The federal government is contributing $4.6 million toward’s the creation of Petro-Canada’s network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles across Canada.
The first completed station, in Stewiacke, will be part of a larger network of more than 50 Petro-Canada locations, each with two charging units on site.
Cumberland–Colchester Liberal MP Bill Casey made the announcement on Friday the government would be providing the grant to Petro-Canada for building 92 electric vehicle fast chargers in its coast-to-coast network.
Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI), Ottawa 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.
More than $180 billion over 12 years will be spent on public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
More than 500 fast chargers are built or planned this year, with hundreds more expected over the next two years, according to a government release. A further $130 million is being invested in charging infrastructure, and a new incentive, worth up to $5,000, is available for Canadians who purchase or lease a zero-emission vehicle.
The Petro-Canada investment also includes support for the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies, as well as the development of a common code and standards for low-carbon vehicles and infrastructure for Canada and the United States.
The government’s climate plan also includes more than 50 measures to protect the environment including ocean protection, phase out of coal-fired electricity, investment in renewable energy, public transit, and reduction of plastic pollution.