October 2019 story: Good etiquette, good karma, at EV fast charge stations
Other recent stories about EVs:
- Survey: Lack of charging etiquette leads to conflict at the electric pump
- Report: British Columbians’ fueling habits have led to misconceptions about EV charging
- British Columbians willing to fly less to reduce carbon footprint
- Report: Road trip range anxiety is a major barrier to purchasing an EV
- Savings from fueling vehicle commute with electricity at all-time high
- Report: Myths block road to electric vehicle adoption
- Dave's Clean Getaway: Hitting the road in an EV
- Is it time to junk the gas-guzzler for an electric vehicle
- 'Kootenay EV Family' makes case for the electric car
- Four electric vehicle myths busted
- Electric vehicle makes sense for Coquitlam family of five
Useful EV information for B.C.:
- CEV for BC
- Plug In BC
- Calculate charging times (Pluginbc.ca)
- Fleetcarma's Charge BC Program
- Emotive: The Electric Vehicle Experience
- Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
- Victoria EV Club
- SCRAP-IT Program
Electric fleets and business charging
Employers, building owners, and parking garage facilities are preparing for a future with electric vehicles. Adding electric vehicles to your fleet can reduce fossil fuel use and emissions, and add to your overall energy efficiency. To add an EV to your fleet, visit E3 Fleet to learn more.
EV charging stations can help attract and retain employees, demonstrate your support for a cleaner environment, and increase fuel cost savings when changing from gas to electric fleets. If you want to install charging stations for employees or the public, you should consider the type of charging station you need, and where you’ll install it at your location.
In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 charging, business customers have the option of installing a fast charger. This is typically a commercial undertaking that involves significant investments because fast charging requires a 25 to 50 kW electrical service. But it can charge an EV battery from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Follow our step-by-step guide for installing EV charging infrastructure at a business, and check out the learn about the new incentives available for businesses to help cover the cost of charger purchase and installation.
Help for condos & stratas
We've created a step-by-step guide outlining the process of getting EV charging infrastructure installed at multi-unit residential buildings. For help navigating your strata, check out how to request EV charging in your building or request support from an EV advisor. For further guidance, visit Metro Vancouver's site, evcondo.ca.
There are also new incentives for the installation of charging stations at multi-unit residential buildings.
BC Hydro's fast charger network is growing
Our network of BC Hydro fast chargers includes 60 stations, and there are more on the way.
Much of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland to southern Interior, and Kootenays are well served by fast charging stations, including several in remote locations well outside city centres. Later this year, BC Hydro is opening fast charging stations that will take drivers more easily to Prince George through Cache Creek, or from the Rockies to Prince George via the Yellowhead Highway.
Get a sticker, use the HOV lane
Have you ever noticed the big white OK decals on EVs as they whizz past you in the HOV lane? If you own an EV in B.C., you can apply for an HOV lane/electric vehicle permit and decal from the Government of B.C. which allows you to drive your EV in HOV lanes even if it's just you in the car.