The Canadian province of Ontario is to invest $20 million in building about 500 electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations (at more than 250 locations) next year.

Via the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario grant programme, the province is working with 27 public- and private-sector partners to establish a network of fast-charging EV stations. These will be built in cities, along highways and at work-places, condominiums and public places throughout the province.

Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, said: “This is great news for drivers in Ontario. By investing in charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable and affordable, we will encourage more Ontarians to purchase electric vehicles, reducing ‘green-house gases’ and pollution and keeping our air clean.”

The Ontario government is planning to reduce carbon emissions by 80% (from 1990 levels) by 2050. The number of electric vehicles in Ontario currently stands at around 6,400.