Ontario invests in electric car charging stations

Amidst a spate of recent developments in the electric car sector, the Premier of Ontario has announced a CAD$80 million fund to kick-start development and investment in charging stations for electric cars.

Together with Infrastructure Ontario, the state hopes to encourage proposals for recharging facilities from public and private sectors. Making charging stations widely available is an essential step towards the province’s aim of making one in 20 cars in Ontario electrically powered by 2020.

Existing incentives for electric vehicle buyers in Ontario include a government rebate of up to $8,500, as well as “green license plates” which allow the cars to be driven in express lanes.

Conservation organisation WWF has welcomed the funding announcement – Director of Climate and Energy Josh Laughren said, ‘Electric vehicles, powered by clean energy, are essential to help fight climate change and build healthy, sustainable cities. Premier McGuinty’s announcement today will make it easier for Ontarians to buy an electric vehicle.’

The announcement from Ontario comes in the wake of a number of similar stories from countries across the globe – including the UK and the US – which are investing in charging infrastructure in order to boost the uptake of electric cars.

For further information:
www.infrastructureontario.ca
www.wwf.ca

10 August 2011

Back