BC Hydro has opened a new fast-charging hub at ICBC's Claim Centre in Surrey providing eight new charging ports for electric vehicles (EVs) in the city.
"This new electric vehicle charge hub in Surrey continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
This hub site is located in the parking lot of ICBC's Claim Centre in Surrey at 10262 152A Street. It includes two 180-kilowatt chargers, which can add up to 180 kilometres of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes. In addition to being faster, the units also offer dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger. For example, a 180-kilowatt charger can adjust to provide two 90-kilowatt charging units, which allows up to four vehicles to use these two chargers at once. There are also four Level 2 chargers.
"Offering a quick charge for EV drivers, these new charging hubs are a welcome addition to ICBC Claim Centres," said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "By working with BC Hydro to build out our fast-charging infrastructure we're making it easier for people to make the switch to clean, quiet electric vehicles, helping them save money on fuel while reducing emissions and combating climate change."
BC Hydro is adding similar EV fast charging hubs at ICBC's Claim Centres in Abbotsford and Courtenay, which will open later this year.
"One of our priorities at ICBC is to support sustainable mobility and we're proud to partner with BC Hydro in the placement and installation of EV chargers at three ICBC locations in the province," said David Wong, ICBC President and CEO. "Since 2019, the number of electric vehicles in B.C. has more than tripled, which makes this increase in infrastructure for EV drivers so important as we move forward."
The adoption of EVs across British Columbia has increased significantly with more than 180,000 EVs on the road in B.C. BC Hydro predicts there will be between 700,000 and 900,000 EVs within the next 10 years.
"British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada and that's why we are continuing to make investments for growth within our current system and building out our fast-charging network across B.C.," said Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "These new chargers at ICBC Claim Centres will help support EV adoption and reduce range anxiety throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island."
As BC Hydro continues to build its fast-charging network, it plans to focus on building more hub sites with multiple chargers along highway corridors and highly populated areas to provide a faster and more convenient experience for its customers. Future charge hubs are planned for Port Moody, Maple Ridge and Vancouver.
BC Hydro's provincewide fast-charging network currently includes 432 charging ports at 135 sites in communities throughout B.C. BC Hydro is looking to double the number of charging ports in its network to 800 by spring 2026. 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
