The federal government is investing nearly $15 million for the installation of 2,100 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the Greater Toronto Area, in a step to combat pollution.
“Reducing pollution from the transportation sector is critical to Canada achieving its climate targets. That’s why the Government of Canada is making it easier for Canadians to purchase, charge and drive EVs in Ontario and across the country,” the government said in a news release on Friday.
Transportation accounts for 25 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, according to the government.
“We’re proud that the City of Toronto is helping to drive the transition to electric vehicles in the GTA,” Mayor John Tory said in the release. “With nearly 35 percent of Toronto’s emissions coming from on-road transportation, switching to electric vehicles will be integral to helping the City of Toronto meet our goal of being net zero by 2040.”
The funding was provided to 32 organizations, including municipalities, multi-residential buildings and private firms.
“We’re making electric vehicles more affordable and charging more accessible where Canadians live, work and play,” Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson said in the release. “Investing in more EV chargers, like the ones announced today across the Greater Toronto Area, will put more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future and help achieve our climate goals.”
Since 2016, $1 billion has been invested by the federal government in efforts to make EVs more affordable and chargers more accessible for Canadians.
“By investing in critical charging infrastructure, we’re helping families save money at the pump while combating climate change,” Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicinio said in the release.
Officials have approved funding to support the installation of more than 34,500 EV chargers to date.
Canada’s Budget 2022 delivered an additional $1.7 billion to extend the government’s purchase incentive program until March 2025 and to expand the types of vehicle models eligible under the program, which would include more vans, trucks and SUVs.
Federal funding will be provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (iZEV) Infrastructure Program.
There is a list of eligible zero-emission vehicles for purchase or lease that provide consumers with iZEV Program incentives of up to $5,000.
