Prime Highlights: 

The new EV charging hub is situated at Quarry Park, 3588 Quarry St., Colwood. 

The hub features eight charging ports, making it the largest fast-charging station on Vancouver Island. 

Includes four 180-kilowatt chargers, adding up to 180 km of range in just 10 minutes. 

Key Background: 

BC Hydro has officially launched Vancouver Island’s first electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging hub in Colwood, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to expand clean energy infrastructure. Located at Quarry Park on 3588 Quarry St., the new hub features a total of eight charging ports, making it the largest fast-charging station on Vancouver Island. 

The site includes four 180-kilowatt chargers, which can add up to 180 kilometers of driving range to an EV in just 10 minutes. In addition, the chargers have power-sharing capabilities, allowing them to be split into two 90-kilowatt units. This flexibility enables up to eight vehicles to charge simultaneously, addressing the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure. 

Energy Minister Adrian Dix highlighted the importance of the new hub as part of ongoing efforts to provide cleaner and more accessible transportation options for British Columbians. “This new electric vehicle charge hub in Colwood continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians,” said Dix in a statement. 

Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford emphasized the hub’s relevance to the increasing number of EV drivers on Vancouver Island’s West Shore. She also noted that the Colwood hub has been designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a curbless design, cable management systems, and a lower display on the chargers to accommodate all users, including those with mobility challenges. 

The Colwood charging hub is part of BC Hydro’s broader initiative to expand the province’s EV infrastructure. The Crown corporation aims to double its current network of charging ports, increasing the total to 800 by 2026. With funding from the provincial government and Natural Resources Canada, BC Hydro currently operates 432 charging ports at 135 sites across British Columbia, with plans for further growth. This initiative aligns with the province’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles across the region.