BC Hydro has opened its first fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) hub in the Okanagan, British Columbia. Located at the intersection of Pelmewash Parkway and Oyama Road in Oyama, Lake Country, this EV charging hub is home to a number of firsts – it is the largest in BC Hydro’s network, it has BC Hydro’s fastest charger at 350kW, and it is also the first BC Hydro station to feature North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors.
With 22 stalls this is BC Hydro’s largest charging station in the province, and features the crown corporation’s first-ever 350-kilowatt (kW) charger, capable of delivering 100km (62 miles) of range in just five minutes. This charger supports power-sharing, enabling two vehicles to charge simultaneously at 175kW each.
In addition there are eight 180kW dual-port chargers and four Level 2 chargers. There are also four chargers featuring North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, a first for BC Hydro, which plans to implement NACS at more of its EV charging stations in the future.
The site also has chargers with a pull-through design to accommodates large trucks and trailers.
“British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada. This charge site in Lake Country represents the next generation of EV infrastructure, allowing for quicker charging times and greater convenience,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro.
With over 170,000 EVs currently on BC roads, BC Hydro estimates that number will soar to between 700,000 and 900,000 within the next decade.
