More federal funding to support installation of EV chargers across WindsorEssex

The federal government has announced funding to continue the installation of hundreds of new electric vehicle chargers across Windsor-Essex.

Windsor-Tecumseh Liberal M-P Irek Kusmierczyk announced Wednesday at the University of Windsor that a total of $4.3-million will be invested through the Natural Resources Canada's Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

Essex Powerlines created the Charge Up Windsor-Essex program in January 2022 to distribute roughly $2-million in initial funding for the program, which was quickly allocated.

The program accepts applications from qualified recipients, who would like to install charging infrastructure in public places, on-street, in multi-unit residential buildings, at workplaces or for light-duty vehicle fleets.

Steve Ray, Chief Operating Officer of Essex Power Corporation, says the funds dedicated to the program have been fully allocated.

"There were 73 successful applicants to date amounting in 274 Level 2 chargers and 58 Level 3 fast chargers. Of those 73 applications, 19 of those projects have been completed with 54 still to go and will be worked on until December 2024, over the next year and a half," he says.

Ray says the funding from the government covers 50 per cent of the installation costs.

"So really overall in the community it is about $8.6-million worth of investment in infrastructure. Half by private industry and institution, and the eligible remaining Natural Resources Canada through the government of Canada," he adds.

Currently, 68 Level 2 and 10  Level 3 chargers have been completed. 

The University of Windsor has already received funding through the program, using the money to installed 24 new EV chargers across their campus, the most of any applicant.

With files from Rob Hindi