The Canadian government is investing $16.4 million to build 70 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles and a handful of refueling depots for natural gas and hydrogen cars, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr announced earlier this month.
The news follows Ontario’s decision to invest $20 million in a network of 500 EV charging stations.
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The federal plan will cover 50% of project costs, and the infrastructure is to be in place by the end of March, 2018. Ontario will fund charging stations in 250 locations across the province out of its Green Investment Fund, and expects them to be in place by 2017.
“By investing in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, we will provide national leadership on climate change and grow our economy,” Carr said. “I look forward to witnessing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial sense of our potential partners through their project proposals.”
“This is great news for drivers in Ontario,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca. “By investing in charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable, and affordable we will encourage more Ontarians to purchase electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas pollution, and keeping our air clean.”
The federal announcement also included $46.1 million for research and demonstration on next-generation charging technologies.
