EV motorists will soon be able to charge down the highway, as BC government expands charging station network

Prince Rupert's EV charging station will have some company
along Highway 16 by this fall with an ambitious expansion
program announced by the BC and Federal governments

Electric vehicle owners will soon be able to travel the Highway 16 corridor confident that a charge is as far away as the next town, that as the BC Government expands on its Clean BC initiative and puts in place a string of charging stations in communities around the Northwest.

In an announcement from last week, the EV charging  route was mapped out by both Federal and provincial officials, with Prince Rupert's first Avenue East charging station adjacent to Mariner's Park the western anchor for the new network.

The BC Government noted how the expanding BC Hydro charging infrastructure will offer confidence for motorists around the Northwest.

Fast chargers allow EV drivers to get approximately 250 kilometres worth of charge per hour. Having them located along travel routes and in other high-traffic public places makes it easier than ever for people to travel long distances in their EVs this summer and save on fuel costs while spurring economic recovery in B.C.

The list of charging options to be in place include the following:

100 1 Ave. East, Prince Rupert, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, open now
 276 City Centre, Kitimat, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
4646 10 Ave., New Hazelton, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
3743 Second Ave., Smithers, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
3487 9th St., Houston, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
111 Endako Ave., Fraser Lake, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
Ryley Lane, Vanderhoof, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, planned to open fall 2021
313 Hwy 16 W, Burns Lake, two stations, operated by BC Hydro, open now

Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen outlined the BC government's focus for the program ahead.

“Our government is charging ahead in expanding our electric vehicle fast-charging network. We are partnering with the federal government so more public fast-charging EV stations will be available along travel routes, making it easier for people to get around on B.C.’s highways and keep their EVs powered. Until now, owning an electric vehicle has been a challenge for rural Canadians, and this investment is another major step toward bringing clean, electric transportation to rural B.C. into reality.”

Plug in BC provides a helpful guide as to what other charging options are available across the province.

Further notes on the province's EV charger announcement can be reviewed here, links to some more expansive information on the Clean BC program are included at the bottom of that announcement.

More items from the provincial government can be explored here.