The Government of Canada today announced nearly $22.7 million CAD (about $16.5 million USD) in funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across British Columbia.
The investment, delivered in partnership with provincial utilities and municipalities, will support eight projects that will see more than 480 new EV chargers installed along major highways, in public spaces, at workplaces, and in multi-unit residential buildings. The goal is to improve access for current EV drivers while addressing range anxiety for Canadians considering switching to zero-emission vehicles.
“Canada is taking bold action to become an energy superpower. Through these projects, we are delivering practical, on-the-ground solutions to improve EV charging availability for British Columbians. Investments like this are how we build a cleaner, more secure and more competitive economy,” said Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“With today’s announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles with the installation of more than 480 EV chargers in British Columbia. These chargers are located in high-demand areas and along busy highway corridors where Canadians need them most,” added Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The funding comes just weeks after Hodgson’s office unveiled $25 million CAD (about $18 million USD) in support for 33 projects that will add more than 850 EV chargers across the country. Since 2016, Ottawa has committed over $1 billion CAD to EV charging infrastructure..
However, the push to expand Canada’s charging network comes as the federal EV rebate program remains suspended, with Ottawa promising to reintroduce it in the future.
