Ontario government will offer $20 million in grants to public or private partners willing to develop a network of fast-charging stations within and between urban centres.
The funding will come from the province’s new, $325 million green investment fund, which commits money for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“By investing in charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable and affordable we will encourage more Ontarians to purchase electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas pollution and keeping our air clean”.
Environment Minister Glen Murray said the investment will go toward two types of EV charging stations: Slower Level 2 chargers to be installed at workplaces where vehicles are parked for hours, and much faster Level 3 chargers that can replenish most of a vehicle’s battery system within 30 minutes.
The transportation sector is responsible for about 35% of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, and a significant move to electric cars would help the province meet its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
There are only about 5,400 electric vehicles registered in Ontario and just five fast-charging stations, all located in the GTA.
Full details of the program will be available later this month.
