Metchosin may not have a gas station, but it will soon have two electric car charging stations.
Saving time waiting for a charge and money on fuel is a double bonus for Metchosin electric car owner Marti Martin-Wood.
When it’s time for a charge, Martin-Wood waits about 18 hours as the Mitsubishi Miev plugs into her home.
Soon Martin-Wood won’t need to wait so long – Metchosin is getting two electric vehicle charging stations in the village core.
The stations will operate on Level 2 power, more powerful than a household current and can charge a car in about four hours.
For Martin-Wood these stations will help her save some time, leaving more to spend in the village core.
The district approved installing the charging stations at the Metchosin community house and another in between My Chosin’ Café and the Broken Paddle coffee house.
Martin-Wood bought her car before charging stations began popping up in the Capital Regional District and her decision to buy the car was an ethical one.
“I just really strongly believe we have to do this,” she said.
While it’s a handy option for electric car owners in Metchosin, Coun. Moralea Milne adds it can also entice electric car owners to come a visit the municipality.
“People can come to Metchosin have the confidence to come out here and know that they can get home,” Milne said. “Once you have charging stations it removes the barrier.”
The stations will also have a smaller plug for electric bicycles and scooters to recharge at no charge.
“Electric bicycles are popular with people in our age group because it helps them to get up the hills,” said 62-year-old Milne. “I am thinking of getting one.”
Metchosin resident Rick Perron, owner of Perron Electrical Installations, is slated to instal the Level 2 charging stations in October.
Perron installed similar stations across the Capital Regional District and up Island.
“This is an initiative the whole CRD is putting forward,” Milne said.
“I feel Metchosin has to show some leadership in trying to attract electric vehicles,” said Coun. Larry Tremblay.