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    1. Bus
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    3. Hybrid, Hydrogen & Electric Vehicles

    Electric vehicle fast-charging hub coming to Toronto Pearson Airport

    July 30, 2019
    Related To: Natural Resources Canada

    The Canadian government is investing nearly C$500,000 (US$379,706.94) for an electric vehicle (EV) charging station project at Pearson International Airport.

    The project was announced this week by the Honorable Catherin McKenna, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Canada, on behalf of the Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. The C$491,000 (US$372,774.55) investment goes to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

    The project will build a new fast-charging hub to support a fleet of electric shuttle buses at the nation's busiest airport. The project will identify barriers and strategies for electric bus adoption and serve as a model for airports across the country.

    "As the largest airport in the country and an important contributor to Canada's economy, Toronto Pearson appreciates this significant investment in clean technology and electric vehicle innovation,” said Pat Neville, vice president of airport development and technical services for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “This project compliments Toronto Pearson's ambitious overall environmental goals as we continue to plan, prepare and build to be an airport that our passengers and the country can count on." 

    This is part of the government’s C$182.5-million (US$138.5-million) investment to build a coast-to-coast charging network for EVs and support other zero- and low-carbon demonstration and deployment projects as well as develop binational (Canada and the United States) codes and standards. Over 800 EV fast chargers are already built or being planned, with hundreds more expected over the next two years.

    "Transportation accounts for almost a quarter of our emissions,” McKenna said. “Reducing pollution from transportation is essential. Investing in electric vehicles is a practical and effective way for Canada to reduce pollution, fight climate change and make sure we have clean air.”

    Through Budget 2019, a further C$130 million (US$98.7 million) is being invested in charging infrastructure, and a new incentive, worth up to C$5,000 (US$3,796.07), is available for Canadians who purchase or lease an eligible electric or hydrogen-fueled vehicle.

    Canada's climate plan includes over 50 measures to protect the environment and leave a healthier planet for future generations, including actions to protect the oceans, phase out coal-fired electricity, invest in renewables and public transit and reduce plastic pollution. Zero-emission vehicles are a key part of Canada's plan to combat climate change while growing the economy.