Ottawa plans to add 8,000 electric vehicle charging ports in Canada

Ottawa plans to spend more than $84 million to add 8,000 electric vehicle charging ports, and the announcement did not include a timeline for installation.

Ottawa said it will spend more than $84 million to add 8,000 electric vehicle charging ports across Canada as part of its new automotive strategy. Energy Minister Tim Hodson announced the plan. The announcement did not include a timeline for installation. A 2021 analysis commissioned by Natural Resources Canada estimated Canada would need about 52,000 chargers by the end of 2025. Key details: - Ottawa plans to spend more than $84 million to add 8,000 charging ports. - The announcement did not provide a timeline for when the ports will be installed. - Natural Resources Canada data show there are more than 38,000 public chargers in almost 14,500 locations. - A 2021 analysis by Dunsky Energy and Climate estimated Canada would need 52,000 chargers by the end of 2025. - Charging infrastructure is concentrated in Ontario and Quebec (67%), with British Columbia at about 20% and Alberta at about 5%. Summary: The federal plan expands announced spending on EV infrastructure but remains short of earlier estimates for the number of chargers needed. Undetermined at this time.