Home »
Electric vehicle charging stations coming to Kootenays
All Kootenay regional districts have collaborated to support electric vehicle travel to and through the region.
More than $1 million has been raised to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations between the Okanagan and Alberta, thanks to an innovative collaboration between local and provincial government as well as funding agencies.
Electric vehicles are quickly becoming an affordable and reliable option for drivers and represent a significant opportunity to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.
“While increased adoption of electric vehicles by Kootenay residents will reduce our transportation emissions and support local climate action commitments, electric vehicles are also the future of travel. They will save residents money on fuel and provide a superior driving experience through our beautiful region. Our goal is to install the base network that will make electric vehicle travel safe, reliable and enjoyable,” said Rob Gay, Chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors.
However, at the moment, travel to and throughout the Kootenays is challenging for electric vehicles due to a shortage of charging infrastructure within communities and along the major highway corridors.
To make electric vehicle ownership and travel realistic for both residents and tourists, the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay and East Kootenay endorsed a Columbia Basin-wide electric vehicle strategy.
The two-year project is designed to maximize electric vehicle adoption by residents and to support tourism and economic diversification. This will be achieved through the installation of a network of DC Fast Charging and Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Fast-charging stations allow for a quick stop on route, while Level 2 stations provide opportunity to shop, dine or visit tourism attractions while vehicles charge for up to six hours.
Funding has come together over the past 12 months, and now more than $1 million has been confirmed to build charging infrastructure, facilitate public engagement and work with new car dealers in the Kootenays. A rollout strategy will kick off in 2017.
The development of this strategy was made possible through funding of the East Kootenay Community Energy Manager, supported by the Regional District of East Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust, BC Hydro and FortisBC.
RDEK