BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Merritt

MERRITT — BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Merritt with the addition of a new 100-kilowatt charging unit.

“An important part of our CleanBC climate plan is helping people make the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to one that runs on B.C.’s clean electricity – whether you’re driving around a city, a small town, or a more remote area of our vast and beautiful province,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “This new electric vehicle charger in Merritt continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians.”

The Merritt site originally opened in March 2018 and is located at the Merritt Visitor Information Centre (2022 Voght Street.) The site was built with one 50-kilowatt charging unit which can add 50 kilometers of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

On October 27, an additional 100-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service which can add 100 kilometers of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

“This new charger will help British Columbians get to where they need to go more quickly and reliably, all while using clean energy,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “More electric chargers bring both environmental and economic benefits as we work towards lowering our climate-changing emissions 40 per cent by 2030.”

This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.

“This additional charging station helps our community move to a cleaner and brighter future,” says Mike Goetz, Mayor of the City of Merritt. “This expansion offers EV drivers who travel through Merritt on the Coquihalla Highway the ability to move throughout the Province using clean energy.”

Mayor Mike Goetz – Zach Amin

Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September 2021, BC Hydro revealed its Electrification Plan, with initiatives to encourage B.C. residents, businesses and industries to switch to hydroelectricity from fossil fuels to help reduce carbon emissions. The plan encourages switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 154 charging units at 84 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.