B.C. drivers will have access to 11 new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations added to highway rest areas throughout the province this fall. Three of these stations are situated in rest areas on the Yellowhead Highway running through the North Thompson Valley; Fish Trap, Little Fort, and Wire Cache.
“Our goal is to build a seamless network of electric vehicle charging stations to make it easy and convenient for people to drive from one end of B.C. to the other, powered by clean energy,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Green transportation is an absolute necessity, given the realities we are facing when it comes to tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In addition to the 11 new charging sites, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure supported the installation of two more BC Hydro direct-current (DC) fast-charging facilities at Britton Creek and at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction. Eight of the new locations will be fast charging, with two stations per site, allowing drivers to charge up in 30 minutes or less. The other three will provide Level 2 stations, supplying 240 volts of power, as part of the Accelerate Kootenays EV charging network co-ordinated by the Community Energy Association.
People looking to take action for the environment can make a big impact by switching to an electric vehicle. An average EV driver will avoid producing at least four tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, compared to a gasoline vehicle. EV drivers also save approximately $2,400 per year in fuel costs and maintenance.
British Columbia has more than1,300 Level 2 charging stations, and 64 DC fast-charging sites, installed or in the process of completion.
Stations in the North Thompson are:
•Fish Trap rest area: Highway 5, between Kamloops and Barriere – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
• Little Fort rest area: Highway 5, between Barriere and Clearwater – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
• Wire Cache rest area: Highway 5, between Clearwater and Avola – fall 2018 for completion (two fast chargers, one Level 2)
It is estimated that B.C. roads are home to over 10,000 electric vehicles, with popularity on the rise.
To see a map of rest area electric vehicle charging stations, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ files/BC_Rest_Area_EV_Charging_Stations_ Map_2018.pdf
To see an animated map of the 11 new rest area electric vehicle charging stations see: https://youtu. be/4tHKZVC0V5U