Natural Resources Canada announced a $2,350,000 investment to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to install 47 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers across the province to put British Columbians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future.
Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, all fast chargers will be available for public use by early winter.
“We’re making EVs more affordable and charging infrastructure readily available, putting Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future,” stated Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan Jr.
The Government of British Columbia, through the CleanBC Go Electric Program, is also contributing $1,175,000 toward this initiative, bringing the total project cost to $3,525,000.
“More and more British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles to save on fuel costs and reduce air pollution,” added Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. “Through CleanBC, we’re working with our partners to expand our EV charging network across the province, make it easier for drivers to go electric and put B.C. on the road to a clean energy future.”
Canada has invested over $1 billion to make EVs more affordable and charging infrastructure more accessible by establishing a coast-to-coast network of fast chargers and installing chargers in localized areas. The government also provides incentives of up to $5,000 to increase affordability for Canadian consumers to buy EVs and full tax write-offs for businesses purchasing them.
These investments support Canada’s new accelerated target of 100 percent zero-emission light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. Driving down transportation emissions is critical to achieving Canada’s ambitious climate change targets and require a combination of investments and regulations to support Canadians and industry in this transition.
“This investment will make electric vehicle charging more accessible, paving the way for even greater electric vehicle adoption in B.C.,” said Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro’s president and CEO. “Electric vehicles are a great option for British Columbians looking to reduce their impact on the environment because of our clean power, and we look forward to working with all levels of government and the communities we serve to expand our fast-charging station network.”
Featured image: BC Hydro EV charger in use North Vancouver. (BC Hydro)
