May 9, 2024

Colwood has partnered with BC Hydro to expand EV charging infrastructure in our community with the installation of a new charging station at the Park & Ride on Island Highway at Ocean Boulevard. This will provide 6 additional DC Fast Chargers (12 ports) and 8 new Level 2 Chargers to significantly increase access to EV chargers in Colwood.

This new infrastructure will advance Colwood's climate action goals as described in the City's Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan which target the provision of affordable and accessible e-Mobility as a key strategy for reducing GHG emissions.

Funded by BC Hydro

Partnership with BC Hydro offers significant EV charging infrastructure expansion without additional costs to the City. 

Through the agreement, the City has provided BC Hydro a 10-year license of occupation for charging infrastructure on the City owned Park & Ride site. BC Hydro will pay construction costs, including a new dedicated electrical service connection for the charging station, as well as all operating and maintenance costs for the charging equipment and associated elements such as lighting and signage. They will also provide 24/7 EV Driver assistance, a mobile app, and other customer tools. BC Hydro will collect charging fees from EV drivers to partially offset the cost of the service. 

This infrastructure will help to prepare Colwood for Provincial ZEV mandates that will require automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching 26% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 90% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

Expanding EV infrastructure throughout Colwood

BC Hydro is also interested in exploring other public and privately owned locations where they could install and manage public charging infrastructure. Council directed staff explore additional opportunities to work with BC Hydro to expand infrastructure in other areas of the City. 

Learn more

Media contact

Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca

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