A large sum of cash is being invested for 18 new electric vehicle charging stations in the Regional District of Mount Waddington.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $500,000, with a budget of $482,318 and it will get $75,000 in support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s capital and innovation program.
The trust says the chargers are needed because the number of electric vehicles on Vancouver Island is growing, with an increase of 6,200 vehicles between 2016 and 2020, driven by rising fuel costs and understanding of greenhouse gas emissions.
However, they add the lack of charging stations restricts the viability of electric vehicles for people who live in the communities and for visiting tourists.
“Anything less than a robust and fully distributed electric recharging network will act as a huge deterrent for locals looking to switch to EVs and limit the number of visitors driving electric cars who want to visit our area,” said regional district chair Andrew Hory.
“This project is a crucial next step as we look towards supporting clean energy and keeping in lockstep with changing consumer demands and travel preferences.”
The trust says the chargers are expected to have a lifespan of about 14 years, and the province estimates they could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by four tonnes a year.
According to the regional district, the project aligns with other commitments to encourage workers and professionals to relocate to the North Island and addresses priorities of the federal, provincial and regional governments.
The project is expected to start late this year.
