Ontario is set to streamline the process for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aiming to facilitate the expansion of public charging infrastructure. Starting May 27, 2024, all 58 local electricity utilities in the Canadian province will be required to adhere to the new, simplified procedures for EV infrastructure installation, including the use of standardized forms, timelines, and information requirements.
The move is part of Ontario’s efforts to support EV adoption and enhance accessibility to EV charging infrastructure. The province has various programs in place to achieve these goals, such as the EV ChargeON program, which has allocated 91 million CAD for the installation of public EV chargers outside of major urban centers.
Additionally, Ontario has introduced an “Ultra-Low Overnight price plan” to reduce the cost of charging electric vehicles overnight. Furthermore, the province has installed fast chargers at all 20 renovated ONroute stations along the busy 400 and 401 highways.
Minister of Energy Todd Smith emphasized the importance of the streamlined process, stating, “As the number of EV owners in Ontario continues to grow, our government is making it easier to put shovels in the ground to build the critical infrastructure needed for drivers to charge their vehicles where and when they need to.” He added, “This is just another step we are taking to reduce red tape, increase EV adoption, and use our clean electricity supply to support the electrification of Ontario’s transportation sector.”
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Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted the government’s commitment to building a robust EV charging infrastructure, stating, “Our government is paving the way to an electric future by building the EV charging infrastructure drivers need, where they need it.” He noted, “By increasing the accessibility of public EV charging stations across the province, including for rural and northern communities, we are providing more sustainable and convenient travel options for drivers.”
