Expansion will grow the utility’s network from 917 to 3,500 by 2035, with an added $18 million for the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program

The British Columbia government will invest $700 million to almost quadruple the BC Hydro EV charging network by 2035. 

“By dramatically expanding access to electric vehicle charging, we’ll help make it easier to choose a car that cuts pollution and saves families money every time they get behind the wheel,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, in a press release.

BC Hydro operates 917 ports at 190 locations across the province, approximately 80 per cent of which are DC fast chargers with the remaining 20 per cent made up of Level 2 chargers, according to a BC Hydro spokesperson.

The utility plans to expand the network to 3,500 ports by 2035, while maintaining a similarly high ratio of DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers will continue to be used in key locations where vehicles remain parked for several hours.

Charging speeds up to 400 kW

Most of the planned DC fast chargers will deliver speeds of 200 kW, with 400 kW ultra-fast chargers reserved for select, high-use locations. BC Hydro will also phase out existing lower-powered chargers, including 50 kW and 100 kW units.

The province says the new chargers will follow a standardized design intended to improve the customer experience, simplify maintenance and support future expansion. BC Hydro will also build larger charging hubs in strategic locations to meet high demand. 

Some sites will also feature canopies, washrooms and other amenities. The chargers will offer plug-and-charge capability and tap-to-pay functionality.

Added funding for public fast chargers

“British Columbians are adopting electric vehicles at one of the fastest rates in North America, and we’re building the charging network needed to support that growth,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro, in a statement. 

Beyond the BC Hydro network, the province is investing approximately $18 million through its CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program to support new public DC fast chargers. The program will focus on Indigenous, rural and northern communities, as well as high-demand areas. Applications are open until September 18. 

BC Hydro received the Special Recognition Award at the inaugural ChargeHub Awards, held in April during the closing ceremony of the 2026 EV & Charging Expo in Toronto in partnership with Electric Autonomy Canada. The award recognized BC Hydro as the top-rated charging network for customer satisfaction in Canada.