BC Hydro has switched on its first-ever portable, skid-mounted fast charging station in Lumby, British Columbia, in an effort to showcase how quickly and flexibly electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure can be deployed across the province.
Installed in the parking lot of the Lumby Curling Rink, the new site departs from traditional permanent construction. Instead of weeks or months of civil work, this self-contained unit arrives prebuilt on a steel skid, with all wiring and cabling completed and safety-certified at the factory.
Unlike Tesla’s prefabricated Supercharger units (PSUs), which also arrive on site prebuilt at the factory, power is supplied through an overhead connection to a nearby utility pole, completely avoiding underground trenching and excavation.
That design dramatically reduces installation timelines and costs, allowing BC Hydro to bring fast charging to locations that would otherwise be difficult or slow to electrify. This is especially important for northern and rural communities, where short construction seasons and complex permitting can delay projects, but also for temporary needs during large events, power outages, or seasonal travel surges.
The Lumby site features a 180 kW DC fast charger capable of adding up to 180 kilometres of range in approximately 10 minutes under ideal conditions. The unit also supports power sharing, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously, adjusting power output based on demand.
Alongside it is a second 100 kW fast charger, offering added capacity and flexibility for drivers passing through the region.
Over the past year, BC Hydro has significantly accelerated its charging network growth. The utility has more than tripled the size of its public charging network, adding 418 new charging ports in just 12 months.
The provincial Electric Highway was officially completed in September 2024, placing fast chargers roughly every 150 kilometres along major routes.
Today, BC Hydro’s fast-charging network spans 729 charging ports across 163 sites, and the company is targeting 800 ports by spring 2026. BC Hydro also plans to introduce its first 400 kW ultra-fast charger later this year, promising up to 100 kilometres of range in just three minutes for compatible vehicles.
