Canadian Legislative Issues

British Columbia Environment Minister Terry Lake has announced a $1.3-million investment project in direct current (DC) fast-charging infrastructure in thirteen communities across the province. This latest initiative will assist electric vehicle owners plug in their vehicles and get charged.

Minister Lake highlighted that there has been prevalent interest in hosting and operating electric vehicle charging stations in a number of communities. With further charging options, electric vehicles will become an even more attractive option for drivers.

DC fast chargers require only twenty to thirty minutes for 80 per cent charge, compared to Level 2 stations (240 volt), which require four to eight hours to reach full charge. Although usually adequate for commuters, this can impede electric vehicle mobility between communities, especially for pure battery electric vehicle owners.

The initiative, which is managed by BC Hydro, received funding from the previously announced $14.3-million provincial Clean Energy Vehicle Program.  

The DC fast chargers will be deployed in the following communities:

• Whistler – Conference Centre
• Squamish – Stan Clarke Park
• Surrey – Surrey Museum
• Township of Langley – Langley Events Centre
• Saanich – Uptown Shopping Centre
• Merritt – Merritt Tourism/Visitor Info Booth
• Hope – Hope Visitor Centre
• Cowichan Valley Regional District (Duncan) – Island Savings Centre
• Nanaimo – Bastion Square or Vancouver Island Conference Centre
• City of North Vancouver – Lower Lonsdale
• District of North Vancouver – District of North Vancouver Operations Centre
• Vancouver – Telus World of Science

An additional location will be made official over the coming weeks, for a total of 13 stations. Installation is projected for March 31, 2013.