Ottawa's EV charging expansion requires consistent messaging, proponents say

Ottawa announced an $84-million plan to add 8,000 charging ports as part of a $1.5‑billion EV infrastructure strategy, and industry backers say consistent federal messaging is important for restoring confidence and supporting adoption.

Ottawa has announced new funding to expand electric-vehicle charging across Canada. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the federal government will provide $84 million to add 8,000 charging ports. The investment is part of a broader $1.5‑billion EV infrastructure strategy announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this month. Canada currently has about 35,000 charging stations, concentrated in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Key details: - The plan calls for $84 million to add 8,000 charging ports, announced by Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. - The federal EV infrastructure strategy totals $1.5 billion and includes increased funding through the Canada Infrastructure Bank's charging initiative. - There are roughly 35,000 charging stations now in operation, with most located in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. - A 2021 Dunsky study projected 52,000 ports by 2025 and 643,000 by 2040; current installation rates have lagged those earlier projections. - Private firms such as Parkland and JOLT have previously received federal financing to deploy fast chargers and curbside chargers. - Natural Resources Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) provides funding intended to support smaller retail operators. Summary: The announcement aims to expand public charging while industry backers say steady federal messaging will influence driver decisions and the pace of EV adoption. Undetermined at this time.