WELLINGTON COUNTY- The county’s climate change manager says additional infrastructure is needed to facilitate a transition to green transportation options.
Wellington County, along with other communities in southwestern Ontario, worked with Community Energy Association to develop a regional electric vehicle (EV) charging network strategy to inform future growth of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the area.
Other municipalities involved are Guelph, St. Marys, Stratford, and the counties of Perth, Dufferin, Bruce, Huron and Grey.
The federal government has committed to zero emissions for all new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada by 2035. The transition to electric vehicles is starting to gain ground. In the study area, 67% (659 residents) of survey respondents said they would consider buying an electric vehicle in the next two to five years.
“We are in a bit of a chicken and egg situation where we need to transition to greener transportation but we don’t have the infrastructure,” stated Karen Chisholme, Wellington County’s climate change and sustainability manager, in a June 26 press release.
“The lack of infrastructure is preventing people from purchasing EVs. With this plan we have a clearer path forward as to what the investment will be – how many stations, what type of stations, where they will be located, and how our communities will benefit economically.”
The network consists of two types of chargers:
– Level 2 chargers are typically located in proximity to local tourist destinations where people naturally spend more time, such as restaurants, shopping, and attractions but can also benefit residents who may not have access to home charging; and
– Level 3 chargers are faster and used for quick pit-stops on longer road trips.
“Providing charging options close to key destinations is important for continuing to attract visitors while also giving options to residents as we transition to electric vehicles,” stated Wellington County Warden Kelly Linton.
“Partnering with our neighbours means we will be able to better strategize and benefit from a larger connected network and make it easier for visitors to explore across our area of Southwestern Ontario.”
The release notes emissions from transportation are 39 per cent of Wellington County’s total greenhouse gas emission (over 467,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year).
The regional EV charging network strategy is the county’s first step in supporting the community in the transition to electric vehicles. The strategy is posted on the county’s climate change website along with upcoming EV educational events.
