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A New Standard for Urban Charging: The Richmond Centre Project
The massive residential and commercial redevelopment surrounding the CF Richmond Centre mall in British Columbia has just completed a landmark milestone. In a move that redefines what’s possible for urban electric vehicle infrastructure, the project has installed an unprecedented 1,212 Level 2 smart chargers in its residential parkade. This isn't just an addition to the city's charging network; it’s the launch of what is being called the single most extensive multi-residential EV charging deployment in North America. This hub, an area spanning the equivalent of six football fields, is a powerful statement about the future of urban living and sustainable transport.
The installation, which was completed in late summer 2025, comes as British Columbia continues its rapid adoption of EVs. With a provincial target for 100% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035, and an interim target of 90% by 2030, projects like this are crucial for meeting growing demand. According to a recent report by BC Hydro, there are over 150,000 electric vehicles on the road in the province, a number that's only going to keep climbing.
The heart of this project lies in its intelligent energy management system. The system, powered by Canadian-made technology from Elocity, uses AI-based software to optimize charging schedules. Instead of a free-for-all that could overload the electrical grid, the system balances the load, charging vehicles during off-peak hours when power rates are lower. This not only makes the process more cost-effective for residents but also reduces strain on the local energy infrastructure. It’s a textbook example of how a smart grid can support a massive electrification effort.
A Collaborative Success Story
This landmark project was a result of a major collaboration between several key players. Leading the charge were Cadillac Fairview and Shape Properties, the developers behind the massive 12-tower residential complex. They partnered with Enlightened Building Technologies for the delivery and installation, and utilized the smart technology from Elocity. Funding support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) also played a vital role, demonstrating a strong partnership between the private and public sectors.
"This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of our partnerships," said Jack Bittan, CEO of Enlightened Building Technologies. "We are so proud to be delivering the largest single-site EV charging installation in the country with great Canadian technology."
Similarly, Dan Wilson, Executive Vice President of residential at Shape Properties, highlighted the project's impact on residents: "By integrating this infrastructure into the residential offering of our master-planned community, we are eliminating barriers to EV adoption. This initiative reinforces Richmond Centre as a forward-thinking, world-class destination designed for the future of urban living."
While the majority of the chargers are reserved for residents, the project’s scope extends to the public. The developers have committed to installing an additional 20 to 40 chargers for public use, further cementing the site's role as a major EV destination in the region. This dual-purpose approach caters to both the long-term needs of residents and the broader community of EV drivers.
A Timeline of Progress: From Vision to Reality
The Richmond Centre project didn't happen overnight. It is the culmination of years of strategic planning and a city-wide commitment to electrification. Here is a brief timeline of key events that led to this historic moment:
Richmond City Council adopts an amendment to the zoning bylaw, requiring all new residential parking spaces to include an energized outlet capable of supporting Level 2 charging.
Federal regulations in Canada change, allowing for EV charging providers to bill users based on actual electricity consumption, a key step towards fair pricing models.
The City of Richmond implements new energy-based fees at its public charging stations, a move that aligns with the shift towards equitable and accessible charging.
Installation of 1,212 smart chargers is completed at the Richmond Centre redevelopment, officially launching North America's largest multi-residential charging hub.
The Impact and Future Implications
The environmental benefits are staggering. According to a media release from Enlightened Building Technologies, the project is expected to displace over 20.1 million kilometers of gasoline-powered driving and save about 2.2 million liters of fuel. This translates to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, contributing significantly to British Columbia's climate goals. This is exactly the kind of large-scale infrastructure needed to make a real dent in emissions from the transport sector.
What are your thoughts on this mega-hub?
Do you think this model can be replicated in major European cities? For more stories on groundbreaking EV infrastructure, check out our article on "World's First 100MW Truck Charging Station Delivers 100km Range in 5 Minutes—Saving €19,600 Yearly Per Vehicle".
