Canada Invests in Vancouver's Electric Vehicle Network

VANCOUVER, Feb. 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Electric and alternative fuel vehicles play a key role in Canada's low-carbon future. 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.

Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today announced a $300,000 investment to build six electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers in Vancouver.

These latest fast chargers, built by the City of Vancouver, were partially funded through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI). The Government of British Columbia also contributed $150,000 through its Clean Energy Vehicle Public Fast Charging Program.

All six of the EV fast chargers are scheduled to open in early 2020. Two fast chargers will be located at National Avenue, two at West 12^th Street and two more at Pacific Boulevard.

This investment will bring the total number of government-funded EV fast chargers in Vancouver to 13 since 2017.

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 roads and hydrogen stations in metropolitan centres. This investment will also ensure Canada–U.S. alignment of regulations for low-carbon vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.

The EVAFIDI program is also part of Canada's$180-billionInvesting in Canada infrastructure plan.

Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear that the transition to electric vehicles is 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 clean future and help us reach our domestic and international climate targets.

Quotes

"Electric vehicles are an important part of Canada's clean energy future. Our government is working with municipal and provincial governments to support green infrastructure projects to encourage widespread adoption. Together, we are building Canada's clean tech economy."

 Pamela Goldsmith-Jones
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast­–Sea to Sky Country

"The city is committed to reducing emissions from vehicles by investing in transportation infrastructure that improves options for moving around the city by transit, foot and bike, and — when a vehicle is needed — by supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Expanding the public infrastructure people need to make the transition to EVs a cost-effective reality aligns with our goals of a low-carbon future. This funding to increase Vancouver's fast chargers, which can provide up to 200km of range in an hour, is a boost to our public charging infrastructure. So as more people choose electric, the expanded network is ready."  

Kennedy Stewart
Mayor, City of Vancouver

"We're seizing opportunities to lower emissions and improve quality of life in our communities. These additional fast chargers add to B.C.'s already extensive charging network and make owning an electric vehicle even more attractive. As a province, we're working with our partners to put B.C. on a path that powers our future with clean, renewable energy that reduces air pollution."

Spencer Chandra Herbert
Member of Legislative Assembly for Vancouver-West End

Quick Facts 

• Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, the Government of Canada is investing $182.5 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 ($96.4 million). This investment also includes support for the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies ($76.1 million), as well as the development of binational (Canada and the United States) codes and standards ($10 million) 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.

Related Links

• EVAFIDI Successful Applicants 
• Go Green With Electric Vehicles 
• Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator
• Electric Vehicle Innovation Demonstrations
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada