Ontario Government Commits $20 Million Towards Building EV Charging Stations

Today the Government of Ontario announced their plans to invest $20 Million towards expanding Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure across the province.

Through the $20 million grant program, the province is seeking public and private sector partners to create a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations in cities, along highways and at workplaces, apartments, condominiums and public places across Ontario. Full program details will be available later this month. The goal is to increase the amount of available charging stations not only within urban centres but also in between them.

Nissan Leaf Uses a Level 3 Charger in Mississauga, ON. Photo: Eric Novak

The announcement was made by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Environment Minister Glenn Murray, who are each participating in the COP21 Paris Climate Summit.

Two types of charging stations are being targeting with this announcement.  Level 2 chargers, which have the ability to fully charge most electric vehicles within a 4 – 6 hour time frame will be targeted for workplaces where vehicles are often parked for the day.  Additionally Level 3 chargers, which have the ability to replenish most of a vehicle’s battery system within a half hour will also be sought for installation along commuter routes and highways.

While the ability to act and perform like a regular gasoline engine has been proven, full battery electric vehicles have been hampered somewhat by the range they are able to travel on a single charge.  Vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul EV typically have a maximum drive range under 200 km’s, while upper end versions of the Tesla Model S can exceed 400 kms on a single charge.

Murray notes that the money will be spend in the current fiscal year and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.  He notes it is intended to be seen as a kick start program and is a part of Ontario’s new $325 million Green Investment Fund, which commits money for projects that fight climate change.

“Ontario’s new Green Investment Fund offers exciting opportunities to revolutionize how we live, work, move and play as we fight climate change. This initial investment is just the start of many more bold steps we’ll be taking to promote electric cars as a sustainable transportation choice and to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in other sectors.” notes Murray.

These investments are part of the government’s plan for securing a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future by transforming the Ontarians live, move, work and adapt to their environment while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.

“Climate change is already costing the people of Ontario. It has devastated communities, damaged homes, businesses and crops, and increased insurance costs.” adds Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. “Our government’s new Green Investment Fund will support concrete steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building more charging stations will promote sustainable transportation while empowering people in Ontario who want to take action in the fight against climate change.”

The Province notes that there are currently about 5,400 electric vehicles registered in the province.  Sales of electric vehicles have seen a slow but steady rise over the past few years.  For example, the Nissan Leaf experienced an increase of almost 44% in November sales this year compared to 2014, while overall year-to-date sales are up close to 10%.

Tesla Model S. Photo: Eric Novak

New electrified models are also either just arriving in dealerships or are expected to arrive in 2016.  Some, such as the 2016 Chevrolet Volt run on a combination of electric battery with a gas-powered range extender.  Others such as plug-in hybrid models of the Toyota Prius, Volvo XC90, Porsche Cayenne SE hybrid and others offer the ability to run on battery only for ranges of approximately 20 – 40 kms and then convert to a more typical battery-electric hybrid that includes use of a gas-powered engine.  A new Tesla 7-seat crossover, known as the Model X begins deliveries this year and we will even soon see a first-of-its-kind plug-in hybrid minivan with the anticipated launch of the new Chrysler Town and Country early next year.

The investment shows a willingness on behalf of the Government of Ontario to create the right infrastructure to allow the further use of electric vehicles, especially given that transportation in Ontario is the single-largest emitting sector in its economy.  Greenhouse gases from cars account for more emissions than those from industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemicals combined. With a growing population and expanding urban regions, transportation emissions pose one of the province’s greatest challenges in achieving Ontario’s emissions targets.

In May 2015, Ontario became the first province in Canada to set a mid-term greenhouse gas pollution reduction target of 37 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.