It is now easier to use an electric vehicle in the Basin with the announcement of the Accelerate Kootenays project that will see new charging stations installed throughout the region. The project opened its first DC fast charging station in Cranbrook this week.
Accelerate Kootenays is Canada’s first regional and community-driven collaborative strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The project involves the installation of 13 fast charging stations and 40 Level 2 charging stations. The network of stations will connect communities from Sparwood to Greenwood, Revelstoke to Field and areas in between. All of the stations are expected to be installed by December of next year.
“The Trust is pleased to support Basin regional districts on this collaborative project to develop a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network in a rural area,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s innovative, it promotes clean energy, and it brings together many partners for the benefit of the entire Columbia Basin.
The project is made possible by an unprecedented local collaboration, in-kind and funding contributions from Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Columbia Basin Trust, Ministry of Energy and Mines, BC Hydro, Powertech Labs, FortisBC and the lead Regional Districts: East Kootenay, Central Kootenay, and Kootenay Boundary. The Accelerate Kootenays project is facilitated by Community Energy Association.
The Trust is contributing $600,000 to the $1.5 million project.
About electric vehicle charging:
- Fast charging stations allow a vehicle to charge from 0% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. Level 2 charging stations take four to six hours for an 80% charge.
- 98% of B.C.’s electricity comes from clean, renewable sources. 50% of B.C.’s electricity is generated in the Columbia Basin.
Watch Accelerate Kootenays Winter EV Adventure video.
For more information, visit www.acceleratekootenays.ca.
