Electric vehicle fast-charging stations have officially opened across British Columbia, specifically in Surrey, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Duncan, Squamish, and Merritt. With these stations, the province will become the first in Canada to provide electric vehicle drivers with a network of 13 direct current (DC) fast-charging stations. The seven remaining stations are projected to be launched by March 31, 2014.

Managed by BC Hydro, an investment of $1.3 million for the project came directly from the Province’s previously announced $14.3 million Clean Energy Vehicle Program.

Environment Minister Mary Polak highlighted that by providing a network of fast chargers on major routes, this will provide more travel options for many electric vehicle owners and will also help encourage individuals to make the switch to these vehicles, if they haven’t considered them before.

The DC fast-charging stations require just 20-30 minutes for an 80 percent charge, and provides electric vehicle motorists with the confidence needed to travel between two communities. Conversely, Level 2 charging stations require four to eight hours to reach full charge. Although typically adequate for commuter this can, at times, impede electric vehicle mobility between communities, more particularly for pure battery electric vehicle owners.