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B.C. spending $3.5 million to install 47 fast EV chargers

British Columbia is getting 47 new electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers across the province thanks to a $2.35 million investment from the federal government.

The money is being given to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to install the new EV chargers. They are expected to 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,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., the federal Minister of Natural Resources.

The total cost of the project is $3.525 million, with the province kicking in $1.175 million through its CleanBC Go Electric program. That translates into a cost of $75,000 per charging station.

Part of a $1 billion investment

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.

Ottawa says 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.

“With our commitment to have all new vehicle sales be zero emissions by 2035, electric vehicles represent both the present and the future of transportation in Canada. From Pemberton to Sechelt, from Surrey to Prince Rupert, this project will provide residents in our region and across British Columbia with the electric charging infrastructure they need to get around. With investments like these, our government is making clean transportation choices more affordable and accessible, and setting the course for a prosperous zero-emissions future,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country