BC Hydro will invest C$700 million to expand its public electric vehicle charging network to 3,500 charging ports by 2035, more than tripling its existing infrastructure across British Columbia.
The investment, announced jointly by BC Hydro and the Province of British Columbia, will support the deployment of larger charging hubs, higher-power chargers and additional customer amenities as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow.
Network to More Than Triple
BC Hydro currently operates 917 charging ports across 190 locations. Over the next decade, the utility plans to install new charging hubs in communities throughout British Columbia, along major highway corridors and in high-demand urban areas.
The next phase of the network will feature a standardized site design aimed at improving reliability, accessibility and maintenance.
The utility also plans to develop larger charging hubs at strategic locations to reduce waiting times during peak travel periods. Selected “signature” charging sites will include amenities such as washrooms, while showcase locations will feature canopies and digital signage.
Faster Charging Technology
As part of the expansion, 200 kW DC fast chargers will become the standard across new installations, while selected high-demand locations will receive 400 kW ultra-fast chargers.
The upgraded network will also introduce plug-and-charge capability and tap-to-pay functionality. Charging services will continue to operate under BC Hydro’s energy-based pricing model approved by the British Columbia Utilities Commission.
“As conflicts overseas increase pain at the pumps here at home, more British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles,” said Adrian Dix, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
“We need to make sure they can count on a charging network that is convenient and reliable. By dramatically expanding access to electric vehicle charging, we’ll help make it easier to choose a car that cuts pollution and saves families money every time they get behind the wheel.”
Supporting Province-Wide EV Adoption
BC Hydro said the expansion builds on its Electric Highway, which currently provides fast-charging stations approximately every 150 kilometres along the province’s major highways.
Alongside BC Hydro’s investment, the provincial government is allocating an additional C$18 million through the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program to support new public fast chargers.
The funding will be available to businesses, municipalities, utilities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations, with priority given to rural, northern and high-demand locations.
“British Columbians are adopting electric vehicles at one of the fastest rates in North America, and we’re building the charging network needed to support that growth,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and chief executive officer of BC Hydro.
“By expanding to 3,500 charging ports, introducing faster charging technology and creating more reliable, customer-focused charging hubs, we’re giving EV drivers confidence they can have dependable charging wherever their journey takes them in B.C.”
