Feds invest in EV fast chargers for Quebec and B.C.

As part of #EVWeekinCanada, the Government of Canada announced investments across the country to install electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers.

In Quebec a $9,490,000 investment was announced to Hydro-Québec to install 215 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers across the province. Hydro-Québec is also contributing $10,706,000 toward this initiative, bringing the total project cost to $20,196,000.

Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative and Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, all fast chargers will be deployed at the latest by 31 December, 2022. Close to 65 percent of these chargers are already in service and can be used by the public.

Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage and MP for Laurier–Sainte-Marie also announced a $1,264,000 investment to Hydro-Québec to address barriers to EV adoption. Using test benches, the state-owned public utility will test ultra-fast new generation EV charging stations to assess different manufacturers’ charging technologies in real-world conditions and collect vital information about grid infrastructure. Hydro-Québec and the Government of Quebec also invested in the project, bringing the total funding to $3,097,721.

The federal funding for this project was provided through NRCan’s Green Infrastructure – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program, which aims to accelerate the market entry of next-generation clean energy technologies.

“Electric Circuit and Hydro-Québec would like to thank Natural Resources for their support and confidence in our network of public charging stations,” said France Lampron, Director of Transportation Electrification, Hydro-Québec. “Recently, we deployed our 500th rapid-charging station, and we are moving toward more than 2,500 rapid-charging stations by 2030 so that electric vehicle drivers can travel with peace of mind throughout Quebec.”

Another investment of over $1,200,000 was announced to support cities across British Columbia and install 98 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the province.

• The City of Vancouverreceived $905,000 to install 91 EV chargers. The Government of B.C.’s CleanBC Go Electric Program is contributing $200,000, and the City is also contributing $790,000 toward this initiative, bringing the total project cost to $1,900,000.
• 7-Eleven Inc.received $300,000 to install six EV fast chargers in Vancouver, Langley, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Kamloops and Victoria. The Government of B.C.’s CleanBC Go Electric Program is also contributing $150,000.
• Petro-Canada, a Suncor business, received $50,000 for an EV fast charger in Vancouver. The Government of B.C.’s CleanBC Go Electric Program is also contributing $25,000.

“More and more British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles to save on fuel costs and reduce air pollution,” said Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Through CleanBC, we’re working with our partners to expand our EV charging network across the province, make it easier for drivers to go electric and put B.C. on the road to a clean energy future.”