The new 180-kilowatt chargers at the Performing Arts Centre parking lot (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

10 New Chargers

New EV chargers operational in Vernon

Jan 23, 2026 | 10:58 AM

Electric vehicle drivers in the Okanagan have new charging stations to use.

B.C. Hydro, in collaboration with the City of Vernon, opened a new EV charging station with 10 ports at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre parking lot.

“The new EV charging hub at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre is another important step toward building a more environmentally sustainable community,” said Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming.

“This project supports residents and visitors alike while reinforcing Vernon’s commitment to cleaner transportation and environmental leadership.”

The station features two 180-kilowatt chargers, which can add up to 180 kilometres of driving range to an average EV in a 10 minute charge. They also have dual or power-sharing capabilities that allow two customers to use the chargers at once. The station also features six Level 2 charges that can accommodate drivers based on the duration of their stay.

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All the chargers are also equipped with CCS, NACS, and CHAdeMO connectors in various configurations to accommodate a range of EVs.

The new 180-kilowatt chargers at the Performing Arts Centre parking lot (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

The new Level 2 EV chargers at the Performing Arts Centre parking lot (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

“This new electric vehicle charge hub in Vernon continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.

“With more than 800 BC Hydro charging ports now available in communities throughout B.C., we are building a public charging network that’s ready to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and will support economic growth in our province.”

The new station adds on to the charging site at the transit hub in downtown Vernon, bringing B.C. Hydro’s total EV chargers to 12 in the city.

“This new charge hub in Vernon is an important step in supporting the growing number of electric vehicle drivers in our community,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby, stated.

“By expanding access to fast, reliable charging, we’re reducing barriers to EV adoption and strengthening our commitment to clean transportation in the Okanagan.”

With this addition, B.C. Hydro now has 829 charging ports at 180 sites across the province.