BC Hydro has increased the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Delta with the addition of three new 100-kilowatt charging units. This updated location now has four fast chargers to support electric vehicle adoption in the community and adds to BC Hydro's growing network of more than 160 public fast chargers in B.C.
"B.C. has one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in Canada, but running out of power with no place to charge up, especially on longer trips, can still be a worry for people," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "Together with BC Hydro and other partners we're continuing to expand our public charging network to reduce range anxiety and encourage more drivers to make the switch to an EV powered by B.C.'s clean electricity."
The Delta site originally opened in November 2019 and is located at the South Delta Recreation Centre (1720 56 Street). The site was built with one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. On November 27, three additional 100-kilowatt charging units were brought into service which can add 100 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.
"This new charge site will help British Columbians get to where they need to go more quickly and reliably, all while using clean energy," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "More electric chargers bring both environmental and economic benefits as we work towards lowering our climate-changing emissions 40 per cent by 2030."
This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.
"I am pleased to see BC Hydro's commitment to advancing sustainable transportation options in our community," says George V. Harvie, Mayor of Delta. "The addition of three new 100-kilowatt charging units at the electric vehicle fast charging site located at the South Delta Recreation Centre is a significant step forward. We welcome these enhancements, which help encourage electric vehicle adoption in our community and contribute to a greener and more accessible Delta."
Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September 2021, BC Hydro revealed its Electrification Plan, with initiatives to encourage B.C. residents, businesses and industries to switch to hydroelectricity from fossil fuels to help reduce carbon emissions. The plan encourages switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.
"As the primary fuel supplier for electric vehicles, we are building out charging infrastructure to ensure we can accommodate the volume and variety of electric vehicles that will be on B.C. roads in the coming years," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "BC Hydro will have 325 charging units in its network at 145 sites by the end of 2025."
BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 161 charging units at 85 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468
