A Burnaby post-secondary is receiving more than $1.7 million to boost the use of electric vehicles.
Seamus O’Regan, minister of Natural Resources, announced more than $1.7 million to British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to “address barriers” to electric vehicle adoption.
Specifically, funding will support the expansion of the EV Charging Network Management System developed by the BCIT’s Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team. The team will demonstrate EV infrastructure solutions that improve interoperability issues, grid efficiencies and drivers’ charging experience.
BCIT, along with FLO | AddÉnergie, the City of New Westminster, IBX Data Systems and Sun Country Highway, is also investing in the project - bringing the total funding amount over $4.1 million.
“The transportation sector accounts for 25 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions,” says a news release. “Data collected through this project will support the future integration of fast-charging infrastructure, create jobs and contribute to an increased uptake of EVs.”
The federal funding for this project was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program, which aims to accelerate the market entry of next-generation clean energy technologies.
“BCIT pioneered the concept of campuses as living labs of sustainability — such as the Smart Microgrid — as part of our unique education model to engage the community in solving real-world challenges,” Kathy Kinloch, president of BCIT. “This investment further expands applied education opportunities for students and researchers to partner with industry in creating innovative and sustainable solutions that support the environmental, social and economic prosperity of our country.”
