Local governments have been leaders in installing and operating the public charging network to date; however, it will be critical to mobilize other sectors, including private industry, the not-profit sector, and other key players to provide public charging options to achieve the regional target. Therefore, the purpose of the Capital Region Public Electric Vehicle Charging Guide is to provide guidance to prospective site hosts—those who would own and manage an EV charging station—on several key topics including:

The charging guide builds on the CRD’s Climate Action Strategy, where it has committed to take action on the climate emergency. With on-road transportation accounting for 46% of the regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2018, the need to electrify vehicles has been identified as a critical part of the CRD’s climate action strategy. Further, an important part of accelerating EV adoption is the provision of publicly accessible charging infrastructure to make it as easy, convenient, and accessible as possible for both prospective and current EV owners.

As organizations in the capital region (and beyond) continue to look at opportunities to secure funding, install, and manage their EV charging stations, the Capital Region Public Electric Vehicle Charging Guide will serve a valuable resource and help the CRD achieve its charging station targets by 2030 and gradually lower its transportation emissions over time.

WATT would like to thank the CRD for the opportunity to work on this challenging, innovative, and exciting project. We would also like to acknowledge that the guide was made possible thanks to funding support from the BC Hydro Sustainable Communities Program.