Canada Invests in New Brunswick's Electric Vehicle Network

SAINT STEPHEN, NB, March 5, 2019 /CNW/ - 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 Canada's low-carbon future. As Canadians continue to make greener choices, the Government of Canada is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go while reducing pollution.

Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, Karen Ludwig, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today announced a $350,000 investment to build seven electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers in New Brunswick.

These latest fast chargers, built by the New Brunswick Power Corporation, were funded through Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI) and will span from Saint Stephen to Shediac to Campbellton. 

Six of the chargers are now open to the public, with the last one in Fredericton scheduled to open this spring.

This investment will help bring the total number of government-funded EV fast chargers in New Brunswick to 29 since 2016.

MP Ludwig also announced $45,000 in NRCan funding to support the development and delivery of an awareness and educational campaign through New Brunswick Power Corporation. The campaign aims to share information and increase awareness of low-carbon vehicles and fuels available in New Brunswick.

This funding is part of our government's $182.5-million investment to develop a coast-to-coast fast-charging network for EVs; to establish natural gas stations along key roads and highways and hydrogen stations in metropolitan centres; and to support the development of new technologies. This investment will align Canadian and U.S. standards for low-emission vehicles and refuelling infrastructure, making it easier for drivers to travel in North America using green vehicles. 

The EVAFIDI program is also part of our government's $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear that the transition to electric vehicles is a necessity for Canada's low-carbon future. Our government 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.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to greening Canadians' transportation choices by building the infrastructure needed to drive electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Electric vehicles are an essential part of Canada's clean energy future, and we will continue to support projects like this that encourage their widespread adoption."

Karen Ludwig
Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest

"NB Power is proud to help put in place the infrastructure needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles in our province. Since the launch of our public charging network for electric vehicles in 2017, we have made significant progress in expanding the network to cover the entire province and make New Brunswick the first fully connected province in Canada for electric vehicles."

Gaëtan Thomas
President and CEO, NB Power

Quick Facts 

• Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, our government is investing $182.5 million to support the establishment of a coast-to-coast charging network for electric vehicles, natural gas stations along key freight corridors and stations for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in metropolitan centres. This investment also includes support for the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies, as well as the development of binational (Canada and the United States) codes and standards for low-carbon vehicles and infrastructure.
• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, our government 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.

Related Links

• EVAFIDI Successful Applicants 
• Go Green With Electric Vehicles 
• Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator
• Electric Vehicle Innovation Demonstrations
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada