Electric and alternative fuel vehicles play a key role in reducing pollution. As Canadians continue to make greener choices, the Government of Canada is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go while reducing pollution.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $1.15-million investment to build 23 electric vehicle fast chargers across B.C.
The stations are being deployed by British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, with partial funding from Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative.
The Government of British Columbia is also contributing $575,000 toward the fast chargers through its Clean Energy Vehicle Public Fast Charging Program.
The funding is part of the Government's $182.5-million investment to develop a coast-to-coast fast-charging network for EVs and establish natural gas stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen stations in metropolitan centres. This investment will also ensure Canada–U.S. alignment of standards for low-carbon vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.
The EVAFIDI program is part of the Government of Canada's $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear electric vehicles are a necessity for Canada's low-carbon future. The Government of Canada continues to support green infrastructure projects that will create good jobs, advance Canada's green future and help us reach our domestic and international climate targets.
Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, the Government of Canada is investing $96.4 million to support the establishment of a coast-to-coast charging network for electric vehicles, natural gas stations along key freight corridors and stations for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in metropolitan centres. The Government is also investing $76.1 million to support the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies and $10 million for the development of binational codes and standards for low-carbon vehicles and infrastructure.
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.