B.C. to spend $30 million to help make EV charging more accessible

The province is bringing more than five hundred electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to B.C. this year.

The province says in a release that $30 million has been set aside in its budget to address the increased demand for EV charging stations — in the province with the highest uptake of EVs in Canada.

“It’s a switch that I think British Columbians are speaking for themselves, in the rates that they’re buying plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles,” said Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines, and low carbon innovation.

In 2023, about 23 per cent of light-duty vehicle sales in B.C. were EVs — in 2022 it was 18 per cent.

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Although EVs have a higher upfront cost, they also have lower operating and maintenance costs, saving B.C. residents money throughout their lifetime, the ministry says.

“EV owners see immediate savings on fuel costs of approximately $1,800 every year for the average B.C. drive,” it stated.

Ron Burton, a board member of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, says the availability of charging stations is a question raised when people are deciding to buy EVs.

“Making EV charging more available, accessible, and reliable are critical steps in supporting EV adoption and furthering our Clean BC goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through electrification of transportation,” he said.

The province says they are working on addressing the gap in rural, northern, First Nation communities, and urban areas with high EV uptake.

“The program will also prioritize applications for locations highly accessible to the public, including community and recreation centres, libraries, highway rest stops, and park-and-ride stations,” Osborne said.

Osborne says switching to electric vehicles will help decrease pollution and aid communities in saving on fuel costs.

“That’s why we are working with BC Hydro and other partners to expand B.C.’s public charging infrastructure and build an economy powered by clean, affordable electricity,” she said.

Chris O’Reily, CEO of BC Hydro, says he’s excited to partner with the province on its renewable electricity growth.

“With up to 900,000 EVs expected on B.C. roads in the next decade, BC Hydro has been preparing for this by ensuring we have the power to meet the demand and have the infrastructure in place to support the growing number of EVs,” he said.

“We are also focused on continuing to build our public EV charging network and we are introducing optional time-of-use rates to make it easier for customers to charge overnight at home.”

George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy, says transportation accounts for 40 per cent of B.C.’s emissions, and the province must make EV usage more affordable through rebates.

“In addition to rebates, we’re investing in the charging infrastructure people and businesses need to switch to low-carbon and more affordable travel options, as we work to build a clean and sustainable future for all British Columbians,” he said.

The ministry says the program provides support equipment rebates for communities.

“The program provides as much as 50 per cent of the cost of equipment and installation and a maximum of $80,000 per fast-charging station for communities and companies in B.C.,” it said.

The province says for Indigenous-owned-fast-charging stations, the province provides up to 90 per cent of project costs up to $130,000 per station.

The province is on its way to completing its electric highway in the summer of 2023, covering all highways and major roads. It says it’s aiming to have 10,000 public charging stations by 2030.