Multiple Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Possibly Coming to Oakville
Published September 11, 2019 at 6:19 pm
Electric Vehicles (EV) are quickly becoming more popular for motorists, and Oakville is looking to accommodate the growing amount of drivers going green.
Electric Vehicles (EV) are quickly becoming more popular for motorists, and Oakville is looking to accommodate the growing amount of drivers going green.
The city is one step closer to implementing a community-wide network of electric vehicle charging stations to help promote EV use.
At a Planning and Development Council meeting held Tuesday (September 10) night, the council approved an application for funding through the Government of Canada’s recently announced Zero-Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). The program covers up to 50 per cent of the cost to install 20 or more EV charging stations.
“Over the years, the Town Council has taken action to reduce the town’s impact on the environment and take steps to address the challenge of climate change. Providing easy access for electric vehicles is critical to decreasing Oakville’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Burton. “This is one more step we’re taking to support a cleaner, greener future.”
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Oakville has one of the highest electric vehicle ownerships per capita in Ontario; however, research shows that ‘range anxiety’ – the concern of where to find EV chargers – remains the second most significant barrier for people who are interested in purchasing EVs in Oakville.
The town will apply to 20 dual EV chargers, totalling 40 EV parking spaces, at the cost of $564,000. If awarded, the town’s share of $282,000 will be allocated from the Parking Reserve Fund and recovered through user fees.
“User fees will help support the capital investment made by the town and cover the energy, maintenance and operational expenses of the chargers,” said Jim Barry, the director of Municipal Enforcement Services. “We’ve identified chargers that will integrate with the town’s pay-by-plate parking program in commercial districts, ensuring users pay one fee for both charging and parking in those areas.”
The planned network of chargers supports the eight charging stations already set in motion as part of the Downtown Lakeshore Road East revitalization project.
Four chargers will be installed on Lakeshore Road during the first phase of construction, and are scheduled to be completed by November 2019.
The remaining four will be implemented in the second phase of the project and will be completed by November 2020.
Locations for the remainder of the public charging stations will be chosen for their proximity to local businesses, community centres and major roadways and highways.
Successful applicants of the ZEVIP funding are expected to be notified by November 2019.
What are your thoughts on more EV charging stations coming to Oakville?
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