*tandem installations are two or more new DCFCs at the same site;

**208/240 V – only eligible as part of an approved DCFC installation or in special circumstances noted in the program guide .

Site Eligibility

Charger installation sites must be located in B.C. and owned by the applicant, or subject to a written agreement ensuring use of the site for ten years. The site must be accessible to those using mobility aids, 24-hours per day, year-round.

Charging Station Eligibility

DCFCs must be new, dual standard (CHAdeMO and SAE CCS), and networked using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP v1.6 or higher), with an output rating of 20kW or higher. They must be in service for at least five years and include an operating and maintenance plan.

Applications will be reviewed on a minimum three-month cycle, or more frequently depending on application volume. Once a decision has been made, applicants will be notified by email if they have been successful; remaining applications will be retained for future review periods.

Once approval is received, applicants will have an 18-month window to install their DCFC(s) and submit final project documentation. Fraser Basin Council will review the final documentation for completeness and will then issue rebates.

Information required for the application includes:

• Business type and documentation;
• Site description;
• Proof of site ownership or permission of the landowner;
• Charger type(s) and output(s);Capital budget/quotation, including:
  • Site acquisition/lease (if applicable);
  • Permits;
  • Engineering design work;
  • Electrical service extension;
  • Site preparation/civil works;
  • Electrical equipment;
  • Charger;
  • Lighting, and signage;
• Site design drawings (optional, but preferred);
• Operating and maintenance plan;
  • Optional, but preferred, at application phase – click on the following links for an Operations and Maintenance Plan template and Cost Calculator . For additional guidance on DCFC station design and operations, see BC Hydro’s EV Fast Charging Design & Operational Guidelines .

 

Can I begin working on my project before applying to the Program?

No. Applicants must apply and be approved for Program rebates before any costs are incurred. Additionally, any costs incurred before approval will not be eligible for any rebates.   

After I am approved, is there a deadline to complete my project?

Yes. Once you receive approval, you will have 18 months to complete projects and submit final documentation.   

How do I know if I am eligible for the Program?   

To be eligible for the Program, an applicant must:

• Be the current site owner or have approval (in writing) from the site owner to install the charging infrastructure for a minimum ten-year period; and,
• Be a business, not-for-profit, local government, Indigenous community, utility or public sector organization located and operating in B.C. (excluding core government entities, i.e. Provincial Ministries, but including non-core entities, e.g. utilities, health authorities, school districts, universities, crown corporations, etc.)

What are the site requirements for the installation?   

To be eligible for the Program, a project’s charger installation site must be: 

• Located within B.C.;   
• Publicly accessible 24  hours  per  day,  365 days  per  year;  and, 
• Accessible by  those using mobility  aids  (wheelchairs,  canes,  etc.),  including:
  • A space of  at  least  1.2  m  between any  protective  bollards  in front  of  the charger,  such that  they  do not  obstruct  interface (i.e.  screen and/or controls);   
  • A rise  not  exceeding 9 cm  above grade  for  any  concrete footing;  
  • Fonts  that  are clear  and easy  to  read on any  signage;  
  • A parking space  that  is:  
    • Not less than 2 400 mm wide and provided on one side with an access aisle not less than 1 500 mm wide;
    • Located on a paved level surface.

Are there equipment requirements for the Program? If so, what are they?   

To be eligible for the Program, all equipment must be:   

• Be new,  and purchased after  program  launch date; 
• Remain operational  by  the original  owner  for a  minimum of  five  years,  or  be replaced with a  charger  of  equal  or  higher  output  that  remains  operational  for five  years  from  the date of  the original  project  installation.  Changes  in equipment  ownership  within the five year  period  may  be considered  in extenuating circumstances  (e.g.  due to sale of  a business)  and  must  be approved  to maintain Program  funding;
• Contain appropriate  certification  marks  (CSA, cUL,  cETL,  etc.) for  use  in  B.C.; 
• Have a method of  payment  that  does  not  require a charging network  account, if payment  is  required;   
• Have charging port  holsters  and the top of  interface  not  exceeding 1.2 m  above grade; 
• Remain accessible to  the public  for  use 24  hours  per  day,  365 days  per  year;   
• Include an  Operating and Maintenance  Plan; 
• Not replace  an existing  charger; 
• Prospective installation locations greater than 500m from the nearest public charger (Level 2 or DCFC) will be required to install at least two ports per site: either tandem DCFC stations, a DCFC and Level 2, or two Level 2 stations meeting requirements in section 3.2.1 (minimum 32 A; higher power preferred) to provide redundancy to the site. Installation of both multiple DCFCs and one or more Level 2s per site will also be supported. A multi-port station on its own does not fulfill this requirement.  

To  be eligible for  the  Program,  DCFC  equipment  must:   

• Have a minimum of 1 dual  standard  (CHAdeMO  and Combined Charging  System  (CCS)  Combo 1 plugs) station per location; 
• Be networked and  be  OCPP  compatible  by  the date of  installation; 
• Have a minimum  power  output  of  20  kW.

To be eligible for the Program, Level 2 equipment must:   

• Have a J-1772 port; 
• Have input  power  at  208 or  240 volts; 
• Have a minimum  power  output  of  32  amps.

What are the eligible costs?   

Costs  eligible for  rebates  through the Program  will  be:   

• Dual standard DCFC  equipment; 
• Co-located  Level  2 stations; 
• Installation costs  such  as  labour  and materials,  including: 
  • Necessary  electrical  equipment  (e.g.  cabling  and conduit,  transformer)  
  • Earthworks;  
  • Paving of  one parking  space per  charger;  
  • Curb and/or  protective  bollards  around chargers;
  • Lighting directly  above  or  adjacent  to  chargers  (within  5  m);  
  • Network  equipment  (e.g.  cellular  booster);  
  • Way finding and on-site signage  pertaining to the chargers  (e.g.  location, output, time  limits, instructions  for use);  
  • Site markings  (e.g.  pavement  painting);  
  • One security  camera  per  charger;  
  • Project management  and engineering design fees;
  • Tesla CHAdeMO  adapter;
  • Utility provider  fees  for  electrical  connection;  and,  
  • Network service  provider  initial sign-up fees;  and,
  • Equipment warranty.  

What do I need to submit once my project is completed?   

To receive rebate funds,  applicants  must  submit  the  following documentation after DCFC  (and  Level  2,  if  applicable)  equipment  is  installed and operational:     

• Invoice for  DCFC  equipment  (and Level  2 equipment,  if  applicable); 
• Itemized invoice for  DCFC  (and Level  2,  if  applicable)  installation; 
• Copy of  network  agreement; 
• Photo of  installed DCFC  (and Level  2,  if  applicable)  equipment;  and, 
• Proof all  eligible equipment,  (DCFCs  and Level  2s,  as  applicable)  is/are operational.  

Can Indigenous communities receive enhanced rebate funding?   

Yes. Indigenous communities will be eligible for higher rebates at each tier, to a maximum of 90% of total project costs. Level 2 chargers installed as part of a funded DCFC project or meeting the requirements in section 3.2.1 of the Program Guide are eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of the additional cost or 90% for Indigenous communities.  

How do you define Indigenous communities?   

Indigenous communities refer to a First Nation ( I.e. Band government) or its wholly owned subsidiaries (e.g. development corporations). To receive an Indigenous community rebate, the Indigenous community must own the equipment; a third party that owns and installs equipment on Indigenous lands is not eligible for the enhanced rebates.  

What are some other considerations for my site location?   

Prospective installation locations greater than 500 m from the nearest public charger (Level 2 or DCFC) will be required to install at least two ports per site: either tandem DCFC stations, a DCFC and Level 2, or two Level 2 stations meeting requirements in section 3.2.1 (minimum 32 A; higher power preferred) to provide redundancy to the site. Installation of both multiple DCFCs and one or more Level 2s per site will also be supported. A multi-port station on its own does not fulfill this requirement.   

Why do I need to complete the operating and maintenance plan?   

The applicant will be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance costs associated with the DCFC and will be required to prepare an Operating and Maintenance plan for its charger(s).  

My organization has many sites, is there a rebate cap?   

Yes. Rebates may be capped at 10 per organization to reserve funds for other organizations.   

What are the rebates offered?   

Applicants  are offered  three tiers  of  rebates  for  DCFC  stations  with:    

1)  output  of  20kW or  greater,  but  less  than 50 kW;    

2)  output  of  50 kW  or  greater  but  less  than 100  kW,  and   

3)  output  of  100 kW  or  greater.    

Rebate  amounts  are  detailed in the Rebates Section above.

I’d like to install a Level 2 station for contingency. What do I need to consider?   

To provide  contingency   charging in the  case a station is  occupied or  not  functioning, Level  2 chargers  installed in tandem  with DCFCs  as  part  of  the  Program  will  be eligible for  an  additional  maximum  of  $5,000 ($7,500 for Indigenous communities) in  project  funding per  Level  2 charger  (≥32  A), to a  maximum of  $10,000 ($15,000 for Indigenous communities) per  installation  site  (percentage caps  still  apply).  Level  2 stations are not  required to be networked.  

Is there an option to get funding if I only install Level 2 chargers?   

This Program is intended to primarily support public fast charging. Public Level 2 stations not required to be co-located with a DCFC station will be supported only in specific instances. Locations must meet the following criteria:  

• No public Level 2 stations (without co-located DCFCs) are eligible in Metro Vancouver or the Capital Regional District through this Program, except for any of the Gulf Islands with one or fewer public charging stations or for Indigenous owned stations;  

• There must be one or fewer public Level 2 or DCFC within 10 km of the location;  

• Particular focus will be on identified geographic gaps in the B.C. Light-Duty Public Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Study (2021) which have one or fewer public charging stations (Level 2 or DCFC);  

Priority will be given to:  

• Strathcona Regional District  
• Cariboo Regional District  
• Regional District of Mount Waddington  
• Central Coast Regional District  
• North Coast Regional District (previously known as Skeena – Queen Charlotte Regional District)  
• Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine  
• Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako  
• Regional District of Fraser-Fort George  
• Peace River Regional District  
• Stikine Region  
• Northern Rockies Regional Municipality  

See maps of B.C.’s  regional districts at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services/land-use/administrative-boundaries/census-boundaries

Can I get more funding if I install a multi-port DCFC?   

Tandem  and multi-port  DCFCs  are eligible  for  one  rebate for  each vehicle that  can charge simultaneously  at  a given  output  level.  For  tandem  DCFC  stations  a 75%  funding limit  will  apply  while the combined dollar  cap will  remain the same.  The funding amount of multi-port  stations  will  be based on the maximum  simultaneous  output  level  of operating ports.   

For  example,  if  the total  cost  for  two tandem  50  kW  stations  is  $180,000,  the  applicant is  eligible for  2 x  $50,000  rebates  =  $100,000.   

If the applicant chooses to install a dual-port station with 180 kW, each port offering 90 kW, the applicant is eligible for 2 x  $50,000  rebates  =  $100,000.  

Multi-port  stations  must  be accompanied by  an additional  charging station (DCFC  or Level  2)  on  the  same  site.  

If installing a dual-port Level 2 charger, you will only receive up to $5,000 per port if each port is at least 32 A. A dual-port Level 2 charger with each port at less than 32A per port will only receive up to $5,000.

Are stations with less than 50 kW eligible?    

Yes. Stations with less than 50 kW would be eligible under the following conditions:   

• In urban centres (i.e.  within Census  Agglomerations  or  Census  Metropolitan Areas  with a population of  100,000 or  greater);   
• In areas  not  located on or  near  primary,  secondary  highways  or  major  roads, as  defined by  the B.C.  Ministry  of Transportation and Infrastructure;   
• As part  of  a  tandem  installation  with  a  ≥50  kW  DCFC; 
• Where an  electrical  service extension (and/or  service  upgrade,  as  applicable) to  accommodate  a  ≥50  kW  station  would  be  cost  prohibitive.

Can I submit a pilot project?   

Yes. DCFC pilot  projects   (e.g.  for  car   sharing,  ride  hailing,  taxi,  battery  storage stations,  etc.) may  be considered through this  Program  if  they  are able to demonstrate public  benefit. Specific  eligibility   criteria may  be  developed  for  pilot  projects.  

Where can I find Program information?   

You can find information on the Fraser Basin Council’s (FBC) Plug In BC website ( https://pluginbc.ca/publiccharger/ ).  

How are applications submitted?   

Applications will be submitted online and must receive approval before any work begins.   

I’m interested in applying, what steps do I need to take?  

1. Check the FBC im体育App site or email the Public Charger team at publiccharger@pluginbc.ca to confirm the deadline to apply. You’d also need to find out when the next information webinar session will be held.   
2. Once you’ve attended the webinar, you’ll be contacted by the Public Charger team to submit preliminary information for your project. You’ll also receive a list of required documents.   
3. You can engage with the Public Charger team to discuss any project or rebate queries you might have.  
4. Submit your formal application. 

If I don’t own the site, can I still apply for the rebate?   

Applicants who do not own the site they plan to install a DCFC at will need to include a written agreement demonstrating their right to use the site with their application for a ten-year period.   

How often are applications reviewed?   

Applications will be reviewed on a minimum three-month cycle, or more frequently depending on application volume. Once a decision has been made, applicants will be notified by email if they have been successful; remaining applications will be retained for future review periods.  

The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation (MEMLI) reserves the right to pause application reviews at its discretion for any period of time.

Which applications will be given preference?   

Preference will be given to applications that:   

• Fill existing DCFC network gaps and/or underserved areas (e.g. Indigenous communities, rural and northern areas, communities with high ZEV uptake, high concentrations of existing multi-unit residential buildings, etc.); 
• Are co-located with primary amenities (lighting, washrooms, non-cellular wireless (i.e. WiFi) internet available at all times); 
• Are co-located with one or more additional DCFCs;
• Are located near secondary amenities, such as restaurants, shopping and attractions (e.g. parks, libraries, community centres, etc.); 
• Include stations ≥75 kW when located on primary and secondary highways, where feasible;
• Include stations able to deliver ≥120 A of electricity, if proposing DCFCs with output ≥50 kW but <100 kW;
• Include Level 2 stations with a higher output than 32 A, if Level 2 stations are proposed;
• Include an on-site Tesla CHAdeMO adapter;
• Include capability to add future DCFCs (e.g. space on site, oversized conduit, etc.) 
• Agree to provide data on charger usage;
• Include site design drawings;
• Include an operating and maintenance plan as part of the original application;
  • for more guidance see BC Hydro’s EV Fast Charging  Design & Operational Guidelines at https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/electricvehicles/industry/fast-charging.html

How do I apply?   

Applications are completed online . The applicant creates an online profile and applies for the number of stations desired, including information on organization type and documentation, site description, proof of site ownership or permission of the landowner, charger type(s) and output(s), capital budget/quotation (including site acquisition/lease (if applicable), permits, design, electrical service extension, site preparation/civil works, electrical equipment, charger, lighting, and signage), and site design drawings (optional), and operating and maintenance plan (optional at application phase).    

What happens after I apply?   

After you apply, Fraser Basin Council staff will screen applicants for eligibility and move forward applications that meet mandatory criteria. A vetting process takes place with scoring metrics to determine successful applicants ultimately decided by MEMLI (Provincial) team.  

Can you tell me more about the approval process for my application?   

In consultation with MEMLI staff, FBC approves applications based on a diversity of geographic and usage types.  Applicants then have 18 months for implementation. FBC staff will check in periodically to assess progress.   

Projects that may require advance payments to manage the cashflow, might have the option to be funded through an up-front contribution agreement. To be considered for advanced funding, applicants must submit a request in writing including the quote of expenses from a qualified electrical contractor.  

A Funding Agreement is completed and signed by FBC once the terms of funding are in agreement with the signatory and host of the project’s stations.  

What is required once I’ve completed my project?   

Once a project is completed, the Applicant provides a completion report including documentation, photos, financial report and copies of invoices to verify costs. These will be submitted online via the application platform. FBC will reserve the right to make on-site audits for projects if required. An Operating and Maintenance Plan must be submitted at this stage. An Operating and Maintenance report template is available on FBC’s Program website (https://pluginbc.ca/publiccharger/) but an alternative format may be used, as long as it contains the following elements:

Service stability

• Charger up-time targets
• Performance monitoring (e.g. testing, remote, crowdsource, etc.)
• Ensuring access
  • Cleaning the interface
  • Clearing/plowing the area
  • Lighting
  • Preventing blocking by vehicles not charging

Regular maintenance/warranty

Staff training

• Customer service (on site/remote)
• Operation/signup walkthrough
• Resetting device
• Nearby charging locations
• Local towing companies

Incident response plan (e.g. for device failure, vehicle impacts, tampering/vandalism, etc.), including:

• Response procedures (e.g. shutdown, fire department, repair/replacement, etc.)
• Service provider and/or warranty service
• Response time targets
• Public notification of failure
• Spare parts supply/inventory
• Graffiti removal

Cost of electricity (including demand charges)

Network fees

Revenue collection strategy (if applicable)

Proof of Insurance

Do I need to provide station utilization data?   

Successful applicants are encouraged to provide usage data for DCFCs funded under the Program, for a minimum period of five years from the date of installation. Usage data includes information related to charging sessions (i.e.: start/end time, duration, energy, power per minute, peak power) but excludes personally identifiable data. Successful applicants will work with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation to determine the best tools and methods for data sharing.     

For example, successful applicants can send station utilization data in the format of an annual report that includes a record for each charging session during the year, its start and end time, the maximum charging rate (kW), the energy delivered (kWh), and the charging connector type. It should not contain any personally identifiable information of users (names, membership numbers, credit card numbers). Acceptable formats are .xls, .xlsx, and .csv.    

Final documentation will also be submitted online. Printable or paper application forms may be requested from FBC in extenuating circumstances. New stations funded under the Program will be entered into charging station databases (e.g. Chargehub, Plugshare, etc.) with a link to the Program webpage.    

Are there other programs that support DCFC projects?   

Yes. There are two other programs currently in market that offer rebates for DCFCs and can be accessed for B.C. based DCFC projects. The two programs are:   

• Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP); and,  
• NRCan Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI).  

Both programs provide maximum federal funding of 50% of total project costs to a maximum of $50,000 per DCFC. Currently MEMLI has partnered with NRCan on both programs to provide additional funding for B.C based DCFC projects. Successful applicants completing DCFC projects in B.C. are automatically eligible for B.C. funding. MEMLI funding provides a maximum of $25,000 per DCFC to a max of 25% of the total project costs (on top of the federal $50,000 funding). Any station that receives MEMLI funding through the ZEVIP or EVAFIDI will not be eligible for funding through the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program.   

The stacking of provincial funding with ZEVIP, EVAFIDI, and other CleanBC Programs is not permitted. Stacking of funding from other government funding programs with the Public Charger Program will be limited to 75% of eligible project costs, except in the case where the applicant is a local or Indigenous government or their department or agency in which case the stacking limit for government funding is 100% of the total project costs. Funding from other sources will be allowed as long as funding amounts do not exceed total project costs. Reporting of application for other government funding for the use toward a project funded under the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program is mandatory.