Electric vehicle chargers coming to Durham
Durham Region is accelerating its transition to a clean energy economy with new electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
The region is collaborating with local area municipalities and utilities to create a community-wide network of EV charges.
The initiative is made possible through a more than $296,000 investment from the Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
The investment will support the installment of 60 EV connectors across 21 municipally-owned and publicly-accessible sites. By making more EV infrastructure available, the initiative will encourage more people to use EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Durham Regional Chair John Henry says the new EV charging connectors “show Durham’s commitment to leading the way in the technologies and jobs of the future,” adding greener options stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities.
“Durham Region has taken important steps to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient community,” says Henry. “We’re working with our public and private sector partners to make it more convenient to switch to electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.”
The initiative is a joint effort of the region and local municipalities, including Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, in collaboration with Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation, and Whitby.
“I am excited for the positive environmental and economic impacts this initiative will bring throughout the community,” says Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, noting the investment will facilitate EV charging stations in key areas of the city, including City Hall and Lakeview Park.
“This initiative is aligned with the Environmental Responsibility Goal in the Oshawa Strategic Plan and is an important step in providing more options for community members to charge their electric vehicles,” adds Carter.
The project complements several regional initiatives in place to support climate action, including Durham Region Transit’s electric bus project, subsidized tree planting programs, and start-up funding for the Durham Home Energy Savings Plan Program.
For more information, reports and updates on Durham Region’s climate action initiatives, visit www.durham.ca/climatechange.