Expansion of provincial charging network will help get more EV drivers on the road
The Ontario government is providing more funding to build thousands of new electric vehicle charging stations in small and medium-sized communities, making it easier and more convenient to charge up outside of large urban centres and giving drivers the confidence they need to transition to electric vehicles.
“Building more public charging stations is part of our government’s plan to be a global leader in the electric vehicle industry and provide more travel options for commuters,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The EV ChargeON program will help get more electric vehicles on the road by building the infrastructure needed to support them, while securing a better future for Ontario.”
Starting today, the province is accepting applications for the EV ChargeON program to build publicly accessible charging stations in communities with less than 170,000 people, as well as in any Indigenous community in Ontario. Eligible applicants include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous businesses, organizations and communities, and broader public sector organizations like hospitals and universities.
“Our government is paving the way towards an electric future by building the infrastructure needed to support the electrification of transportation across Ontario,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “This program will deliver thousands of chargers across the province, which will be powered by our reliable, affordable and clean electricity grid, making EV travel for businesses and families easier than ever.”
The province’s $91 million investment in the EV ChargeON program will also help build more EV chargers on government-owned land, including Ontario’s highway rest areas, carpool parking lots and tourist destinations such as Ontario Parks.
Ontario’s EV ChargeON program builds on the government’s broader efforts to make it easier to access electric vehicle chargers across the province. This includes supporting Ontario’s Ivy Charging Network, which represents the largest public highway fast charging network in the province, with charging stations installed at all 20 renovated ONroute stations along the province’s busiest highways, the 400 and 401.
Quick Facts
- The EV ChargeON program consists of two streams: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream. Applications for the EV ChargeON Community Sites Stream, a competitive grant subsidy program, are now open for eligible private and public sector entities. Eligible applicants have until January 31, 2024, to submit their application.
- As of September 2023, there were more than 135,000 EVs registered in Ontario, including both battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). By 2030, over one million EVs are expected on Ontario’s roads.
- As of September 2023, there are over 2,900 public charging stations with 7,900 ports (or outlets) in Ontario. These include 6,600 Level 2 ports and 1,300 Level 3 fast-charging ports.
- Drivers can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 60-90% by driving battery-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and using Ontario’s low-carbon electricity to power their vehicles.
- This initiative supports the government’s Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan to create a domestic EV battery ecosystem in the province and position Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub.
Quotes
“Our government is accelerating the momentum of Ontario’s electric vehicle revolution by building the EV charging infrastructure drivers need. Over the last three years, Ontario has attracted over $27 billion in automotive and EV-related investments, establishing Ontario as a global hub of EV production.”
– Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade
“Expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a priority for our government and another way we are encouraging people to enjoy the great outdoors by improving the visitor experience at Ontario Parks. This will support the adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles and empower more people to do their part to create a greener future for the next generation.”
– Andrea Khanjin
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“I am proud of our government’s plan to lead the way in the electric vehicle industry by introducing more charging stations throughout smaller and medium-sized communities in Ontario. By investing in this critical infrastructure, we are providing more options for commuters and families in Port Hope, Peterborough, and across the province, to help us build a clean, green, and prosperous Ontario.”
– David Piccini
MPP Northumberland–Peterborough South
“We are excited about the Ontario government’s initiative to expand access to EV chargers across the province. Today’s announcement will give EV drivers more confidence and convenience.”
– Olena Hankivsky
Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
