FORTISBC
FortisBC expands high power EV charging network in the Southern Interior

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in B.C.'s Okanagan and Boundary Country regions now have faster, more accessible charging options, with FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) opening three new high-powered EV charging stations in Rock Creek and Kelowna. FortisBC has also made accessibility improvements to its stations, including installing dusk to dawn lighting, adding accessible stalls and paving at most locations.

FortisBC's new 180 kW charger is ready to serve customers at Rutland Centennial Park in Kelowna.

The new stations include a 150-kilowatt (kW) charger at the Rock Creek Visitor Centre in Rock Creek, and 180-kW chargers at Rutland Centennial Park and the Okanagan Heritage Museum in Kelowna. They will offer charging solutions for both light-duty vehicles and medium-duty EVs, such as delivery trucks, large SUVs and panel vans. They include the North American charging standard plugs, offer contactless payment options and have two ports, allowing two vehicles to charge at the same time.

George Thompson, manager of EV infrastructure and investment, charges up at FortisBC's new station in Rock Creek.

FortisBC owns and operates 45 Direct Charge Fast Charging stations at 22 sites across its electricity service area in B.C.'s Southern Interior. The FortisBC charging network connects more than 1,000 kilometres of highway between the 20 communities hosting FortisBC's fast chargers. Drivers have charged up their vehicles more than 100,000 times at FortisBC's EV charging stations since it opened its first charging station in 2018.

The transportation sector is responsible for the largest share of emissions in B.C., accounting for 44 per cent¹ of provincial emissions. Investing in EV infrastructure and helping customers take steps to help lower their associated emissions is a key part of how FortisBC supports provincial climate action goals.

For more information about FortisBC's EV charging stations and its ongoing efforts to promote lower carbon transportation, visit fortisbc.com/EV. 

Quotes

Our charging stations provide quick, convenient and reliable EV charging. Our goal is to make sure EV drivers can travel with confidence across the Southern Interior region and that we can meet the growing needs of customers who are making lower-emission choices for transportation.

Phil Horacek, director of low carbon transportation at FortisBC

This is a welcome upgrade that will really benefit our region. The Riverside Centre has become one of the most significant EV charging hubs in the Boundary, and this latest investment makes it even better. Adding an even faster charger to the three fast chargers already at this strategic location is a fantastic enhancement that will benefit all who pass through Rock Creek. The accessibility improvements are another welcome addition that makes the site even better for everyone.

Grace McGregor, chair, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

¹Source: Government of B.C. BC's Provincial Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2022). In 2022, the transportation sector emitted 28.8 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) compared to total emissions of 65.6 MtCO2e.