New Tesla Superchargers online in Nanaimo represent a big step forward for electric vehicle infrastructure on the mid-Island, matching what is available in Vancouver. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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New Tesla Superchargers in Nanaimo among most powerful on Vancouver Island

Aug 30, 2023 | 5:38 AM

NANAIMO — Newly activated Tesla Superchargers are expanding an electric vehicle network which continues to see considerable growth.

Twelve new charging plugs were brought online in late June at Nanaimo’s Country Club Centre, representing the highest capacity stations of their kind on Vancouver Island.

According to Tesla’s website, the new installation can charge up to 250 kilowatts, ahead of Woodgrove Centre’s 150 kilowatts and Victoria’s Uptown Mall chargers at 72 kilowatts.

The new chargers mirror those found across the Lower Mainland and through other parts of B.C.

A map of Tesla Superchargers on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. (Tesla)

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Despite not being available for use yet by all electric vehicle types, the president of the Mid-Vancouver Island Electric Vehicle Association told NanaimoNewsNOW the additional infrastructure is a win.

Larry Boldt said growth in EV’s on the Island has been very noticeable.

“In 10 or 12 years we’ve seen it go from zero to what we have today and, personally, what I hear from other people it’s not enough but when you look at the time frame…it’s come in very, very quickly.”

The new high-speed Tesla chargers join an always-expanding list of options for EV users.

Nanaimo Airport installed charging capacity in 2021 while local governments across the Island also offer free or costed charging stations at their facilities.

Capacities range from lower level one or two chargers to more powerful fast chargers.

“The DC fast chargers, those are really great for people who are travelling, coming through the city and they need to get a quick, fast charge so they’ll go with those. Then there’s the level two chargers…they are ones that will take some more time, it depends on how long you have available.”

He said the charging options continue to change and evolve.

Companies like Ford, BMW and Mercedes are making plans to use the Tesla charging plug, the North American Charging Standard plug, in future models of cars as early as 2024. Other companies are reportedly also in talks.

The move will open up the Superchargers to more road users.

Boldt added some new Tesla stations are coming equiped with different adapters and charging plugs, while changes by car manufacturers are being mirrored by other businesses.

“We’ve got some catching up to do but it’s definitely happening. Petro Canada has put in stations across the country, Chevron is really ramping it up big time right now because they look at these as a way to keep customers coming to their stations and possibly using their convenience stores while they wait.”

ICBC data for the end of 2022 showed 12,809 registered electric vehicles on Vancouver Island, including 3,637 on the central Island.

B.C. saw a 37 per cent increase in EV ownership between 2021 and 2022.

Boldt said it’s “about 50-50” on whether EV users have to pay to use public chargers or not and a recent trip from Nanaimo to Edmonton cost him just over $35 in charging fees, using a combination of hotel and public chargers.

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