As more people continue to switch to electric vehicles, the government has continued to improve charging accessibility for those transitioning away from gas. Since 2015, Canada has invested a historic $3.6 billion to make EVs more affordable and chargers more accessible for Canadians. These investments support the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of chargers in local areas where Canadians live, work, and play. Meanwhile, federal rebates of up to $5,000 are helping more Canadians make the switch to an EV. Thinking about an electric vehicle? Read on to learn more about how the government is making it easier to access EV charging stations in Ontario.
Improving Public Access to EV Charging Stations
As part of Ontario’s green agenda, the government is continuing to install electric vehicle fast chargers directly on the province’s busiest highways. The goal is to build on the growing success of Ontario’s Ivy Charging Network, which represents the most extensive public highway fast-charging network in the province. This funding will add more EV chargers all across Ontario. It will include highway rest stops, carpool parking lots, Ontario Parks, and community hubs, like hockey arenas and municipal parks. Chargers at 17 ONroute locations are already open for summer use.
Ontario’s plan will see ONroute locations along Highways 401 and 400 with at least two EV chargers at each site. Busier sites will have more chargers. Drivers will have access to the EV chargers on a pay-per-use basis, serving all vehicle types. Finally, the province will also introduce the Rural Connectivity Fund later this year. Its goal is to provide rural municipalities with the opportunity to apply for provincial funding. As a result, this funding will support the installation of EV chargers in their communities. The hope is to also continue encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles outside of urban centres.
More Charging Stations to Be Built in Smaller Communities
Last year, the Ontario government announced its plans to build over 1,300 electric vehicle charging ports in smaller communities across the province. This marks a major step in the province’s plan to increase access to charging stations outside of large urban centres. With this comes more support for electric transportation across the province.
As substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector grow in the province, these new charging stations aim to provide critical support for communities across the province, including those made right here in Ontario.
These 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. On top of this, in any Indigenous communities in Ontario. The chargers will be located at 270 sites across the province, such as arenas, hospitals and parks. This includes 190 charging ports in northern Ontario, providing drivers across the north with more options when travelling. Each of the proposed charging sites will include Level 2 charging stations, Level 3 charging stations, or a combination of the two.
“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.”
Raising Ontario’s EV Production Profile
In 2023, the government agreed with Ivy, ONroute and Canadian Tire to construct EV chargers at all the province’s 23 ONroute stations is a major step forward in lowering emissions province-wide. This deployment will reduce barriers to EV ownership, supporting Ontario’s growing EV manufacturing market and critical minerals sector, and help achieve Ontario’s goal of building at least 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030.
According to Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This investment is the next step forward that will help fill gaps in public charging infrastructure and strengthen Ontario’s position as a leader in battery electric vehicle production.” By providing residents with convenient, public access to fast and reliable charging, Ontario can move closer to achieving its goal. And what is that goal? “…making Made-in-Ontario electric vehicles the top choice for both passenger and commercial drivers.”
Looking Ahead to Improving Emissions in Ontario
Reducing pollution from the transportation sector is critical to Canada achieving its climate targets. Transportation accounts for 25 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Therefore, the Government of Canada is making it easier for Canadians to purchase, charge and drive electric vehicles across the country. There is also talk that the government will support the development of business cases for the electric and low-emission conversion of the Ontario Public Service fleet and the GO Transit network. It plans to create a Made-in-Ontario strategy towards acquiring electric vehicles and low-carbon equipment when renewing its fleet.
As the future of the automotive sector shifts to electric vehicle production, this announcement of funding means that Ontario will have the infrastructure in place to support the shift to more EVs on its roads. According to Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario is looking to become a world-leader in the transition to electric vehicles. Through “…closing deals for new automaker mandates for hybrid and battery EVs, attracting a new battery assembly plant to the province and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations around the globe.”
Whether you drive an electric vehicle or a gas-powered one, having the proper insurance is critical. If you are in the market for new insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure! Contact us or request an EV insurance quote today!
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