BC Hydro powers into Canada Day with 900+ EV charging ports, expands fast-charging at Coquihalla Highway Summit

Just in time for summer travel, BC Hydro has hit a major milestone – surpassing 900 public electric vehicle (EV) charging ports across B.C. with the expansion of its fast-charge site at the Britton Creek Rest Area on the Coquihalla Highway.

“This location is one of the most in-demand sites in our network and closes a critical gap on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “With more than 900 BC Hydro charging ports now available in communities throughout B.C., we are building a public charging network that’s ready to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and will support economic growth in our province.”

 Located near the summit of the Coquihalla Highway, the newly expanded site features two 400-kilowatt chargers and two 350-kilowatt chargers, which can add 100-kilometres of driving to an average EV in a few minutes, helping drivers get back on the road quickly.

The chargers are designed to maximize access and efficiency. Through power-sharing technology, each unit can serve two vehicles at once by splitting output. For example, a 400-kilowatt charger can supply two vehicles with 200-kilowatts each. This allows up to eight EVs to use these four chargers at once. The site features chargers equipped with CCS, NACS, and CHAdeMO connectors in various configurations to accommodate a wide range of EVs at most hub locations.

“As more people make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re focused on delivering charging infrastructure that’s fast, reliable and ready when people need it – especially during busy travel periods like the summer,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “Expanding this key location on the Coquihalla Highway gives EV drivers greater confidence for their road trip, knowing dependable charging infrastructure is in place when they need it.”

 Electric vehicle adoption continues to climb across British Columbia, with more than 220,000 EVs now on the road. BC Hydro continues to grow its fast-charging network, with an emphasis on building more hub sites with multiple chargers along highway corridors and highly populated areas to improve reliability, reduce wait times and support growing demand.