More chargers coming to meet demand

Province announces $500,000 towards initiative

Nova Scotia is spending $500,000 to install hundreds of new electric vehicle charging stations throughout the province.

In a recent news release, the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables said up to 250 Level 2 chargers will be installed across the province in public areas. The spending is in addition to the $1.2 million recently announced for new EV chargers in Nova Scotia through the federal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

The Clean Foundation will administer the funds and seek proposals from organizations to install the charging stations.

"As electric vehicle adoption in Nova Scotia continues to grow, having reliable infrastructure in place, like establishing up to 250 more publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations, will be critical," said Erin Burbidge, director of policy and programs for the Clean Foundation.

The foundation expects to start accepting proposal submissions from interested organizations in February.

Organizations eligible to submit proposals to install the stations include electricity or gas utilities, companies, industry and research associations, standards organizations, Indigenous and community groups, academic institutions and different levels of government.

"Electric vehicles can play a big role in reducing emissions and helping us achieve our goals of having a cleaner economy that creates jobs, supports a healthy environment, and benefits all Nova Scotians," said Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton.

"Having more community chargers will give people reliable options so they can use their electric vehicles anywhere in the province."