An EV charger is seen in this Province of B.C. photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Province of B.C.
March 22, 2024 - 3:41 PM
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has awarded a contract to build new electric vehicle charging stations as the province announces $30 million for chargers around BC.
The regional district has given the $282,000 contract to Flo Services to build 22 new chargers.
“As electric vehicles gain popularity in British Columbia, the (regional district) is meeting the increasing demand for charging stations for the public and (regional district) fleet vehicles. Charging locations have been strategically located across the region to make EV charging more accessible,” the district said.
Charging stations are going to be installed at 1655 Reservoir Rd. and 101 Martin Street in Penticton, 311 9 Street in Keremeos, 1109 Willow Street in Okanagan Falls and 132 1 Street in Tulameen along with additional locations still to be decided.
The regional district says the chargers are scheduled to be ready to go by June 2025.
READ MORE: Poll says half of BC residents think their next car will be electric
As Canada prepares to phase out gas powered vehicles by 2035, BC is laying the groundwork with car charging infrastructure.
There are already more than 5,000 charging stations in BC, but the province has set aside $30 million in the 2024 budget to build 500 more, according to a press release.
“Making the switch to an electric vehicle means less pollution, cleaner and healthy communities, and savings on fuel costs. We know that British Columbians want to have confidence they will be able to charge up easily when travelling across the province,” Minister of Energy Josie Osborne said in the release.
“That’s why we are working with BC Hydro and other partners to expand B.C.’s public charging infrastructure and build an economy powered by clean, affordable electricity.”
READ MORE: Canada lays out plan to phase out sales of gas-powered cars, trucks by 2035
The provincial plan to build new charging stations is separate from the district’s new stations, but British Columbians are buying more electric vehicles than other Canadians.
In 2023, roughly 23 per cent of light vehicle sales were electric, up from 18 per cent in 2022.
The provincial money will go to different communities to pay for up to 50 per cent of charger equipment and installation. The goal is to ensure every community in BC has electric vehicles charging stations.
Electric cars are more expensive up front, but the average EV owner in BC saves $1,800 a year on fuel, the ministry said.
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