Electric vehicles
How we move around plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions. We're prioritizing active and shared transportation initiatives, improving access to transit, and making it easier to choose low carbon transportation options as part of a broader approach to sustainable mobility.
We're also expanding our public EV charging network, increasing the number of EVs in our fleet, and implementing policy to require charging infrastructures in new developments. Benefits of EVs include:
- Lower fuel and maintenance costs
- Greater efficiency compared to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines
- Produce 80% less greenhouse gas emissions than an average gasoline vehicle over a vehicle's lifetime
- Create less local air pollution and reduce the emissions of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere
- Operate quietly, helping to reduce overall traffic noise
We want to hear from you! Your input will help shape our EV strategy, identifying charging infrastructure needs and defining our role in the transition to electric mobility. Share your thoughts with us at EVCharging@dnv.org.
- Electric vehicle strategy
- Types of EV charging stations
- Public EV charging stations
- EV requirements for new developments
- Helpful resources
Electric vehicle strategy
We're developing an electric vehicle (EV) strategy to help us identify charging infrastructure needs and define our role in the transition to electric mobility.
We've identified three key areas to help break down barriers associated with switching to electric vehicles.
Supporting at-home charging
Charging an electric vehicle at home is often the most convenient and cost-effective option, but poses a challenge for residents living in multi-unit residences where access to charging is limited. We can help simplify the process to install charging stations in these buildings, while also ensuring all new construction is EV-ready.
Expanding the public charging network
Public charging stations are important for people who are unable to charge vehicles at home. We're trying to make it easier for anyone who relies on a personal vehicle to switch to an EV by expanding the current network of public chargers at our facilities.
Leading by example
To help achieve our emissions reductions in advance of the broader community target, we're electrifying our own operations. Currently, approximately 80% of our light duty vehicle fleet is now electric. We also have plans to pilot an all-electric garbage truck later in 2024.
Share your thoughts
Since Fall 2023, we’ve been engaging with interested groups and industry experts to understand challenges and identify opportunities to support the transition to electric mobility.
We want to hear from you to better understand your experience to help shape how we support this transition.
Have feedback that you want to share? Tell us by emailing EVCharging@dnv.org.
Background
On May 1, 2023, Council directed staff to develop an EV strategy.
In 2019, Council declared a climate and ecological emergency. Since then, we have accelerated action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity, and improve our resilience to climate change through six key areas.
Learn more about our goals related to climate and environment
Types of EV charging stations
Level 2 charging
Level 2 chargers use a dedicated or shared 208V or 240V circuit (i.e. same as a clothes dryer) and requires a specialized station. They can fully recharge a vehicle in four to six hours, depending on the amount of power it can supply, and are commonly used in homes, workplaces, and public charging locations.
Direct current (DC) fast charging
DC fast chargers use a 480V circuit and requires a specialized station and utility connection. They can recharge a vehicle in approximately 30 to 60 minutes and are well-suited for public charging locations close to amenities or transit corridors.
Public EV charging stations
We operate a growing number of public charging stations including Level 2 stations at District Hall, Delbrook Community Recreation Centre, and Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre. Work is underway to provide more Level 2 stations at Lynn Valley Village and DC Fast Charging stations at Norgate Park in 2024.
Find an EV charging station near you or your destination with online maps, such as Plugshare.
EV requirements for new developments
To encourage the development of a comprehensive charging network, we have installed Level 2 charging stations at District facilities. We also have a policy to encourage EV charging infrastructure in all new District developments.
Our Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy, updated in March, 2021, covers multi-family, commercial, and industrial developments, as well as bicycle storage.
Type of Development | Requirement |
---|---|
Multi-family | All parking stalls (not including visitor parking) must feature energized outlets* capable of providing Level 2 charging or higher |
Commercial and industrial |
|
* EV energy management systems or 'load sharing' can be used to meet this requirement
In addition to these vehicle requirements, all secure bicycle storage must include Level 1 (110v) electric outlets for electric bicycle charging, as stipulated in the Bicycle Parking Policy and End-of-Trip Facilities Policy.
Read the full EV Charging Infrastructure Policy for details
Helpful resources
EV models and EV charging
- EV models available in BC
- EV charging at home and on the go in BC
- Search for the nearest charging station
- EV charging in condos, apartments and townhomes
- Provincial requirements on load calculation, EV charger installation, and EV energy management systems equipment
- More information on electric vehicles
Looking for free advice for getting EV chargers in your strata building or workplace? Connect with an EV Advisor
EV rebate and incentive programs
- Federal government’s EV rebate program (Incentives for Zero-Emissions Vehicles)
- Provincial government’s EV rebate program (Clean BC)
- Information and incentive programs for drivers and fleets to go electric
- Scrap vehicle rebates and incentives for BC residents (SCRAP-IT BC)