British Columbia secures CAD $22.7M boost for EV charging

Nearly CAD $22.7 million in federal funding has been committed to eight projects targeting the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across British Columbia.

The funding, announced by federal representatives, will support the installation of over 480 EV chargers at multiple key locations, including main travel routes, public areas, workplaces and multi-unit residential buildings.

The installations are scheduled for various sites identified as having high demand or limited existing EV charging infrastructure to date, with a particular focus on facilitating access for individuals living in high-density residential areas without access to at-home charging.

Project scope

The funding, delivered in collaboration with provincial utilities and municipal partners, aims to strengthen public charging infrastructure, alleviate range anxiety for current and prospective EV owners, and support the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the province.

"Canada is taking bold action to become an energy superpower. Through these projects, we are delivering practical, on-the-ground solutions to improve EV charging availability for British Columbians. Investments like this are how we build a cleaner, more secure and more competitive economy," said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Of the total funding, the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority is set to receive the majority of the investment (CAD $21,795,000) for a series of installations across the province. This includes various charges for capacities ranging from 50 to 199 kW in high-demand communities and corridor locations.

Municipal recipients also feature among the funding allocation. The City of Victoria will receive a CAD $472,500 investment and the District of Saanich will receive the remaining CAD $350,000.

Public and fleet charging

The funding forms part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), which provides support for expanding charging solutions in residential, commercial, and urban areas, as well as for municipal and commercial vehicle fleets. The overall objective remains to improve access to EV charging for Canadians, wherever they live or travel.

"With today's announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles with the installation of more than 480 EV chargers in British Columbia. These chargers are located in high-demand areas and along busy highway corridors where Canadians need them most," said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

These measures are expected to address practical issues faced by EV owners, notably convenience and range anxiety, and to encourage uptake of zero-emission vehicles further throughout British Columbia and beyond.

Federal support for EV charging infrastructure has continued since 2016, with more than CAD $1 billion allocated nationwide. ZEVIP's targeted investments prioritise chargers in locations considered critical for both private and fleet vehicles, including multi-unit dwellings, public areas, and busy transport corridors.