Tesla Motors is bringing a Supercharger station to Kamloops.
Image Credit: teslamotors.com
October 08, 2014 - 7:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - Car enthusiasts and environment lovers can share a little excitement this week after it was announced Tesla Motors is bringing a set of fast-charging stations to Kamloops.
The company, beloved by those in the technology, green and automotive industries for its pioneer work in developing renewable energy vehicles, will be leasing 1,300 square-feet at the Kamloops Information Centre (Tourism Kamloops across from Aberdeen Mall) to put in a set of four fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. It will be one of several ‘Supercharger’ stations along the Trans Canada Highway through B.C. and the only one between Hope and Revelstoke.
While there are eight charging stations in B.C. right now they are all in the Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland or Whistler areas, only Squamish has a Tesla fast-charge station. It opened this summer and can complete a full charge in as little as 20 minutes.
Currently Kamloops has other charging stations at Tourism Kamloops, which can charge both electric and hybrid vehicles and requires two to three hours for a full charge, and the Tournament Capital Centre, which is intended for solely electric vehicles and completes a charge in 30-60 minutes.
Other companies have installed stations across B.C., often with the help of B.C. Hydro. Current fast charge stations can take up to an hour for a full charge, and there are only a handful of stations in the Interior. Drivers can also be set up to charge at home.
It is expected the Tesla station will be ready to open in Kamloops for spring 2015 and it is expected the company will have some of its popular vehicles on site for a grand opening at that time. The company has signed a five year lease with the city, with two five-year options to renew.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014