It could be easier for electric car owners in Delta to find a spot to charge their vehicles.
Included in the Liberal government's Throne Speech this week is a commitment to invest $50 million over five years in new charging stations for electric vehicles.
Environment Minister Jordan Sturdy announced earlier in the week the commitment would be in the Throne Speech, saying it's important to encourage the electrification of B.C's transportation fleet.
The extra money would be good news for Delta where a commitment has already been made to eventually install more electric vehicle charging stations across the municipality.
It remains to be seen whether a minority Liberal government will be able to make good on its legislative agenda or whether a NDP-Green coalition would adopt the funding plan.
Last summer, Delta council agreed with a staff recommendation to bring a proposal forward at a business plan workshop to identify potential locations for charging stations. When and where they would be installed still has to be determined.
Mike Brotherston, manager of climate action and environment for Delta, said the provincial announcement sounds like good news but they will have to wait for details.
"We're ready to go with some potential locations. We just need to put it together with a funding source," he said.
In Delta, there are Level 2 charging stations at Boundary Bay Regional Park and at the Canadian Wildlife Services office on Westham Island. At Boundary Bay Airport, there are Level 1 chargers that allow electric vehicles with onboard charging systems to receive a charge.
Level 2 chargers require four to six hours to fully charge an electric vehicle's battery, but can provide a reasonable "top up" in one to two hours (20 to 40 kilometres worth of battery power).
In 2012, in partnership with Metro Vancouver, Delta received provincial funding to identify potential Level 2 charging stations within the community, but after a review at the time it was determined the demand didn't justify the cost of installation.
A report to council noted since then electric vehicle sales have been steadily increasing in Canada with the largest number being sold in B.C.
The cost of purchasing and installing an electric vehicle charging station is approximately $10,000 to $15,000.
