BC Hydro is proposing to partner with the provincial government and other organizations to deploy up to 30 direct current, fast charging vehicle stations across B.C.
To date, work has focussed on developing a workable network in the Lower Mainland. Seven fast charging stations have been installed in Nanaimo, Duncan, Surrey, Merritt, Kamloops, Squamish and Langley.
BC Hydro is now considering adding a network of stations along a southern highway loop that is hoped to promote electric vehicle tourism in the province.
Princeton, Mannig Park / Eastgate and Keremeos are communities in the Similkameen where BC Hydro proposes to install DC fast charging stations. With such a facility, electric car users can achieve an 80 per cent charge in 20 or 30 minutes, compared to four to eight hours for a level 2 charging station (240 volt) , or overnight using a standard 120 volt wall outlet.
The approximate installed cost of a charging facilty is between $50 and $85,000, with annual anticipated operating costs running approximately $1,000 per year.
Partnering with local governments, BC Hydro would work with the municipality to identify the proper site, then install and commission the station.
The host community would then agree to operate the station for between two and five years. Costs incurred by the municipality would include minor maintenance, a $261 per year fee for remote station monitoring, data acquisition and payment processing, and the cost of electricity service, which is expected to run in the order of $75 per billing period.
Keremeos village staff participated in a conference call on July 15 regarding the issue and will be seeking further information prior to the next regular council meeting.