25 New fast-charging stations are coming to B.C. and Alberta

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Electric-vehicle drivers will have more opportunities to charge up in Western Canada, as Parkland Corporation has announced new funding to build new stations between Vancouver Island and Calgary.

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Parkland, which operates such petroleum retailing companies as Chevron, Pioneer, Ultramar and Esso, along with convenience stores such as On the run, has secured $6.825 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the government of British Columbia to build one of the largest ultra-fast charging networks in Western Canada. The funding includes $5 million from NRCan through its Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, with the province picking up the remainder.

Parkland previously announced its network would include 25 locations across its On the Run and Chevron network, and has now doubled that to 50 locations. The initial 25-location network is expected to be largely completed by the end of 2022, with the remaining 25 added in early 2024.

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The company said the new locations will nearly triple the number of ultra-fast EV charging locations in Metro Vancouver. Stations will be located in highways and major destinations across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan and into Alberta.

The chargers will deliver up to 200 kilowatts and will be on an open network, capable of charging most EVs within 20 to 30 minutes, Parkland said in a release. Each station will have two or four charging ports. The locations will be staffed, have an On the Run convenience store, and most will also have a Triple O’s restaurant. Washrooms in the locations will be upgraded, and the charging will be integrated into the company’s JOURNIE rewards app.

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“British Columbia leads the way in North Americans EV adoption, making the province a natural starting point for our ultra-fast charging network,” said Darren Smart, Parkland’s senior vice-president of energy transition and corporate development. “Our network will help eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers, and by offering high-quality convenience and food choices, we aim to deliver industry-leading customer amenities and experiences.”

According to the B.C. government, 17.5 per cent of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in the province as of September 2022 were electric vehicles.