The City of Vancouver and BC Hydro have launched a pilot project to install up to 15 public charging stations at EasyPark lots throughout Vancouver as a way to accelerate the use of plug-in electric vehicles.
“In preparation for electric vehicles entering the B.C. marketplace, our focus at BC Hydro is to ensure the best possible customer experience, and that means a solid understanding of both our customers’ needs and the impact on the grid, so that we can be ready to support the vehicles,” said Bev Van Ruyven, BC Hydro deputy CEO, in a press release.
The project will assess the viability of commercially available electric vehicle-charging options and provide motorists with faster charging options than currently exist. The first location will be at the EasyPark lot at 453 W. 10th Avenue north of city hall.
“Looking ahead, we need to make appropriate planning decisions to ensure the city’s infrastrucure will support lower carbon vehicle solutions such as electric vehicles,” Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said in the press release.
“This pilot will help us move closer to our goal of becoming an electric-vehicle-friendly city.”
A media request to the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association was not returned by press deadline.
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV