A significant boost to the electric vehicle charging capability of BC and Alberta comes in the form of a new charging network run by Parkland Corporation, with investment from NRCan and the Government of British Columbia. Soon to be one of Western Canada’s largest ultra-fast electric vehicle (“EV”) charging networks, charging stations will be located across the Parkland’s existing Chevron and ON the RUN retail portfolio between Vancouver Island and Calgary. Parkland’s ON the RUN EV charging network will nearly triple Metro Vancouver’s ultra-fast EV charging locations.
“British Columbia leads the way in North American EV adoption, making the province a natural starting point for our ultra-fast charging network,” said Darren Smart, Parkland’s Senior Vice-President of Energy Transition and Corporate Development. “With support from NRCan and the Government of British Columbia, we are doubling the size of our previously announced ultra-fast network, from 25 to 50 locations. Our network will help eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers and by offering high-quality convenience and food choices, we aim to deliver industry leading customer amenities and experiences.”
Each ON the RUN charging location will feature two or four charging ports. With several sites already operational, Parkland expects to largely complete its initial 25 charging locations by the end of 2022, and the remaining 25 locations in early 2024.
“BC is leading North America in the uptake of Zero Emission Vehicles and is recognized as a global leader in Electric Mobility Canada’s 2022 report ranking provinces on the ease of going electric in a time of climate crisis and gas price inflation,” said Bruce Ralston, BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “As of September, EVs made up 17.5% of new light-duty passenger vehicles sold this year in British Columbia. The fast chargers being installed by Parkland across BC are a great example of both Federal and Provincial governments making key infrastructure investments to support the transition to clean transportation.”
“Thanks to policy and incentives from both the Province and the Federal Government, British Columbia has the highest electric vehicle adoption rate in Canada and the entire continent,” said John Aldag, member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City. “Canada is investing in charging infrastructure so that the many new drivers of electric vehicles will be able to quickly charge their vehicles, easing travel and contributing to our fight against climate change.”
