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Electric vehicle road trip ideas and tips

New technology and B.C.'s fast charger network make it possible

Once considered primarily as a low-carbon option to the daily commute, electric vehicles (EVs) are breaking out of city limits as a fast, fun, and convenient road tripper.

Put range anxiety at ease

EV ranges are increasing all the time. By 2022, the average range of new EVs is expected to be 440 km, enough to make the lengthy drive from Kamloops to Victoria without recharging your car’s battery pack. The variety of affordable electric vehicles is also expanding to accommodate the needs of families and others who want space for five or more passengers and/or generous cargo space.

Just as important to the road tripper is the availability of fast charging stations – where you can plug in and charge your car to 80% capacity in 30 to 40 minutes – along the highways of B.C. There are now more than 250 fast charging stations across the province including 70 (and counting) operated by BC Hydro. That's in addition to the more than 2,000 Level 2 public charging stations, many of which offer free charging.

Read the report: EV range anxiety and the realities of how far British Columbians drive on road trips [PDF, 350 KB]

COVID-19 update

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we recommend you follow the advice of B.C.’s public health officials at all times. If you need to travel, please respect physical distancing measures and maintain the recommended distance of two metres from others at all times. At this time, consider postponing non-essential travel or road trips. 

Tips for EV road trips

The public charging network in B.C. and beyond is expanding fast, but any experienced EV driver will tell you that it takes some planning, and a few key considerations, to make for carefree road trips.

  • First, use PlugShare or your favourite EV mapping app to map out the charging station location you'd like to use on your road trip. Check which stops offer good food, coffee, shopping, or fun activities, as popular stations at busy times of the year may require a stop of an hour or two. Have a backup plan with a "just-in-case" charger within 75 km of your planned spot.

    Here are a few other things to consider as you plan your trip:

    • Embrace the journey. Charming small towns, farm markets or a short hike can be great experiences en route.
    • Plan for range variables. The following can decrease your range:
      • Use of air conditioning or heating
      • Very cold weather, which can also slow down your charging
      • Steep hills and mountain driving, even taking into account the regenerative braking of your EV on the downhills.
    • Check the popularity of planned charging station(s). In the days before your trip, check how often EVs are checked in to the chargers in your trip plan, what time of day is busiest, etc. to plan accordingly.
    • Target regions with great charging networks. 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 on the routes to Prince George.
    • Learn EV charging etiquette. Read about charging etiquette here, and always use your app to check in and out of a charging station.
  • It's generally easy to charge along major routes south of the border, but you'll see a variety of stations, compatible apps, plug type compatibility, and payment methods. Costs range from free, to flat fees, to per-minute fees.

    In the United States, you can initiate charges at most stations with either a ChargePoint, Electrify America, or PlugShare app, so it's a good idea to add these to your phone. You may need a key fob or RFID card to operate certain charging stations and prices will vary. Most locations will have a toll free phone number posted on the equipment so you can call and get a guest charge with a credit card.

    The West Coast Electric Highway initiative has ensured that DC fast charging stations are located every 40 to 80 km along Interstate 5, Hwy 99, and other major roadways in B.C., Washington, Oregon, and California. Each location also includes Level 2 equipment. Many of them are near coffee shops, shopping centres and restaurants.

    Most original sites have CHAdeMo equipment compatible with Japanese cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul, and newer sites also include SAE combo/CCS connector, which is compatible with American and European cars such as the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Bolt, along with the Hyundai Kona. Check to see that the stations you plan to use are compatible with the plug type of your vehicle.

    As you head to the interior of each state, fast charging options can be fewer and farther in between, but many communities offer Level 2 charging. 

4 EV road trip ideas 

1. Vancouver to Tofino

Distance one way: 238 km (or 317 km from Victoria)

Vehicle: 2020 Chevy Bolt (417 km range)

Charging stops: 1

map of trip from Vancouver to Tofino

How it's done: The Bolt gets you to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island without stopping, and allows you to recharge for the return leg at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. You won't have to stop on the way, but you should… for a bite at Qualicum Beach, a walk among the giant Douglas Firs at Cathedral Grove, to shop at the Old Country Market (with goats on the roof) at Coombs, or to fill a growler at Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni.

Trip highlights:

  • Giant Douglas Firs at Cathedral Grove
  • Shopping (and goats on the roof) at Coombs
  • Storm watching, surfing or beach walking at Tofino
  • Splurge at the Wickaninnish Inn or Middle Beach Lodge
  • Camp on the beach at Bella Pacifica
  • Take a boat (or float plane) for a hike and soak at Hot Springs Cove

 

2. Victoria to Port Hardy

Distance: 497 km (one way)

Vehicle: 2020 Kia Soul (383 km range)

Charging stops: 1

Map of Victoria to Port Hardy road trip

How it's done: In the Soul you can easily travel up and down Vancouver Island . As of fall 2020, there are new stations and many existing high use stations have been twinned to accommodate more vehicles. Take it slow, there’s a lot to see on your journey north. Stop to pick up provisions for a picnic on the beach while you charge up in Courtenay, then continue on north, and settle into a wilderness escape in Port Hardy to experience kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. On your way home, enjoy hiking amongst the wildflowers in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park in British Columbia.

Trip highlights:

  • Eat fresh local cheese from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
  • Walk along the endless sandy beaches in Parksville
  • Catch the ferry from Comox to the Sunshine Coast for a side trip
  • Take a fishing charger in the Queen Charlotte Straight
  • Whale watching in Port McNeill
  • Visit the Horne Lake Caves
  • Hike the Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Provincial park

 

3. Vancouver to Kamloops: Golf trip

Distance one way: 361 km to Kamloops
 364 km for return

Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf S Plus (363km)

Charging stops: 1

Map of driving from Vancouver to Kamloops

How it's done: Depending on which battery pack you opt for, the Leaf will take you 363 km between charges. For this golf adventure to Kamloops, we've planned a single stop each way at the fast charger in Hope, in part because you can recharge with coffee and a quick bite at the nearby Blue Moose. While this trip is mostly about the fantastic golf Kamloops has to offer, we've built in a few options, including a round of golf at Sandpiper Golf Resort at Harrison Mills on the way up, fishing at Lac Le Jeune Resort, and a scenic drive on the old highway between Kamloops and Merritt.

Trip highlights:

  • Golf, and eagle watching, at Sandpiper
  • Soup and a fast charge in Hope
  • Mountain splendour en route to the Coquihalla summit
  • Trout fishing at Lac Le Jeune
  • Kamloops golf at Tobiano, Eagle Point, The Dunes, Rivershore and Kamloops Golf & Country Club
  • Optional day trip to Talking Rock Golf Club on the Shuswap
  • Lakes, hills and the Quilchena Hotel on the old Kamloops-to-Merritt Highway

 

4. Vernon to Banff & Radium

Distance: 692 including Radium loop back to Golden

Vehicle: 2020 Hyundai Kona (415 km range)

Charging stops: 1

Map of driving from Vernon to Banff and Radium

How it's done: The Kona's excellent range gets you all the way to a BC Hydro fast charger at Golden. En route to Banff, you can top up at a fast charger at Yoho, or at a Level 2 once you're in Banff. Consider a night in Salmon Arm, Revelstoke or Golden before heading to the Rockies, Banff and Radium Hot Springs. This trip is all about mountain scenery and recreation, and if you're a fit hiker, don't miss out on the Floe Lake trail en route to Radium. If you're camping, book your spots early. And if you're an avid skier/snowboarder, your journey ends at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which boasts great snow and the longest groomed run (15.2 km) on the continent.

Trip highlights:

  • Camping at Salmon Arm or Revelstoke
  • Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival
  • Hiking, mountain biking or skiing in Revelstoke
  • Skiing, or Pipe Mountain Coaster in the summer, Revelstoke
  • River rafting on the Kicking Horse River, Golden
  • Banff Mountain Film Festival
  • Hiking (or the gondola) in Banff
  • Hiking Floe Lake Trail
  • Soak at Banff or Radium Hot Springs

 

Watch Dave's road trip

Dave drove an EV from one edge of B.C. to the other

In 2019, cameras followed BC Hydro's Dave Mix on his 'Clean Getaway' road trip from Tofino on Vancouver Island to Yoho National Park in the Rocky Mountains, a trip that cost him about $30 at a combination of Level 2 and fast charge stations across B.C.

Watch the complete video series

Related content

Public charging

Learn about it

Q&A: Advice from EV owners

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How to use BC Hydro EV fast chargers

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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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