accelerate Kootenays
Let The EV Experience Take You Up!
Accelerate Kootenays is Canada's first community-driven, collaborative strategy to build a clean transportation network. The 2-year, $1.5 million project was an initiative of the Regional Districts of East Kootenay, Central Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary with support from Columbia Basin Trust, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Teck, the Province of BC, FortisBC, and BC Hydro. The project, facilitated by the Community Energy Association, created an electric vehicle (EV) charging station network so EV travel to and within the region is convenient and reliable. A detailed description of project partners can be found here.
*NEW* Accelerate Kootenays 2.0 Funding
Accelerate Kootenays was designed to lay the foundation for EV charging in the Kootenays and accelerate EV adoption so that other stakeholders could make the business case for further investment in EV infrastructure and programs.
Even though the original Acclerate Kootenays network was never designed to be "phase 1", we are thrilled to be able to fill in gaps and bring more diverse charging options to the region through new a new funding program.
The Accelerate Kootenays 2.0 funding program is intended to diversify the places and spaces where EV drivers can access charging. This program is therefore open to private businesses as well as public and non-profit organizations, local governments and Indigenous local governments.
Enhance Kootenay Tourism
Charging stations strategically located near shops, attractions, cafés, and restaurants will showcase Kootenay communities and offer visitors many convenient ways to enjoy an area.
Connect Kootenay communities
With 13 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) Stations being installed on Highways 1, 3, and 95, travel to and within the Kootenays will be convenient and reliable.
Leave more money in your wallet
Filling your car with electricity instead of gas can save you more than $1,200 a year…but that doesn’t even include savings on maintenance. Say goodbye to oil changes!
Make dear mother nature happy
Breathe deep! More electric vehicles on Kootenay roads means less emissions from vehicle travel, helping our region meet climate action goals.
= DC Fast Charging (DCFC) 
= Level 2 (L2)
