News & dispatches.

Voltrise announces new battery-integrated DC fast charging technology partnership

Voltrise is partnering with a leading battery-integrated charging technology provider to bring a new class of DC fast charger to the Canadian market. The technology pairs onboard energy storage with modular fast charging, removing the two biggest barriers to deployment: utility grid upgrades and long construction timelines. Sites can go operational in weeks using existing power — no costly infrastructure work required. More details to follow.

Canadian ZEV registrations dip slightly to 10.8% in Q1 2026 — but most provinces post YoY gains

Statistics Canada's latest data shows national ZEV registrations eased to 10.8% of new vehicle registrations in Q1 2026, down from 11.4% in Q4 2025, with overall vehicle registrations also falling from 412,746 to 397,601. Crucially, this marks the first year-over-year increase in ZEV market share since Q4 2024 — up from 8.7% in Q1 2025 — with the new federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) expected to drive stronger uptake through Q2.

EV-vs-gas cost comparison updated to current market prices

We've refreshed our EV-versus-gas running-cost comparison with current market data. With the national average for regular gasoline now around $1.97/L — and above $2.00/L across BC — an electric vehicle costs roughly 61% less to run, saving the average Canadian driver about $4,440 a year, or $44,400 over a decade.

Note: these pump prices already reflect the federal fuel excise tax suspension (10¢/L) in effect through September 7, 2026. Prices climb a further 10¢/L automatically once the suspension ends — widening the gap in favour of electric.

EV consideration rises to 34% as incentives and gas prices shift buyer sentiment: JD Power

JD Power's 2026 Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration Study found that 34% of new-vehicle shoppers are now "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an EV — up six points from 28% in 2025, and the first increase since the study began tracking in 2022. Rising fuel prices and the return of federal incentives through the new Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) are cited as key drivers, though awareness of the program remains limited: while 57% of EV-inclined shoppers say the incentive boosted their interest, that figure drops to just 25% across all shoppers surveyed.

Voltrise website goes live

voltriseev.ca is now live, marking another step forward in building Canada's next Black-owned EV charging network. The site showcases the market opportunity, our phased deployment plan across BC and Atlantic Canada, and the partnership model for host site operators.

Voltrise joins BlackNorth Initiative B.E.G.I.N. platform

Voltrise is now a registered member of the BlackNorth Initiative's B.E.G.I.N. (Black Entrepreneurship Growth and Innovation Network) platform, joining a national community of Black entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, business services, and capital solutions.

Canada sees 75% EV sales spike in March — BC up 53%

Canadian EV sales surged 75% year-over-year in March 2026, reaching 12.2% of all new vehicle sales nationally. BC and the territories saw a 53% increase, with nearly one in four new vehicles purchased being electric. The spike is driven by the return of the $5,000 federal rebate and rising gas prices — exactly the demand trajectory Voltrise is building to serve.

Voltrise Charging Solutions Ltd. incorporated in British Columbia

Voltrise Charging Solutions Ltd. has been incorporated under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act as a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackonsult Ltd. The company is purpose-built to deploy, own, and operate a coast-to-coast public EV charging network, launching in Vancouver and Kamloops with a DCFC-weighted model.