Parkland to roll out electric vehicle charging ports across B.C.

Parkland Corporation is planning to launch a network of electric vehicle ultra-fast chargers at its existing retail locations across British Columbia and into Alberta.

Parkland will install, own, and operate up to 100 EV ultra-fast charging ports, which will be branded On the Run to connect with the company's convenience store brand. Located on major highways and in key cities and towns across Parkland's extensive retail portfolio, this network of approximately 25 sites will stretch from Vancouver Island to Calgary, with locations in Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Whistler, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops and Revelstoke. The charging ports are expected to open to customers in 2022. 

"Parkland's purpose is to power journeys and energize communities and for over 50 years we have served our customers' evolving energy and convenience needs,'' Bob Espey, Parkland president and CEO said in a statement. "Coupled with our track record of renewable fuel manufacturing, our ultra-fast charging network is one of many disciplined, focused investments we are making as part of our approach to energy transition.''

"We are committed to meeting customer demand and learning about customer preferences in emerging EV markets,'' added Donna Sanker, president Parkland Canada. "While adoption is in its early phases, B.C. leads the way in North America, making this province a natural, scalable step for our EV charging network. Our B.C. retail portfolio covers major population centres and highway corridors and includes our high-quality convenience stores and exclusive Triple O's food offering. Collectively, these create convenience destinations where customers can shop, eat and use complimentary wi-fi while they charge their vehicles.''

Highlights include:

• Ultra-fast charging: Delivering up to a 150-kilowatt charge, Parkland's On the Run ultra-fast chargers will be capable of delivering up to an 80% charge to most EV's in approximately 20 minutes.
• Customer amenities and convenience: The vast majority of locations will feature an On the Run convenience store, Triple O's restaurant and complimentary wi-fi, enabling customers to make the most of every stop.
• Maximum compatibility: On the Run ultra-fast chargers will be compatible with most popular EV models.

In a statement, the company said: "The addition of an EV ultra-fast charging network in B.C. which connects to Calgary is a natural and scalable extension to how we power our customers' journeys. In parallel, and as part of our broader energy transition activities, we will continue to focus on our leading renewable fuel manufacturing capabilities in B.C. We look forward to providing more details of our energy transition strategy through 2021 and at our November Investor Day."