RAM Supports BC Hydro’s First EV Fast-Charging Hub in Northern B.C. and Ongoing Power Infrastructure Upgrades
RAM is proud to have supported BC Hydro’s recent milestone for clean transportation in the province with the opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging hub in northern British Columbia. Situated in the parking lot of the College of New Caledonia at Highway 97 and 22 Avenue in Prince George, this hub can accommodate up to 16 EVs at once, making it the largest facility of its kind in the region.
As part of RAM’s Transmission and Distribution Engineering and Project Delivery Services contract with BC Hydro, RAM is providing distribution design services to power new electric vehicle charging stations. For this project site, RAM’s team completed the service connection design of 2 pad-mounted transformers to supply power to the site, and the site design for the electrical kiosks and chargers.
The site includes 4 of BC Hydro’s high-powered 350-kilowatt chargers, providing roughly 100 kilometers of driving range in about five minutes. It also features six 180-kilowatt chargers with power-sharing capabilities, allowing multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously. To serve a wider range of EV models, some units come equipped with NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors.
“British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “These new chargers in Prince George will help support EV adoption and reduce range anxiety throughout northern B.C.”
There are more than 180,000 EVs already on B.C. roads, with up to 900,000 projected in the next decade. Upgrading infrastructure will be a key focus for the province in supporting sustainable growth in electric mobility. BC Hydro aims to nearly double its current network of 466 fast-charging ports by 2026, adding more “charge hubs” along major highways and in urban centers.
RAM is proud to be supporting BC Hydro to contribute to reliable power distribution and EV charging development across the province.
RAM has a proven track record of successful collaboration with BC Hydro, having previously worked on various distribution projects, including the downtown Vancouver H-Frame Removal Program, the Repeatable Design and Engineering Master Services Agreement and the Electrical and Civil Inspection Master Service Agreement. These programs and projects demonstrate RAM’s experience in delivering innovative power solutions that align with BC Hydro’s objectives.
To read more about RAM’s electrical engineering services, click here.