Fast charge stations for electric cars proposed for West Kelowna

WEST KELOWNA – Fast charging stations for electric cars could be coming soon to West Kelowna.

The new stations, part of a province-wide initiative put forward by B.C. Hydro, will recharge a vehicle in approximately 30 minutes using direct current (DC) instead of the several hours needed at a regular AC household outlet.

Facilities manager Erin Goodwin says the district was approached by B.C. Hydro in July to see if there was an interest in participating in a Fast Charging Station Project intended to help drivers of electric cars travel across the province.

On Tuesday, council directed city staff to submit a letter to B.C. Hydro expressing their interest in the program. If selected to participate, the district will then propose three potential sites for the stations. The sites must be owned and occupied by the district, which will be responsible for minor maintenance, electrical charges and station monitoring at an estimated cost of $1,000 per year.

In exchange, B.C. Hydro will cover installation costs expected to be approximately $85,000.

There are already similar charging stations installed in Kamloops and Merritt and another is scheduled for Hope.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.