One of Canada’s largest fuel distributors and retailers, Parkland says it will now roll out a 50-site fast-charging network in B.C. and Alberta, with all sites expected to be open in early 2024

Parkland Corp. announced today that it is doubling the size of its planned fast electric vehicle charging network in British Columbia and Alberta, with a $6.825-million investment from Natural Resources Canada and the B.C. government.

Through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, NRCan is providing $5 million for the project, while the province is contributing over $1.8 million to increase Parkland’s previously announced charging network from 25 to 50 locations.

“We’re making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible where Canadians live, work and play,” says Jonathan Wilkinson, federal minister of natural resources, in a press statement.

“Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today in British Columbia and in Alberta will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals.”

The chargers will be “strategically” located at existing Parkland-operated Chevron gas stations and at its On the Run convenience stores on regular highway intervals and major destinations between Vancouver Island and Calgary. Each On the Run charging station will feature two to four charging ports that can deliver up to a 200 kW charge.

Most locations will also feature a Triple O’s restaurant, upgrades to the washrooms and an integrate digital experience through Parkland’s JOURNIE rewards app.

“With support from NRCan and the Government of British Columbia…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,” says Darren Smart, Parkland’s senior vice-president of energy transition and corporate development.

Parkland chose B.C. for its leadership

Parkland’s ultra-fast charging network will be one of the largest in Western Canada.

Parkland’s Smart says the company decided to make B.C. the “starting point” of its network because the province “leads the way in North American EV adoption.”

As of September, EVs make up 17.5 per cent of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in the province this year. The additional chargers from Parkland will almost triple the amount of charging locations in Metro Vancouver.

“B.C. is leading North America in the uptake of zero-emission vehicles and is recognized as a global leader in Electric Mobility Canada’s 2022 report ranking provinces on the ease of going electric in a time of climate crisis and gas price inflation,” says Bruce Ralston, BC minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation.

“The fast chargers being installed by Parkland across BC are a great example of both Federal and Provincial governments making key infrastructure investments to support the transition to clean transportation.”

Parkland says several of its charging sites are already in operation and it anticipates it will “largely complete” the initial 25 charging locations by the end of this month and the final 25 locations by early 2024.