BC Hydro Launches Powerful EV Chargers in Burnaby Hub

BC Hydro has made a significant advancement in its efforts to establish an extensive public charging network for battery-electric vehicles (EVs) in British Columbia. The provincial Crown corporation recently unveiled its most powerful EV chargers to date at a new charging hub located in Burnaby. This initiative is part of a wider strategy that includes over 800 public charging ports available throughout the province.

The new charging hub, situated in parking lot N of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Burnaby campus, features two state-of-the-art 400-kilowatt chargers. These chargers are capable of adding up to 100 kilometers of driving range to an average EV in approximately three minutes. Notably, this technology allows two vehicles to charge simultaneously at a rate of up to 200 kW each. In addition, the hub includes two 180 kW chargers with power-sharing capabilities, enabling up to eight EVs to charge concurrently.

Adrian Dix, the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, expressed enthusiasm regarding the new hub in a press release. He stated, “This new electric vehicle charge hub in Burnaby continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians.” With the expansion of the charging network, the government aims to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles while fostering economic growth in the region.

Burnaby’s Member of the Legislative Assembly, Anne Kang, also commented on the significance of the new chargers, stating, “Burnaby is excited to be part of this significant milestone to host the first 400-kilowatt chargers in our public charging network with a central location that’s easily accessible off Highway 1.” This development strengthens the Lower Mainland’s charging infrastructure, providing drivers with greater confidence to opt for zero-emission vehicles.

BC Hydro’s approach emphasizes the installation of multiple charging ports at key locations to minimize wait times for users, with some sites featuring as many as 22 ports. The organization has successfully added over 200 new charging ports in less than a year. Fast chargers are strategically positioned approximately every 150 kilometers along major highway routes, contributing to the completion of the so-called “Electric Highway” in September 2024. BC Hydro currently manages 114 of the 155 public charging locations along these corridors.

Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro, highlighted the corporation’s commitment to expanding the province’s clean electricity supply and enhancing the provincial grid. She noted, “These new EV chargers in Burnaby are part of our investment in electric vehicle infrastructure – supporting EV adoption, reducing range anxiety and helping more British Columbians transition to zero-emission driving.”

As British Columbia continues to evolve its transportation infrastructure, the introduction of these high-powered chargers marks a promising step toward increased EV accessibility and a cleaner, more sustainable future. The ongoing developments underscore a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transportation options across the province.