BC's Kootenay Region makes electric cars a priority

Kootenay electric cars

VANCOUVER -

The Kootenays are B.C.'s electric powerhouse, and the region is making significant advances to put electric cars on the road.

The region's dams generate more than half of the province's electricity needs, but some say residents in the region have not taken to electric cars, for instance.

Trish Dehnel is a spokesperson for Accelerate Kootenays, a multi-million dollar coalition involving the regional districts of East Kootenay, Central Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary, along with a number of corporate partners including Fortis B.C. and BC Hydro.

She says one of the major problems in the region — in addition to the mountainous terrain and winter driving conditions — is "range anxiety."

That's when you're not sure your electric vehicle will be able to make it to your destination without running out of power, she explained.

Now, Accelerate Kootenays is hoping a set of new electric charging stations along Highway 3 will make a difference.

 

No more 'range anxiety'

The expansion includes 40 Level 2 stations and 13 DC Quick Charging stations, strategically located within the region to give people more opportunities to charge up along their travel routes, Dehnel said.

"We will have DC fast-charging stations in all of the major communities along Highway 3 from Greenwood to the Alberta border. You will be able to stop at a fast-charging station and charge your vehicle within 20 minutes," she said.

Castlegar car salesman Terry Klapper — who sells the 2017 Chevy Bolt electric vehicle — says it's a great step.

"I guarantee that you'll be seeing electric cars around the Kootenays," he said.

"The interest the public has shown … [I mean] as soon as people found out we had these Bolts on the lot, we've had people coming in every single day to take a look at them and say when can I finally purchase it."

The charging stations are set to open by the end of next year.

Related News

german clean energy

Clean Energy Accounts for 50% of Germany's Electricity

BERLIN - For the first time, renewable energy sources have surpassed half of Germany's electricity production this year, as indicated by data from sustainable energy organizations.

Preliminary figures from the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research alongside the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) show that the contribution of green energy has risen to 53%, a significant increase from 44% in the previous year.

The year saw a record output from onshore wind energy and an unprecedented peak in solar energy production in June, as reported by the organizations. Additionally, renewable sources constituted 52% of Germany's total power consumption,…

READ MORE

Record numbers of solar panels were shipped in the United States during 2021

READ MORE

energy storage award

CEC Allocates $30 Million for 100-Hr Long-Duration Energy Storage Project

READ MORE

monterey charging stations

Electric car charging networks jostle for pole position amid Biden's push to electrify

READ MORE

wind power

Feds announce $500M contract with Edmonton company for green electricity

READ MORE