Rates
Rates vary depending on the charging network you're using. For up-to-date rates for our partner networks, please refer to the pricing information for individual chargers on the BC Hydro EV app. For charging within the BC Hydro network, the following rates apply.
Effective April 1, 2024, the costs to charge at BC Hydro EV chargers are:
EV charger power level | Price (before tax) |
---|---|
Level 2 (up to 19 kW) | 3.07 cents per minute |
Fast charging – up to 25 kW | 12.39 cents per minute |
Fast charging – 26 kW to 50 kW | 21.70 cents per minute |
Fast charging – 51 kW to 100 kW | 27.89 cents per minute |
Fast charging – 101 kW to 200 kW | 40.93 cents per minute |
Charging rates are based on the maximum kW output of the charger, not on actual kW output received or requested by the vehicle. These rates are approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission.
Parking fees may apply
Note that rates at chargers don't include parking fees. Be sure to check signage or PlugShare to see if a specific charger requires payment for parking. Currently the following sites have a parking fee that's collected by the site host:
- Vancouver – Homer Street (collected by the City of Vancouver)
- Vancouver – Kerrisdale (collected by the City of Vancouver)
- Nanaimo Public Parking – Museum Way
- Whistler Conference Centre
For other charging networks in B.C., check PlugShare to find locations, charging costs and parking fees before you go.
Use your BC Hydro EV account to power up at partner network chargers.
As an extension of our fast charging network, we partner with other charging networks to provide EV drivers with more charging options. Our roaming partners have chargers across North America, allowing you to charge anywhere with just a single account.
ChargeHub Network
As part of the Agora initiative, we've partnered with ChargeHub to provide access to charging networks across North America. This partnership, and the Agora initiative, are part of an industry-led project to improve the charging and payment experience for EV drivers.
Our partnership with ChargeHub gives EV drivers access to 16 charging networks through their BC Hydro EV account. Networks available through this partnership include:
- Electric Circuit
- Shell Recharge
- Hypercharge
- Swtch
When charging through ChargeHub, you'll be charged additional roaming fees, on top of the cost to charge. These fees are:
- $1.75 (tax inclusive) for fast chargers
- $0.75 (tax inclusive) for Level 2 chargers
FLO and ChargePoint
Please note, charging through ChargePoint chargers with your BC Hydro EV account is temporarily unavailable due to changes associated with the new EV app.
You'll be able to continue using ChargePoint chargers in early April 2024. We'll publish an update here and on the app when roaming at ChargePoint chargers is available again.
Our partnerships with FLO and ChargePoint allow EV drivers to pay for and use these chargers through the BC Hydro EV app. There are no additional fees associated with using a FLO or ChargePoint charger.
Troubleshooting tips
EV Charger activation
If you're having trouble activating a charger, try these tips:
- Unplug and replug in the connection on each attempt. This will avoid time-out connection errors and will reset communication between your vehicle and charger.
- When plugging in the connector, listen for the 'click' to ensure it's connected properly.
- After plugging in the connector, wait 10 to 15 seconds for communication to be established between your vehicle and the charger.
- Check your account balance and ensure you have sufficient funds on your EV account. Ensure there are no vehicle settings contributing to sessions not activating.
If your attempts continue to fail, please contact support by calling 1 866 338 3369. Support agents will perform a soft and/or hard reset. Allow three to four minutes for the charger to reboot and establish a network connection prior to reattempting activation.
Stuck connector
If you're having trouble disconnecting the connector from your vehicle, try these tips:
- Ensure the session has stopped and charging has ended by pressing Stop on your app.
- Depending on your vehicle make and model, either hold the Unlock button on your fob for 5 to 10 seconds or press the release button on your vehicle's charging port. The location of the unlock port button may vary based on your vehicle's make and model.
- Release tension on the locking mechanism on your vehicle by aligning the connector and pushing in before pulling out, while trying to press the release button.
- Review your vehicle's manual to identify an emergency release-of-charge port mechanism. This will vary based on your vehicle’s make and model.
If the connector is still locked to your vehicle, please contact support by calling 1 866 338 3369. Support agents will perform a soft and/or hard reset in an attempt to release the connector.
Slow charging
If your vehicle is charging slowly, try these tips:
- Keep in mind that the kW rate is based on your vehicle's request, not the charger.
- Check the State of Charge of your vehicle's battery. Most vehicles will request a lower kW rate as the state of charge increases, to protect and preserve the battery. Charge rate can be reduced significantly, to around 80%.
- Environmental factors such as the ambient temperature and your battery's temperature are major contributors to the kW requested by your vehicle.
- If displayed on the charger screen (at AddEnergie chargers), you'll be able to see the charger capability and the vehicle request.
If the charger output remains low throughout the entirety of the session, please contact support by calling 1 866 338 3369. Support agents will create a Tier 2 ticket for investigation into the charger Power Modules.