Siobhan Coady, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Natural Resources joined Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Jennifer Williams, President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to announce funding for the province’s first electric vehicle fast-charging network. Through Budget 2019, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided $1 million, and the Government of Canada announced an additional $770,000, that will be used to purchase and install 28 electric vehicle chargers across the province to support the transition to a clean energy future.

“Electrification of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is a key energy priority given that 98 per cent of the province’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2021,” said Coady. “The development of the province`s first electric vehicle fast-charging network will enable electric vehicle owners to travel long distances and will remove one of the largest barriers to domestic electric vehicle ownership.”

Currently, there is limited charging station infrastructure available for public use in Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly outside the St. John’s area, to enable electric vehicles to travel long distances. This funding will help Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to build a fast-charging electric vehicle network along the Trans-Canada Highway, connecting St. John’s to Port aux Basques, including one location in Gros Morne National Park. Fourteen sites will contain both a fast charger and a Level 2 charger. Construction of the first site is scheduled to start in September.

Investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure will facilitate increased demand for electric vehicles in the province, contributing to electrification efforts. Additionally, it will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, provide rate mitigation benefits, and provide operational savings for electric vehicle owners.

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“Hydro is focused on meeting customer needs today, while also planning ahead for future electricity needs in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Williams. “As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, we have listened to customers and we’re excited to advance this initiative now, supporting a greener future for our province, and providing clean, renewable, road-trip-ready energy for years to come.”

These investments build on commitments from both the federal and provincial governments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative also builds on the commitment from The Way Forward on Climate Change to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy to increase electric vehicle penetration in consultation with the electric utilities, municipalities and industry.

Visit Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s Electric Vehicle Charging Network webpage for more information.

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