BC Hydro has announced that it has increased the number of chargers at its electric vehicle (EV) fast charging site at the South Delta Recreation Centre with the addition of three new 100-kilowatt charging units.
The updated location now has four fast chargers to support electric vehicle adoption in the community and adds to BC Hydro’s growing network of more than 160 public fast chargers in B.C.
“B.C. has one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in Canada, but running out of power with no place to charge up, especially on longer trips, can still be a worry for people,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, in a news release.
“Together with BC Hydro and other partners we’re continuing to expand our public charging network to reduce range anxiety and encourage more drivers to make the switch to an EV powered by B.C.’s clean electricity,” added Osborne.
The South Delta site originally opened in November 2019 with one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes. This week, three additional 100-kilowatt charging units were brought into service which can add 100 kilometres of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes.
BC Hydro last year began looking to further expand its network of public fast charging stations and identified the South Delta Recreation Centre site as an ideal location for another.
Delta council then agreed to amend a licence agreement with BC Hydro to use additional parking stalls at the facility to install and operate up to three additional fast charge stations.
Meanwhile, the city currently has its own network of about 30 Level 2 charging stations at civic facilities, but not a fast charger yet.
The city has issued a request for proposals for a contractor to install more city-supplied EV charging stations.
The work involves assembly and installation of 21 public charging stations and 10 city fleet charging stations.
Delta this year received a $200,000 investment through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which includes $150,000 to support the installation of one EV fast charger and 20 Level 2 EV charging stations at public facilities, as well as $50,000 for 10 Level 2 EV chargers at three of Delta’s fleet facilities.
In addition, the province is also contributing $25,000 for the first fast charger under the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program.
During an update to council earlier this year on Delta’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, which was endorsed by council in 2020, it was noted that fast charging stations come at a significant cost compared to Level 2 stations.
Mike Brotherston, Manager of Climate Action and Environment, said a plan was in the works for a North Delta fast charge location, and it was hoped provincial government funding will help offset the higher cost.
The city’s network of Level 2 stations are “intended as a top-up and not a full charge” for those seeking a charge at a city-owned facility, he explained.
Tesla has added to its own charging own network in South Delta with new charging stations installed.
