Tesla Explains in Detail How Ontario Public EV Charging Should Expand

Image: Tesla

Tesla sent a 10-page letter to the Ontario, Canada government in November sharing new strategies for expanding the province’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, according to the automaker’s latest lobbyist registry filing, reports Electric Autonomy.

“Ensure the efficient and consistent integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with the transmission and distribution systems across the province,” Tesla writes in its recent lobbying letter dated January 19.

“Tesla’s intended outcome is to help accelerate the pace at which charging station new service connections are provided while minimizing connection costs, in order to increase number of charging stations deployed in Ontario.”

Last year, Tesla also reached out to Ontario’s Environmental Policy Office to advise on the allocation of $91 million CAD in funding announced for expanding the public charging infrastructure.

Out of 58 public comments received during the public consult round of the funding, Tesla was the only automaker present and offering advice on the EV charging expansions. Tesla recommended six pillars to focus on:

  • Focus on low utilization and remote sites, as well as those needing increased capacity.
  • Expand program scope in existing multi-unit residences.
  • Support urban development, offering EV charging to MURB dwellers, and establish fast-charging hubs in dense, expensive real estate markets.
  • Require a minimum of 100kW for DC fast-charging funding.
  • Adopt uptime requirement minimums for Ontario-funded connectors.
  • Work closely with the Ontario Energy Board on timelines, scope of work and high costs, since they remain significant barriers.

Tesla touted it has delivered over 130,000 of its vehicles in Canada, while it has 1,490 Supercharger connectors in the nation. Tesla said it also employes 1,300 Canadian-based employees, plus has three R&D facilities in Canada (Mississauga, Richmond Hill and Dartmouth). The company added its direct and indirect contribution to the Canadian economy since early 2018 has exceeded $830 million.

Tesla announced plans for a new multi-million dollar showroom and service center in Ontario just a few weeks ago, and past reports suggest the automaker could be targeting the province for a new Gigafactory.