BC Hydro and Electrify America boost EV charging networks across Canada and California

BC Hydro announced plans to add 3,500 new public electric‑vehicle (EV) charging ports throughout British Columbia. The rollout includes larger fast‑charging sites at busy locations, added washrooms, and a 50 % rebate for businesses, Indigenous communities and other organizations that install public chargers. Existing sites in Vernon, Lumby and Cherryville are highlighted as part of the expanded network.

In Santa Barbara, California, Electrify America opened a large‑format EV charging station at the former Greyhound depot on West Carrillo Street. The station offers 20 hyper‑fast chargers capable of up to 350 kW, delivering roughly 20 miles of range per minute, and incorporates a 1.9 MW battery energy storage system—the company’s largest public BESS deployment. County officials also plan additional stations at Rincon Beach and Santa Claus Lane.