Canada: BC Hydro launches 400 kW chargers as network tops 800 ports

BC Hydro has expanded its public charging network to more than 800 charging points across British Columbia, Canada, and commissioned its first 400 kW fast chargers at a new hub in Burnaby. The site marks the highest charging capacity currently available on the utility’s network.

Bc hydro canada hpc burnaby charging stations cropped — Image: BC Hydro

The new charging hub is located at the British Columbia Institute of Technology campus in Burnaby. It features two 400 kW chargers capable of adding up to 100 kilometres of driving range in around three minutes for an average electric vehicle, according to BC Hydro. The chargers support power sharing, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 200 kW each.

The hub also includes two 180 kW chargers, also with power-sharing capability, enabling up to eight EVs to charge at the same time across the four units. The chargers are equipped with CCS, NACS and CHAdeMO connectors to support a wide range of vehicles currently on the road.

“This new electric vehicle charge hub in Burnaby continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. He added that with more than 800 BC Hydro charging ports now in service, the province is ‘building a public charging network that’s ready to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.’

Burnaby now hosts two BC Hydro fast-charging locations. In addition to the new BCIT hub, the city already has a site in North Burnaby at Kensington Square Shopping Centre with two 100 kW chargers. Together, the two locations provide ten public fast-charging ports for local drivers.

“Burnaby is excited to be part of this significant milestone to host the first 400-kilowatt chargers in our public charging network,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby Centre. She noted that the location offers convenient access from Highway 1 and strengthens charging infrastructure across the Lower Mainland.

BC Hydro plans to add more 400 kW chargers to its network in 2026 as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow. More than 220,000 EVs are now registered in British Columbia, and the utility says future expansion will focus on multi-charger hubs along highway corridors and in densely populated areas to improve availability and reduce waiting times.

bchydro.com