Ottawa Pumps $23 Million Into New EV Chargers Across B.C.

The federal government is putting nearly $22.7 million toward eight projects that will add more than 480 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers in British Columbia.

The chargers will be installed in public areas, along major travel routes, at workplaces, and in multi-unit residential buildings. The goal is to make it easier for EV drivers to find a place to charge and to encourage more people to switch from gas-powered cars, which is the government’s ongoing forté.

“With today’s announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles with the installation of more than 480 EV chargers in British Columbia,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure (and former Mayor of Vancouver).

The funding is part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), which helps cover the cost of EV charging and hydrogen refuelling stations across Canada. Since 2016, Ottawa touts it has committed more than $1 billion to expand charging networks nationwide.

“Canada is taking bold action to become an energy superpower. Through these projects, we are delivering practical, on-the-ground solutions to improve EV charging availability for British Columbians,” said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson in a statement.

Back in January, the federal government’s $5,000 EV rebate ended as the program ran out of money. Back in June, Ottawa said the EV rebate program will be coming back but they have yet to share any details on its return.