VICTORIA, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - 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 (EV) 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 (EVAFIDI).
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.
Quick Facts
- 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 (Canada and the United States) 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.
Quotes
"Investments in green infrastructure will make our communities more accessible and healthier for everyone. By making it easier for British Columbians to switch to an electric vehicle, more Canadians can be part of the solution to take action against climate change. More electric vehicles travelling on our streets and highways reduce pollution and create good, middle-class jobs."
Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"To make it easier for British Columbians interested in driving an electric vehicle, we're expanding our fast-charging station network across the province. Electric vehicles are a great option for those looking to reduce their driving costs and their impact on the environment because BC Hydro generates 98 percent clean electricity."
Keith Anderson,
VP of Customer Service, BC Hydro
"Through our CleanBC plan, we're building a better British Columbia — one with a low-carbon economy that creates opportunities for everyone. British Columbians have told us they want to make the switch to cleaner transportation alternatives. We are moving forward on infrastructure improvements such as electric vehicle fast chargers, as well as making clean energy vehicles more affordable to more people in our province."
George Heyman
B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Related Links
- EVAFIDI Successful Applicants
- Go Green With Electric Vehicles
- Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations
- Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca.
SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Vanessa Adams, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-543-7645, [email protected]; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100
Share this article