Vernon is the site of a significant milestone in BC's electric vehicle charging network.
A BC Hydro pilot project to install 30 direct current fast charging
stations throughout the province saw the final station, located on 31st
Avenue near the Greyhound bus station in downtown Vernon, opened today.
Energy Minister Bill Bennett told a news conference, BC has the largest charging infrastructure network in Canada.
"Transportation is responsible for about 30 to 35 percent of the
greenhouse gas emissions that we put into the atmosphere. Transportation
is an area where we can really make a difference, and getting more
electric vehicles on the road is obviously a positive thing," says
Bennett, the Liberal MLA from Cranbrook, who is leaving provincial
politics after 16 years next May.
Fast charging stations can charge an electric vehicle battery to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
BC Hydro has been installing the stations since 2012 with support from all the levels of government.
"This type of infrastructure doesn't happen without everybody being
on side," Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster told the gathering. "That
includes the folks from the electric car associations who have lobbied
throughout Canada, but certainly here in BC. We lead the country, not
only in electric cars, but in all the climate action files, and we're
very proud of that."
“BC Hydro is focused on removing barriers for our customers who
want to own an electric vehicle,” says Keith Anderson, BC Hydro's vice
president, Customer Service. “Electric vehicles can help British
Columbians save money. Our electricity rates are among the lowest in
North America, which means by switching to an electric vehicle you could
save 75 per cent on fuel costs.”
The 30 fast charging stations, which currently can be used free of charge, connect drivers from the Lower Mainland to Merritt and Kamloops, up to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.
The 30 fast charging stations, which currently can be used free of charge, connect drivers from the Lower Mainland to Merritt and Kamloops, up to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.
"This is another clean, green initiative for our community, and
communities all around BC. Environment is important," said Vernon Mayor
Akbal Mund, who took a ride in an electric vehicle and couldn't believe
how quiet it was.
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While this report is not new there is some additional information is worth reporting.
The charging station is excellent according to a user. It does charge up to 80% of full in half an hour. The only complaint was the lack of signage to the station. Perhaps it would be worth spending a few extra dollars to ensure that the station is well advertised so potential users can located it easier.
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3 comments:
Good ideas.
Gyula do you know if electric cars are equipped with any devices to warn wildlife, esp birds, of their approach? Even the elderly might not hear them.
Katy
The only noises an electric car produces are the pavement noise from the tires and the warning noises for the operator. However, there are a lot of safety features that prevents collisions with objects like obstacles in front of it like a person crossing.
Good to know!
Katy
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