British Columbia — Electric vehicles (EVs) will be getting a boost from the hundreds of public EV charging ports that will be installed throughout the Capital Regional District (CRD) after a combined investment of more than $8.7 million from the federal and provincial governments, the CRD, and the City of Victoria.
Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister George Heyman, and CRD Board Chair Colin Plant, the increase in the number of public charging ports will make charging of electric vehicles more convenient for thousands of people in Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Island. This project will make it easier for people to opt for EVs that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help British Columbians breathe cleaner air.
Funding will support the installation of approximately 576 Level-2 and 20 direct-current fast-charge (DCFC) EV charging ports in approximately 80 public locations across the Capital region. The CRD is undertaking regional coordination and close partnerships with local governments in the region, including the City of Victoria, which will manage up to 424 of the Level 2 and all 20 of the DCFCs planned under the project. The project will reduce GHG emissions by increasing public access to EV charging that uses B.C.’s clean electricity supply.
Strategic investments in electric transportation infrastructure help build more resilient communities and a sustainable future for Canadians, while also creating good jobs and a stronger economy.
“It is no secret that vehicles contribute significantly to GHG emissions and have a discernible impact on climate change. Funding EV charging ports across the Capital region is just one of the ways we’re giving vehicle owners more options to travel in greener, cleaner ways. Investing in public EV charging networks across Canada is how our government is making electric vehicles a reliable and convenient alternative for commuters and getting us one step closer to reaching our carbon emission reduction targets.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities