BC Hydro Expands EV Fast Charging Network with 28 New Stations Across British Columbia
## BC Hydro Expands Fast Charging Network
BC Hydro, a major electricity provider in British Columbia, Canada, has announced the completion of the second phase of its electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network. This expansion includes the addition of 28 new stations to the existing 30 completed in 2016. The updated network now enables EV drivers to travel across the province from east to west, connecting locations such as the Alberta border and Tofino.
The new stations include 13 in the Lower Mainland and two at the Britton Creek rest area on the Coquihalla Highway. These additions allow for quick charging before heading to destinations like the Southern Interior or Kootenays. Furthermore, these stations connect drivers from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island's west coast.
## Future Plans and Compatibility Concerns
BC Hydro is already planning its next phase, which will focus on connecting drivers traveling north from Kamloops to Prince George and eventually extending to Prince Rupert. However, some EV owners have expressed concerns about compatibility with their vehicles.
Tesla Model 3 owners, for instance, are unable to use these new charging stations due to differences in charging standards. Some users have asked Tesla about potential updates that would enable CHAdeMO adapter compatibility, but so far there has been no clear answer.
This raises questions about whether CHAdeMO is becoming outdated compared to other charging standards like CCS (Combo Charging System). While CHAdeMO was co-developed by TEPCO and Japanese automakers, it hasn't seen widespread adoption outside of Japan. In contrast, SAE developed CCS as an alternative fast-charging standard while Tesla created its proprietary Supercharger system.
## The Importance of Standardization
Despite these compatibility issues, CHAdeMO remains useful for many EV drivers around the world. For example, New Zealand-based Model S and Model X owners rely heavily on ChargeNetNZ's CHAdeMO-powered DC fast charging infrastructure to travel across the country.
As EV adoption continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for automakers and charging network providers to work together in developing standardized solutions. This will not only benefit drivers by providing more accessible and convenient charging options but also contribute to a more sustainable future for transportation overall.
In conclusion, BC Hydro's expansion of their fast-charging network is a positive step forward for electric vehicle adoption in British Columbia. However, compatibility concerns highlight the need for further collaboration between automakers and charging providers to ensure that all EV drivers can access these essential services.