One major problem faced by electric vehicle (EV) owners today is trying to find a charging station as more and more people switch away from gasoline vehicles. While the problem is being addressed rapidly and new chargers are popping up almost daily, the issue remains that many businesses and EV owners need to drive far out of the way to keep their vehicles on full battery.
In a press release Tuesday, British Columbia announced it would be adding 28 new Level 2 EV charging stations on Vancouver Island, in Nanaimo, Parksville, and several other neighboring communities including Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, Tofino, and Ucluelet.
The goal is to offer more options for clean transportation to residents of the area, and the locations of the new chargers were decided based upon public demand, and gaps in the current infrastructure’s EV charging offerings.
About the announcement, Sheila Malcomson, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment of B.C. said, “People in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island are strong supporters of green, clean and affordable communities.” She continued, “This B.C. investment will help people to switch to electric vehicles and continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Today we announced that through #CleanBC our government is investing in Indigenous communities with new clean energy & affordable housing. We’re expanding EV charging on Vancouver Island, the north & interior. And we’re creating energy efficient buildings powered by clean energy. pic.twitter.com/OuCIhq7BHa
— George Heyman (@GeorgeHeyman) September 1, 2020
British Columbia’s CleanBC Communities Fund will offer $230,000 (CAD) for the initiative alongside $275,000 (CAD) from Canada’s federal Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Additionally, local governments in the region are offering up a combined total of $183,000 (CAD), to round out the financial package.
The new charging stations are sure to reduce pollution in the BC area, and are another great step for Canada in encouraging the population to seek sustainability.
