Charging stations to be installed on Highways 4 and 19 on the Island this fall

Charging stations to be installed on Highways 4 and 19 on the Island this fall
CHEK

Photo courtesy CBC.

Photo courtesy CBC.

In an effort to help electric vehicle drivers travel across B.C., the province announced 11 new electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed along highway rest areas.

Two of those are on Vancouver Island at the Taylor River rest area on Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Tofino and the Buckley Bay rest area on Highway 19 between Qualicum Beach and Courtenay.

The expected completion for the two fast chargers and one level two charger at each location is expected in the fall.

The province is spending $1.8 million dollars to install the 11 EV chargers at highway rest stops across B.C.

The province also says the transportation and infrastructure ministry supported the installation of a direct-current (DC) fast-charging facility at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction.

The fast-charging stations allow drivers to charge up their vehicle in 30 minutes or less.

“Our goal is to build a seamless network of electric vehicle charging stations to make it easy and convenient for people to drive from one end of B.C. to the other, powered by clean energy,” Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said.

“Green transportation is an absolute necessity, given the realities we are facing when it comes to tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The province says the popularity in electric vehicles is rising with an estimated 10,000 EVs on B.C. roads.

EV drivers save about $2,400 per year in fuel costs and maintenance.

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