Electric vehicle owners can travel further this summer thanks to the opening of the first fast-charging station in the province at BC Hydro’s Powertech facility in Surrey.
“This new charging station gives electric vehicle drivers even more freedom and flexibility to move throughout Surrey and the Metro Vancouver region," said Mayor Dianne Watts. "It’s important that efforts are made to support the growing demand for alternative fuel vehicles and this is a welcome addition to our existing electrical charging stations."
The new charging station, which can charge an electric vehicle in 30 minutes, is located in Powertech’s Tech Park. The facility, which is close to the U.S. border and major highways, also includes four "level two" charging stations that can charge an electric vehicle in four hours.
“As more of these fast-charging stations open throughout B.C., electric vehicle drivers will have the confidence to travel between communities without worrying about lengthy wait times to charge their cars,” said Charles Reid, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “We all have more electronics and are finding new ways to use electricity. BC Hydro is committed to providing our customers with renewable power solutions to meeting their growing energy needs.”
Transportation accounts for 38 per cent of provincial greenhouse gas emissions. With more than 90 per cent clean electricity generation in B.C., the use of electric vehicles has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
Powertech is a research facility that provides specialized engineering services in the areas of clean energy, independent testing and power system solutions. As a working test lab, the Tech Park allows for observation of the interaction between electric vehicles and the power grid.
All of the electric vehicle charging stations at the Tech Park – located at 12388 88 Ave. – will be available for the public to use from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Fast facts:
• Electric vehicles emit 95 to 97 per cent less carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre than gasoline-powered vehicles. The average electric vehicle driver in B.C. can save up to $2,340 per year in fuel costs.
• Drivers charging at Powertech in Surrey can drive to Bellingham, Wash. and back on a single charge.
• The charging stations at the Tech Park are part of an expanding electrical infrastructure network that will see 30 DC fast chargers installed in B.C. To find more electric vehicle charging stations, drivers can use Plug Share, Charge Point or BCAA apps or websites for maps and trip planning.