skepticism of Trump

Mar 06, 2026

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: March 5, 2026

Mar 05, 2026

Not only is Kamloops aligning itself with the national program, but it has also developed the EV and E-Bike strategy to complement the City’s Official Community Plan and the Transportation Master Plan. Part of the initiative is to inform the public about the benefits of using zero emissions free vehicles. Furthermore, an analysis of the EV charging infrastructure is done to pinpoint where future demand for charging is expected to appear.

There are different levels of EV charging with 72 per cent of drivers charging at home overnight using a Level 1 charging which is slow. However, a significant portion of drivers also charge at the workplace which is either a Level 1 or Level 2 (medium speed). Those who access public charging places use DC fast charging which is fast to very fast. For customers of Tesla destination charging is free for drivers who are clients where the points are located. These are fast chargers usually 22kW that can top up the vehicle over a period of several hours.

Kamloops has at present 27 Level 2 stations while there are 14 Level 3 stations bringing the total to 41 public charging station ports. Around 75 per cent of these ports offer free charges for electric vehicles. They are located within a radius of 15km. Moreover, the city is also thinking of amending its zoning bylaw requiring new residential builds to have ‘EV-ready’ parking. To comply with this new law, an energized 240-volt outlet must be installed near the parking area or stall in the construction phase.

Kamloops supports the national plan to reduce emissions produced by the transportation sector and ease the transition to zero-emissions vehicles. Information dissemination, improvement of the charging infrastructure, and availability of affordable and autonomous EVs are some of the actions the city is implementing in preparation for the EV revolution.

——

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.