Vancouver steps out front with electric vehicle stations

The city of Vancouver is moving ahead quickly to encourage its citizens to use electric vehicles by providing the power backbone. Last week the city launched a pilot project to install 67 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city by the end of 2013.

The charging infrastructure will include Level I, 110V and Level II, 240V stations.

Because British Columbia relies largely on hydroelectricity, electric vehicles are seen as a good environmental alternative to carbon-based fuel vehicles.

The city already requires that new single family homes and condominiums are fitted with electric vehicle charging equipment. Buildings with three or more dwelling units must allow space to install electric charging equipment to serve 100% of the parking stalls. Single-family homes have to have dedicated EV plug-in outlets.

The city-wide charging station pilot project is to be known as the “Charge and Go Vancouver Trial.” It will cost $800,000 and has funding help from the federal and provincial governments, BC Hydro and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The scope of the project is unique in Canada. It will be used to find out what are the barriers to EV charging, the costs and what are ideal locations for EV charging stations.

Mayor Gregor Robertson said: “As Vancouver strives to become the greenest city in the world by 2020, we need to ensure the city’s infrastructure will support and accelerate the shift towards lower carbon transportation options such as electric vehicles. This pilot is another significant step forward toward our goal of supporting sustainable transportation options for all Vancouver residents.”