Utility plans rollout of more high-power units this year to add to network of more than 800 chargers

Hot on the heels of Mercedes-Benz opening its High-Power, 400 kW fast-charging stations in British Columbia earlier this month, BC Hydro has announced the opening of its own 400 kW chargers, the most powerful chargers the utility has deployed to date.

The two chargers are located at the Burnaby campus of the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and can add up to 100 km of range to the average EV in about three minutes. Each unit can also be shared by two cars for up to 200 kW of charging each. 

A port for any EV

The high-power chargers share space with two other 180 kW chargers. CCS, NACS, and CHAdeMO connectors are all available on-site to accommodate various electric vehicles. 

The additions are part of a network of 811 charging ports at 178 sites offered by BC Hydro around the province. 

“Burnaby is excited to be part of this significant milestone to host the first 400-kilowatt chargers in our public charging network with a central location that’s easily accessible off Highway 1,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby Centre, in a statement. “These new BC Hydro chargers strengthen the Lower Mainland’s charging infrastructure, giving drivers more confidence to choose zero-emission vehicles.”

The corporation plans to open more 400 kW chargers this year, strategically located at “sites that benefit from faster turnover,” such as near major highways. Last year, BC Hydro added 418 new charge ports and tripled the size of its charging network.