Province making it easier and more convenient to charge up outside of large urban centres
The Ontario government is building over 1,300 new electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in small and medium-sized communities, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector, these new charging stations will provide critical supporting infrastructure in communities across the province, including for EVs made right here in Ontario.
“With more than 201,000 electric vehicles on the road in Ontario, we’re putting shovels in the ground to build more charging stations and make life easier for drivers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “That includes a focus on smaller and underserved communities across our province where we are providing more certainty for parents and workers during their commutes.”
The new chargers are part of the government’s $63 million investment to build publicly accessible charging stations in communities with less than 170,000 people, as well as in any Indigenous community in Ontario. The chargers will be located at 270 sites across the province, such as arenas, hospitals, parks and recreation centres. This includes 190 charging ports in northern Ontario, providing drivers across the north with more options when travelling.
“Improving EV charging infrastructure is essential to ensuring drivers are confident in electric vehicles,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “By focusing on smaller and medium-sized communities, we’re filling gaps in underserved areas to build a more connected charging network for everyone in Ontario.”
Each new EV charging site will include Level 2 charging stations, Level 3 charging stations, or a combination of the two. In addition, the government has also launched a new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan and is exploring options for an Electric Vehicle Charger Discount Electricity Rate to further support EV adoption and reduce emissions. The new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan is helping customers who use more electricity at night, including those who charge their electric vehicle, save up to $90 per year.
“Having attracted $45 billion in new electric vehicle and EV battery investments over the last four years, our government is delivering on a plan to build a fully integrated end-to-end EV supply chain in Ontario” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By expanding access to charging infrastructure beyond urban centres, we’re ensuring workers and families across the province can feel confident in their adoption of EVs.”
Quick Facts
- The government is investing a total of $91 million through the EV ChargeON program which consists of two streams: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream. Requests for bids for the Government Sites Stream closed in September 2024.
- Businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, and broader public sector organizations (such as hospitals, universities, and colleges) were invited to submit funding applications for the Community Sites Stream.
- As of October 2024, there were more than 201,000 EVs registered in Ontario, including both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. By 2030, over one million EVs are expected on Ontario’s roads.
- This initiative builds on Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, a government plan that includes measures aimed to encourage EV uptake across Ontario.
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
