CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
A forward-thinking program led by the Community Energy Association, the $5-million Charge North network is making it possible for EV drivers like ourselves to travel swiftly and easily through a huge, lightly populated region where the towns are separated by tall forests, towering mountains, and long stretches of winding highway. Just as importantly, in a province that now has over 50,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road, the fast-growing network means that travellers from southern regions of BC—or from Alberta and the American Northwest—can now explore far-flung destinations like the Lakes District, the Skeena watershed, and Haida Gwaii in their own EV.
As a collaborative venture between six regional districts and 43 local governments, the network will eventually include 30 Level 3 (or DCFC ) chargers and 120 Level 2s, ensuring safe and secure EV travel at any time of year. With new chargers being regularly added—including some in the region that aren’t part of the Charge North network—third-party apps like PlugShare allow drivers to plan their stops and check charging station status in real time.