The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, commonly known as BC Hydro, has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fast charging sites in Surrey and Horseshoe Bay.
The charging site in Surrey near Tynehead Regional Park has been upgraded with a new 100-kW charging unit that can add 100 kilometers of driving range to an average EV in about 10 minutes, the Canadian utility says. The site originally opened in July 2018 with one 50-kW charging unit.
Similarly, the Horseshoe Bay site has been upgraded with two new 100-KW charging units, making it the first location in BC Hydro’s fast charging network with dual 100-kW charging units. This site was opened in June 2018 with one 50-kW charging unit.
In addition to these upgrades, both locations now feature a curbless design and lower displays on the new chargers for better accessibility.
Transportation accounts for approximately 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia. To reduce these emissions, BC Hydro says it has introduced an electrification plan aimed at encouraging residents, businesses and industries to switch from fossil fuels to hydroelectricity.
“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,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro.
BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 145 charging units at 83 sites in communities throughout British Columbia. By the end of 2025, it plans to have 325 charging units in its network at 145 sites throughout the province. These charging units are funded in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and Natural Resources Canada.
