The Canadian federal government has announced an investment of C$10.9 million (approximately €6.75 million) to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and support education initiatives aimed at accelerating EV adoption across the country.
The funding will support new public charging stations, awareness programs and guidance for installing charging infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings.
Funding to Expand Public Charging Network
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin announced that nearly C$9 million will be allocated to nine infrastructure projects, supporting the installation of almost 400 new public charging points across Canada.
The investment is intended to improve the availability and accessibility of the country’s charging network.
Hydro-Québec will receive C$5 million to install approximately 100 new DC fast chargers across its Le Circuit électrique network. The expansion is expected to help address growing charging demand, reduce waiting times at busy locations and increase network capacity.
Other recipients, including Ivy Charging Network and QuantumEV, will also use government funding to expand charging infrastructure in Ontario and other provinces.
Supporting EV Awareness and Training
The government is also investing approximately C$2 million in 13 education and awareness projects designed to increase public confidence in zero-emission vehicles.
The initiatives include emergency responder training programs, public test-drive events in rural and Indigenous communities, and information campaigns promoting electric mobility.
Focus on Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
A significant portion of the education funding targets charging access in multi-unit residential buildings, where many residents do not have access to private charging facilities.
The Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council will receive C$200,000 to develop resources that support the installation of charging infrastructure in apartment buildings, condominiums and other shared residential properties.
The project aims to help property owners and managers address technical, legal and financial barriers associated with EV charger deployment.
“Driving electric can save a Canadian household between $23,000 and $32,000 over 10 years, but for the nearly one in three Canadian families who live in condominiums, stratas, and apartments, those savings can be out of reach,” said Travis Allan, President of the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council.
The Canadian Parking Association will also receive C$200,000 to develop research-based guidance for parking owners and operators planning charging installations in shared parking facilities.
Supporting Canada’s EV Strategy
The latest funding complements Canada’s broader automotive and clean transportation strategy, which seeks to expand zero-emission vehicle adoption while leveraging an electricity system powered largely by low-carbon energy sources.
Industry organizations, including Electric Mobility Canada, have welcomed continued government support for charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, bidirectional charging technologies and greater integration between electric vehicles and the electricity grid.
