Driving an electric car just got a bit easier. Thanks to Fortis BC and the federal and provincial governments, 11 new fast charge stations will be popping up in the Fortis territory of the Okanagan and Kootenay regions. The first to turn the power on opened today at the Kelowna International Airport.
"Our goal is to make sure electric vehicle drivers can travel with confidence," said Fortis Vice President Doug Stout. "Putting charging stations where they are needed most helps drive electric vehicle adoption," Stout said. He added that the initiative fits with Fortis' Clean Growth Pathway plan.
The other 10 stations are expected to come online during the summer. Locations include Rutland Centennial Park, Kelowna Museum, Beaverdell, Osoyoos, Cawston, Rossland, Nelson, Kaslo, New Denver and Nakusp. The stations bring FortisBC to a total of 17 charging stations in 14 communities.
The new fast chargers are funded 50% by the federal government, and 25% by the province.
There is a modest price for the fast charge service. The stations charge $9 for a half hour fast charge. At a level-2 charging station, it would take three to four hours to get a similar charge.
The airport station is located beside the Esso station near Hwy 97. The land was contributed by the City of Kelowna.
