THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay CEDC is hoping to triple the number of electric vehicle charging stations in the area with new program supported by $500,000 in federal funds.
The Plug in Thunder Bay program will cover up to 50 per cent of costs to install EV fast-charging stations for successful applicants, CEDC head Eric Zakrewski said this week during the agency’s annual report to city council.
There are currently 41 fast-charging stations in the city, Zakrewski said.
“We plan with this program to help the private sector and public sector triple that by adding another 90 new charging stations throughout the community.”
Fast-charging stations allow a typical EV to recharge to 80 per cent within about half an hour.
In the third quarter of 2020, EVs made up about 3.5 per cent of new vehicles registered nationally, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal Liberals campaigned on a target requiring half of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030. The party also planned to expand subsidy programs, which currently offer up to $5,000 in incentives to purchase an EV.
A provincial EV rebate program was cancelled by the Ford government in 2018.
