British Columbians will have access to 11 new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations being added to highway rest areas throughout the province, including two new ones in Spillimacheen and Wasa.

“Our goal is to build a seamless network of electric vehicle charging stations to make it easy and convenient for people to drive from one end of B.C. to the other, powered by clean energy,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Green transportation is an absolute necessity, given the realities we are facing when it comes to tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Eight of the new locations will be fast charging, with two stations per site, allowing drivers to charge up in 30 minutes or less.

The other three, including the local ones, will provide Level 2 stations, supplying 240 volts of power, as part of the Accelerate Kootenays EV charging network co-ordinated by the Community Energy Association.

The new charging stations, to be completed by the fall, are located at: Spillimacheen rest area: Highway 95, between Radium Hot Springs and Golden and at the Wasa rest area on Highway 93/95.

There are also two Level 2 stations going into the Kootenay Bay ferry landing on Highway 3A, near Crawford Bay.

People looking to take action for the environment can make a big impact by switching to an electric vehicle. An average EV driver will avoid producing at least four tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, compared to a gasoline vehicle. EV drivers also save approximately $2,400 per year in fuel costs and maintenance.

British Columbia has more than 1,300 Level 2 charging stations, and 64 DC fast-charging sites, installed or in the process of completion.

It is estimated that B.C. roads are home to over 10,000 electric vehicles, with popularity on the rise.

Lead image: The view from the Wasa Rest Area – not too bad to suffer through while re-charging your vehicle later this year. e-KNOW file photo

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