Electric Vehicle Charging Alliance

Report
February 27, 2026

Unlocking Opportunities in BC's EV Sector

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is essential to accelerating EV adoption in British Columbia.

As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, demand for reliable and accessible EV charging stations continues to grow. A coordinated provincial approach can:

  • Strengthen charging access
  • Improve system performance
  • Create long-term economic value for participating institutions

The Opportunity for a Province-Wide EV Charging Alliance

A province-wide alliance of universities, colleges, and polytechnic institutes can transform EV charging infrastructure in British Columbia. By leveraging their extensive real estate holdings and parking areas, these institutions can add much-needed public charging stations while unlocking significant revenue opportunities. A BC Charging Alliance would provide a more reliable, accessible, and integrated charging network, addressing key EV owners’ challenges and improving overall system efficiency.

BC has 36 post-secondary institutions spread across multiple campuses. As such, this sector is uniquely positioned to support EV adoption. A coordinated approach can enhance charger uptime and ensure price transparency. It can also optimize usage by connecting different consumer groups to available chargers at various times of the day. 

An alliance can place public chargers near campuses and high-traffic areas, such as hospitals, stadiums, and retail centres. This strategic placement would accelerate the shift to electric mobility and improve the charging experience for EV drivers.

EV Alliance Working Group and Project Phases

To advance this vision, Foresight Canada and Simon Fraser University formed an EV Alliance Working Group. The working group was created through the BC Net Zero Innovation Network.

During Phase I of this work, we developed a Roadmap to guide decision makers. It outlined key challenges, opportunities, and the business case for a BC-based Charging Alliance. The Roadmap provides a foundation for investment, partnerships, and financial planning. Phase II moved from foundation to implementation strategies and focused on practical guidance to overcome barriers to EV adoption. 

EV Charging Alliance Resources

The outcomes of the EV Charging Alliance project are available for download below.

<strong>EV Charging Alliance Roadmap</strong> - Outlines the operating model, cost estimates, potential funding sources, and technology partners. EV Charging Alliance Roadmap Outlines the operating model, cost estimates, potential funding sources, and technology partners. Learn More
<strong>Electric Vehicle Business Case</strong> - Outlines the key technical and financial considerations to support building the EV Charging Alliance business case. Electric Vehicle Business Case Outlines the key technical and financial considerations to support building the EV Charging Alliance business case. Learn More
<strong>EV Charger Investment Calculator</strong> - Demonstrates the potential ROI from installing EV chargers, including potential carbon credit revenue. EV Charger Investment Calculator Demonstrates the potential ROI from installing EV chargers, including potential carbon credit revenue. Learn More
<strong>EV Charger Asset Map</strong> - Virtual, interactive map of chargers across BC colleges and universities for various users, including government, fleet operators, and MURBs. EV Charger Asset Map Virtual, interactive map of chargers across BC colleges and universities for various users, including government, fleet operators, and MURBs. Learn More
<strong>EV Fleet Survey Results</strong> - Interviews and insights from fleet operators on overnight use of third-party charging sites, identifying potential future partners and business cases. EV Fleet Survey Results Interviews and insights from fleet operators on overnight use of third-party charging sites, identifying potential future partners and business cases. Learn More
<strong>Carbon Credits Workshop Recording & Takeaways</strong> - How EV charging stations can generate revenue through carbon credit sales. Carbon Credits Workshop Recording & Takeaways How EV charging stations can generate revenue through carbon credit sales. Learn More

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Acknowledgements

The BC Electric Vehicle Charging Alliance project was made possible through financial support from BC Hydro, Simon Fraser University (SFU), the City of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the BC Net Zero Innovation Network (BCNZIN). 

Foresight Canada gratefully acknowledges that the BCNZIN Project was funded by Pacific Economic Development Canada’s (PacifiCan) Regional Innovation Ecosystem program and the Province of British Columbia through the (former) Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund.

Aislinn Crawford - Sr. Manager, Research Aislinn Crawford

Aislinn is an environment and sustainability professional with a background in environmental management, sustainability strategy development, and implementation. She has experience working within the built environment and engineering sector to undertake baseline assessments and implement clean technology and sustainability solutions.

Prior to joining Foresight, Aislinn worked as an ESG and sustainability consultant, where she worked cross-functionally with various clients to achieve sustainable outcomes and drive positive impact. She has experience in conducting research, synthesizing outputs, and communicating risks and opportunities. Aislinn also has experience working in-house at a property developer and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Governance.

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