The Ontario government is allocating additional funds to establish thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in small and medium-sized communities, aiming to enhance accessibility beyond major urban centers. This initiative, part of the EV ChargeON program, seeks to boost EV adoption by providing crucial infrastructure, fostering confidence among drivers to make the transition. Prabmeet Sarkaria, the Minister of Transportation, emphasizes the role of public charging stations in positioning Ontario as a global leader in the EV industry, supporting commuters with diverse travel options. Applications for the program are now open, targeting communities with populations under 170,000 and Indigenous communities. Eligible applicants include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous entities, non-profits, and public sector organizations. With a $91 million investment, the program plans to install chargers on government-owned land, including highway rest areas, carpool lots, and tourist spots like Ontario Parks, contributing to the province's broader strategy to facilitate widespread EV charger accessibility.
The EV ChargeON program, featuring two streams, Community Sites and Government Sites, is now accepting applications for the competitive grant subsidy Community Sites Stream until January 31, 2024. With over 135,000 EVs registered in Ontario as of September 2023, the province aims to have over one million EVs on its roads by 2030. Ontario presently has over 2,900 public charging stations with 7,900 ports. The initiative aligns with the province's plan to create a domestic EV battery ecosystem and establish Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub while promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through EV adoption.
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