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Our role with electric vehicles

We're making it easier to switch to an EV in B.C.

The Government of B.C.'s most recent Climate Leadership Plan aims to reduce net annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 million tonnes below current forecasts by 2050.

The plan's initial 21 action items include making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and buildings more energy efficient.

BC Hydro's electricity generation was 98% clean for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2021, and the plan calls for 100% of the additional electricity we acquire to be from renewable or clean sources, except where concerns regarding reliability or costs must be addressed.

BC Hydro's involvement

Information, rebates, infrastructure & grid readiness

We're helping B.C. get better prepared for the adoption of EVs by:

  • Providing a network of public fast chargers, which we are continually expanding across the province. Learn about expansion plans and processes
  • Investigating challenges and barriers to EV charging in all different types of communities, and identifying opportunities for innovation and solutions
  • Working with Powertech Labs on charging stations and smart grid demonstration projects
  • Assessing the fast charging market and researching next-generation architecture to keep up with growing and evolving market needs
  • Developing a technology road map to assess how the EV market will evolve and how we can accommodate those changes
  • Providing customers with trusted, neutral and up-to-date information about the EV market
  • Administering and partnering with the Government of B.C.'s EV charger rebate program
  • Providing certified electrician recommendations to EV owners looking to install charging infrastructure
  • Identifying and supporting opportunities to reduce GHG emissions in BC as the fuel source for clean energy vehicles

We've also partnered with Natural Resources Canada to develop the Canadian EV Infrastructure Deployment Guidelines [PDF, 2.5 MB]

Installing an EV charger

ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative Demonstration Component Report

  • Report on the British Columbia Electric Vehicle Smart Infrastructure Project [PDF, 280 KB]
  • Projet d'infrastructure intelligente pour véhicules électriques de la Colombie-Britannique [PDF, 270 KB]

Increased system demand

Can the BC Hydro electrical system handle the increase in demand?

The increased demand from more EVs is something we've been planning for and will be able to supply. We're predicting there will be around 350,000 EVs on B.C. roads by 2030. This is estimated to add an additional 1,050 gigawatt hours of electricity load per year. The majority of charging takes place overnight, which is when residential power load from things like cooking, heating and lighting is the lowest.

We have also examined a future scenario with a dozen EV owners on the same street charging all at once. If 12 EVs are plugged into Level 2 chargers, this is simply the equivalent of running a dozen ovens at the same time.

We continually monitor the usage of each distribution feeder and perform equipment upgrades as needed.

Related content

B.C.'s EV charger rebate program

Learn about it

EV news and resources

Learn about it

Charging and your BC Hydro bill

Get the facts

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
  • Fast charger help centre

Program Partners

  • Go to BCHydro.com
  • CleanBC Go Electric

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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