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Finding EV charging stations

Public EV charging in B.C. continues to grow

There are now more than 1,000 public charging stations in B.C. BC Hydro currently operates 70 fast chargers located along B.C.'s major highways. And if you've traveled out of province, you'll probably have noticed public charging is becoming much more common right across North America.

Charging an electric vehicle at a public charger in B.C.

COVID-19 update

BC Hydro’s public EV chargers continue to operate, but we’re making some temporary changes based on the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

  • Please charge at home if possible. This helps reduce the risk of spread at public stations.

  • 24/7 phone support is still available. We're currently offering support when you need it.

  • Keep physical distance from BC Hydro staff. If you see a BC Hydro team member at a station, maintain a physical distance of 10 metres if possible.

  • Bring your own wipes or gloves. We're unable to wipe down our stations across the province. Use your own wipes or gloves if you're not able to wash your hands before and after use.

  • Repairs may be delayed. Stations that require repairs may be delayed due to prioritization of other critical infrastructure, so please check PlugShare ahead of time.

  • Maintain physical distance from other EV drivers. Please follow advice from provincial health authorities and maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other drivers at the stations.

  • Some stations may close. Our stations in national parks and some municipal stations may have their access closed due to local, provincial or national restrictions. Check PlugShare ahead of time.

PlugShare maps

Find public EV charging anywhere with PlugShare

Most public charging stations are easy to find via PlugShare, a smartphone app and website. You can quickly use PlugShare's filters (network and plug type) to zero in on the stations that work best for you and your vehicle.

PlugShare is the most comprehensive, up-to-date tool for finding charging stations wherever you are, from Vancouver to Kelowna to Vancouver Island, and North America, Europe and Asia. Electric vehicle (EV) owners can add, review and edit station information – and even safely share their private charging station at home with the other drivers.

PlugShare's helpful maps include colour-coded station icons to highlight which stations are public Level 2 or fast charging, and often include valuable crowd-sourced information such as whether a station is not working, or detailed directions for on-site navigation in large parkades or parking lots.

Find out more about PlugShare

Service networks

Join a service network for more flexibility

While the majority of B.C.'s public Level 2 charging stations are free to use, many require drivers to join a service network to access the stations. Once you've registered with a network, you'll be sent a member card which you can scan at the charging station you want to use. Some networks' stations can also be accessed using a smartphone app or a credit card. And obviously, if you register with multiple networks, you get access to more charging stations.

Currently, there are six main networks in B.C.:

  • BC Hydro EV
  • ChargePoint
  • Flo
  • Greenlots (for fast chargers)
  • Petro-Canada
  • Tesla (for Tesla vehicles)
Finding chargers using smart phone

BC Hydro EV app

Use our EV mobile app to find stations across the province

Whichever network(s) you choose, it’s also worth downloading and registering with BC Hydro's own mobile app, BC Hydro EV. It covers most BC Hydro network stations across the province, and will soon cover them all, including Greenlots.

Get the BC Hydro EV app

Download iOS

Download Android

 

Related content

Taking a road trip in an EV

Hit the road

Q&A: Advice from EV owners

Watch now

Our role with electric vehicles

Learn about it

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  • Get the BC Hydro EV app
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Rebates for single-family homes

Charger rebates aren’t currently available. If the program reopens and this charger is installed at a single-family home, it may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350 to $700 (exact rebate amount subject to funding approval). 

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.

Charger rebates aren’t currently available. If the program reopens and this networked charger is 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 $4,000 per charger (exact rebate amount subject to funding approval).

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 to $4,000 per charger (exact rebate amount subject to funding approval).

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 to $700 (exact rebate amount subject to funding approval).

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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