Worried about finding a charge for your EV? BC Hydro says many share that concern

Many people know the anxious feeling when the gas gauge is nearing empty and there’s nowhere to fill up in sight. But what about those who drive electric vehicles?

BC Hydro says EV-related worries have evolved over the years, with the primary concern previously having been how long a battery can last between charges.

However, a new survey from the utility provider finds many EV drivers have a new worry, this time about the availability of public charging stations along their route.

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“With the evolution of battery technology, EVs can go a lot farther on a single charge. The average EV can go about 350 kilometers before needing to be charged. So there’s a new charging anxiety and that’s destination anxiety, especially on longer trips. That’s not being sure, when you get to a destination, when you’re road-tripping, if there’s going to be EV charging available for you,” BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder told CityNews.

“For British Columbians considering purchasing an EV, about 50 per cent said that this sort of destination-range anxiety is something that is keeping them from purchasing one.”

The concern is especially the case for people who travel at peak times to popular destinations where a lineup at a charging station is more likely, BC Hydro says. It adds more than 80 per cent of non-EV drivers have said “the thought of having to wait in line to charge their vehicle may make them less inclined to purchase one.”

The utility provider points out there are more than 2,000 public charging stations across B.C., with plans to add many more in the next 10 years.

A survey conducted on behalf of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) earlier this year also found similar anxiety among EV owners nationally, with many saying they weren’t taking their rides on long road trips and that they were worried about finding a place to charge up.

Ways to charge

BC Hydro says there are more than 120,000 EVs on B.C. roads, and predicts that number will rise to 700,000 to 900,000 in the next decade.

“So we’re certainly ramping up the charging infrastructure. And we know that other public entities in charge of charging infrastructure are also doing the same,” Rieder said.

She says even if your destination doesn’t have a dedicated charging station, you won’t be stranded so long as there’s a standard outlet.

“I think it’s a myth that you won’t be able to charge your vehicle because there is always an option,” she explained. “Many forget that this is an option. All EV models can plug into any standard household outlet. It’s level-one charging. It does take a long time or a longer time than a fast-charger — about eight to 12 hours — but you’re ensured that no matter where you are, you can just plug into that standard outlet while you’re sleeping and wake up the next day and have a charged EV.”

EV drivers can also use the PlugShare app to find charging stations and let others know if there are any issues or availabilities.

BC Hydro says a survey conducted on its behalf has recently found of the 40 per cent of people surveyed who are looking to buy a new vehicle in the next three years, three-quarters of them are considering a plug-in.