The network of electric vehicle charging stations in the Okanagan-Similkameen is growing with the addition of a new one near the municipal office in Keremeos.
The station was installed as part of an initiative supported by the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada, BC Hydro and FortisBC to increase vehicle-refueling infrastructure in the province.
Osoyoos added two charging stations in 2013.
“Expanding B.C.’s charging infrastructure is a key element in the province’s efforts to encourage more people to choose an electric vehicle and reduce tailpipe emissions,” said Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, in a news release.
Since 2011, investments under the province’s Clean Energy Vehicle Program have supported the establishment of more than 1,000 charging stations, giving B.C. the largest public charging infrastructure in Canada, Larson said.
The station, just north of the village municipal office at 702 4th Street, is the second one in Keremeos, said Jeff Shemilt, legislative and planning clerk with the village.
Another one at Clos du Soleil Winery on Upper Bench Road is only equipped with an EV Plug (J1772) and Tesla HPWC (Model S) ports and is not designed as a direct current quick charger or supercharger station, as is the one at the village office, Shemilt said.
“The station located at the village office will charge electric vehicles up to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes time, which is substantially less compared to other lower powered electric vehicle charging stations in the surrounding area,” he said.
The new station will serve most electric vehicles, but the Tesla Model S requires a special adapter.
Users can pay for charging sessions with a pre-registered account with a company called Greenlots, which has a mobile app and contactless payment card.
For more information about the network of charging stations, visit www.pluginbc.ca.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
