Port Hardy’s electric vehicle charging options have become a little more convenient with the installation of another fast charger.
According to BC Hydro, a 100-kilowatt charging unit has been installed at the visitor info centre on Market Street. The charging station is in addition to a 50-kilowatt charging unit installed when it opened in 2019.
BC Hydro says while the 50-kilowatt unit adds 50 km of range in 10 minutes, the 100-kilowatt unit can do double that amount in the same time frame. The location also has a curbless design that they say increases accessibility.
North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says the new charging station will help increase tourism traffic to the area.
“The expansion of the charging site in Port Hardy will make it easier for visitors and residents alike to get out and explore our beautiful region,” said Babchuk.
“Improving services for EV drivers will also encourage more people to consider choosing electric vehicles on northern Vancouver Island.”
Port Hardy mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt adds that the service will help more community members transition to clean energy transportation.
Hydro’s charging network currently has 149 charging units at 84 sites across the province, and they are aiming to have 325 by 2025.
