Electric vehicles will soon have a place to charge up in Hope.
Sun Country Highway provided the district with a new 90-amp charger at no cost, after identifying the community as a strategic location. The company is working towards having charging stations located about every 60 kilometres along major highways.
“Our philosophy is that we need to get the infrastructure out there, but we realize municipalities are cash strapped,” said Rob MacGregor, Sun Country’s regional director.
“It’s important that municipalities are seen as being part of the solution and we’re here to help provide that solution. We want to be a part of the promotion of the tourism industry for small regions. This is a way to beat the rising cost of fuel and supply an area with visitors that might not ever be able to get here with an electric vehicle.”
The charging station will be installed on Wallace Street or Third Avenue in front of district hall, depending on the ability to service the location.
AdvantageHOPE is covering the installation cost and has applied for a Community Charging Infrastructure Fund grant through Plug In BC.
Charging times vary depending on the vehicle, but can take as little as a half hour. During that time, visitors will have an opportunity to check out downtown businesses.
“I think when the district can make any sort of initiatives to go green it sets the example for the community to recognize and support green initiatives,” said acting mayor Gerry Dyble. “Plus it also lets folks who do have electric vehicles know that they can come and plug-in in Hope.”
Sun Country Highway currently has about 100 chargers installed across Canada, with the greatest concentration on Vancouver Island. As demand for electric vehicles grows, MacGregor said it will bring jobs and prosperity into the region through manufacturing.