The Government of Canada has invested $19 million to provide 2,416 new electric vehicle charging stations in BC
The Canadian government has awarded funding to 26 projects, managed by public authorities, multi-unit residential buildings, businesses, and energy providers. These chargers will be set up in workplaces, transportation hubs, residential complexes, and major highways.
BC Hydro and Power Authority will receive the biggest portion of the funds ($2.95 million) for the installation of 56 Level 3 charging stations throughout British Columbia. Additionally, with the support of $2.9 million from Ottawa, PCI King George Developments Inc. will add 782 Level 2 chargers, as well as one Level 3 station, in Surrey.
The Vancouver Airport Authority has received $1.6 million to put in 46 Level 2 and 28 Level 3 charging points in Richmond. With the funds currently invested in the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, 34,500 new charging stations are expected to be installed across Canada by 2027.
In support of the government's aim to add 50,000 new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) chargers to Canada's network, Budget 2022 has allocated an additional $900 million to Natural Resources Canada and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to deploy ZEV infrastructure.
There is also an additional $1.7 billion to prolong the government's purchase incentive program until March 2025, and expand the types of vehicle models eligible under the program, which would include vans, trucks and SUVs. Budget 2022 has also allotted up to nearly $4 billion over eight years to the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, the purpose of which is to progress the development of critical minerals resources and value chains — such as metals for clean technologies like electric vehicles and advanced batteries — to promote the transition to a low-carbon economy and back advanced technology and manufacturing.
In addition, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement incorporates a refundable investment tax credit for clean technologies like industrial zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling equipment, in addition to assistance for clean energy generation and storage.
