The Ontario government is expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by adding more than 1,300 new charging ports across small and medium-sized communities.
This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Energy and Electrification on November 12, will make EV charging more accessible outside of Ontario’s urban centres.
Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce announced the $63M investment saying they plan to make charging easier and more accessible in rural and medium-sized areas.
Minister Stephen Lecce highlighted that the investment will help drivers in underserved areas have more convenient access to EV charging. “With over 201,000 electric vehicles on the road, we’re providing easier access to charging, especially in smaller communities,” Lecce said.
According to Lecce, the project will span 270 sites.
Lecce says this expansion is part of building a more connected network to support Ontario’s shift toward clean energy.
The new stations will be installed at key sites, including parks, hospitals, and arenas. Notably, 190 of these charging ports will be set up in northern Ontario, addressing critical gaps for EV drivers in remote areas.
Lecce says you’ll see ports become available over the next few months with rollout complete in the next year.
Ontario’s efforts align with its broader clean energy goals, supported by the new Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Price Plan and plans for an EV Charger Discount Electricity Rate.
Lecce says the province is looking at the big picture when it comes to EV.
(Written by: Joseph Goden with files from John Brenner)