The City of Victoria’s first publicly accessible electric vehicle DC fast charger has officially opened on Store Street.
This is the city’s latest charging station to be added to its growing electric vehicle network, and the first one that offers Level 3 capabilities.
Offering space for two EVs, the station is located at the south end of Store Street between Johnson Street and Pandora Avenue, near the Johnson Street Bridge.
“We are continuing to build a future-ready city and we know that residents are switching to zero-emission vehicles at a rapid rate,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“Not only are these new fast chargers a great step towards reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis, but they are also going to be a great incentive for EV drivers to come downtown and support our local businesses.”
The installation of the station was included in work to add a new accessible parking space and repaving of Store Street in front of Market Square.
BC Hydro performed the installation work and will be responsible for maintenance of the chargers. The City says the level 3 charger can provide a 100 kilometre range in 30 minutes of charging, depending on the vehicle model.
Currently, the City owns and operates 13 Level 2 (240 volt) chargers in groups of two to four in each of the City’s five parkades, and recently installed six Level 2 chargers along Broad Street.
They are planning to spend an additional $175,000 on further expansions to the City’s EV network in 2021 and 2022.
