Toronto, Ontario – In this week’s electric and autonomous vehicle report, the British Columbia government has a limited time deal for EV charging station installations, Circle K’s parent company is looking to link up its North American stores and Honda reveals initial sketches of upcoming electric SUV.
Less Charges for More Charge
If you have been looking to have an EV charging station set up at your home or business, now may be the time to take the leap, as the B.C. government has greatly sweetened the deal.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75 percent of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations, up from the previous 50 percent coverage, through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
This sale, as it were, was made possible by a $2 million investment through National Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to top up the province’s EV Charger Rebate program.
The government is hoping to install as many as 360 new EV charging stations through the program.
The Nordic Method
Canadian-based kingpins of convenience, Couche-Tard announced that they have installed the first of 200 EV charging stations to be deployed to Circle K locations across North America over the next two years.
This initial step in Rock Hill, S.C., where the first station was installed, is but the first in a journey for Couche-Tard to equip more of their Circle K locations with charging stations, with goals similar to those the company reached in Norway.
“We are committed to playing a key role in meeting our customers’ evolving mobility needs as demand for sustainable energy choices continues to grow in all of our markets,” said Couche-Tard senior v-p of global fuels, Louise Warner.
“Having established Circle K as a leading destination for EV charging in Norway, we are excited to build off our ongoing expansion in Europe to now bring this capability to our North American Circle K and Couche-Tard customers.”
Opening Prologue
Honda has its first Canadian all-electric offering due for the 2024 model year, as the Japanese OEM officially unveiled preview sketches of the upcoming Honda Prologue SUV.
The company says the Prologue’s body will feature a “long wheelbase, shorter overhang and a strong stance outfitted with a capable tire,” and put a strong focus on aerodynamics and battery range.
“The Prologue is Honda’s first electric vehicle in Canada and is the result of a strategic North American plan announced 2 years ago that includes a collaboration with GM to produce EVs in a more efficient manner,” said Honda Canada v-p, Steve Hui.
“The Prologue signifies our transition to electrification, with more Honda-engineered and manufactured EVs in North America coming in 2026.”
Hui is alluding to Honda’s plans to introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030, at a volume of two million units.