“Right To Charge” Write-in Campaign Continues

The Victoria EV Association recently launched a write-in campaign to break down some of the final barriers in BC to electric vehicle ownership. And the recent public and media response to our July 6 rally at the BC Legislature makes it imperative that current EV owners contact their provincial MLA’s to enact the necessary legislation. Not only have we made…

Two Campaigns To Build EV Uptake — (with prizes)!

How would you like to support current and wanna-be EV owners? Better yet, would you like to win a prize for sending the best email in support of current and wanna-be EV owners?       The Victoria Electric Vehicle Club is launching two campaigns where your best support submission on behalf of current and prospective EV owners could win you a 1:18…

Electrify Canada Expands BC DCFCs

Electrify Canada, a division of Volkswagen Canada, has installed the first of nine DCFC chargers it will roll out this Summer in British Columbia. The Merritt, BC location ( Canadian Tire, 2761 Forksdale Avenue )  is part of a chain of 13 fast chargers primarily linking Vancouver and Calgary along Highways 1, 97 and 99. Many of these are part…

BC Hydro Charger Upgrades Continue

BC Hydro continues to upgrade its DCFC chargers across the province. The locations on Vancouver Island are as follows. Chargers at four locations on Vancouver Island were converted from Greenlots to BC Hydro EV network this week. The original Colwood charger, Qualicum Quality Foods, Courtenay Superstore and Campbell River Community Centre. Port Alberni Station – This station is being upgraded…

Tools You Can Use

Plug-In BC recently shared links to a trio of tools to support the EV Community. While experienced drivers will be familiar with most of them, they’re a great help to new EV owners. Plugshare has been around for years and is one of the most popular and reliable places to find both the location and availability of public charging stations….

The Pumps Don’t Work Cause Vandals Took The Handles

There’s been another case of EV Charge Station vandalization on the Island. This time the Level 2 station at Qualicum Beach was disabled. The RCMP, Chargepoint and Plugshare have been advised. Since the Mounties clearly have better things to do, it might be up to EV drivers themselves to deal with these incidents.  And no, we’re not suggesting vigilante acts….

Pandemic Charging Advice

Since many of us are staying close to home over the next few weeks, the need for charging has decreased, but here are some recommendations (via Sun Country) should you need to visit a public charging station.  Carry some disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) in your vehicle. Be sure to clean your hands thoroughly after…

Changes to BC Hydro Rebate Programs

As of February 18, 2020, the Province of BC has renewed funding for the Clean BC EV Charger Rebate Program. The total program funding is $4.8M until March 31, 2020 and $5.0M from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 or when funding runs out, whichever comes first.  For MURB and Workplace applications that received pre-approval on or before February…

Inequities in EV Charging

Under current Measurement Canada (MC) rules for the basis of fees for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (dated June 19, 2017), electricity may only be sold with the provision that the (sub) meter type is “approved by Measurement Canada”. However, it has been acknowledged by Measurement Canada as late as March 16, 2018 that: – there are currently no meters…

Buckley Bay Chargers Vandalized

Cable ends to all five charging stations at the Buckley Bay Rest Stop have been severed, rendering them inoperable. And while there were security cameras on-site, their power supply was also cut, so no record of the vandalism was captured. Some of the damage has now been repaired, but BC Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has indicated that it could…