Charging speeds for electric vehicles in the City of Victoria will be getting a major boost with the installation of the region’s first Direct Current Fast Charger.
The City says it has been working with BC Hydro to install a Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) station with two chargers, located at the south end of Store Street.
The chargers, which are currently being constructed, will be situated between Johnson and Pandora, near the Johnson Street Bridge.
According to the City of Victoria, the DCFC is expected to be available for public use by April 2021.
“British Columbia’s Zero Emissions Act 2019 requires that by 2040, all new light-duty vehicle sales and leases must be zero-emissions vehicles,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Greater Victoria has the highest percentage of EV sales in Canada and the City is excited to break ground on this fast charging station that will support this transition.”
According to the City, Direct Current Fast Charger stations rapidly charge electric vehicles, giving them approximately a 100km range in 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle model.
The City says this will help drivers “recharge during a quick trip to downtown.”
The City of Victoria has been investing in EV charging infrastructure since 2013 and says it now owns and operates 19 Level 2 chargers.
“More and more British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles to save on fuel costs and reduce air pollution,” said Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation Bruce Ralston. “Through CleanBC, we’re working with our partners to expand our EV charging network in Victoria and across the province, make it easier for drivers to go electric, and put B.C. on the road to a clean energy future.”
The City says the new DCFC will require a fee for its use and drivers will be required to limit their stay to 40 minutes.
It should be noted that parking restrictions will be deployed to ensure that “only EVs that are charging” are parked in the stalls.
Funding and installations for the chargers have been provided in part by NRCAN’s Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative and the CleanBC Go Electric Program in collaboration with BC Hydro.
Graham Cox
