May 3, 2019-Whitehorse, Yukon-Natural Resources Canada
Canada's climate plan is working for our planet, and it is working for Canadians. Electric and alternative fuel vehicles play a key role in our low-carbon future. As Canadians continue to make greener choices, our government is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go while reducing pollution.
Member of Parliament for Yukon, Larry Bagnell, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today announced funding for a demonstration project for three electric vehicle (EV) stations that will study and encourage the uptake of EVs in Yukon and other cold climates. Natural Resources Canada provided $212,000 to the Yukon Government for the project through its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration (EVID) program.
The funding is part of the government's $182.5-million investment to develop a coast-to-coast fast-charging network for EVs and establish natural gas stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen stations in metropolitan centres. The funding also supports the demonstration of innovative EV charging solutions in real-world applications. This investment will also ensure Canada-U.S. alignment of standards for low-carbon vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.
Budget 2019 provided an additional $130 million in funding for continued expansion of the zero-emission vehicle charging station network at workplaces, public parking spots and commercial and multi-unit residential buildings.
Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear that cleaner transportation options are a necessity for Canada's low-carbon future. The Government of Canada continues to support green infrastructure projects that will create good jobs, advance Canada's clean future and help us reach our domestic and international climate targets.
"Yukoners want real-world applications for today's problems! These new electric vehicle chargers will provide key information as to how electric vehicles function in cold climates. Strategic investments such as these make it easier and more affordable for Yukoners to choose zero-emission vehicles for Yukon roads -improving air quality and cutting greenhouse gas emissions."
Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon
This electric vehicle project is the first of its kind in the North. The new fast-chargers we are installing will provide valuable data on how electric vehicles operate and perform in a cold climate - especially in winter months. This fact-based study may well alleviate concerns around operating an electric vehicle in the cold. If this technology works in Yukon, it can work anywhere in Canada. We thank Natural Resources Canada for funding and supporting innovation and the implementation of new technologies in the north.
The Honourable Ranj Pillai, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada has set ambitious targets for sales of zero-emission vehicles: 10 percent of light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2025, 30 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.
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The EVID program is part of the Government of Canada's $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.
