On Feb. 5, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) announced a new program that will provide financial rebates to eligible applicants for the purchase and installation of electrical vehicle charging stations.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Program (EVCP) will hand out $1.7 million in funding to successful applicants. Businesses, community organizations, institutions and schools, municipalities, Indigenous communities are some examples of who can apply.
Applicants can receive a rebate of up to 46 per cent to offset eligible project costs.
"The EVCP puts the purchase and installation of EV charging stations within reach for more organizations across Alberta, helping set the stage for further EV use in Alberta by residents, businesses and visitors alike," said ABMunis president and mayor of Wetaskiwin Tyler Gandam in a press release.
Funding for the program is provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of Canadians are switching to EVs and saving on fuel and maintenance," said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.
"To support Canadians driving EVs, the Government of Canada is working with not-for-profits like Alberta Municipalities to build reliable and readily available charging options. We are pleased to invest in building EV charging stations for drivers in Alberta and across Canada.”
Applications opened on Feb. 5.
Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, ABMunis advised. All applications will be assessed on their merits and must meet strict criteria.
To learn more, visit abmunis.ca.
The program introduction by ABMunis came just a day before a release from the Government of Alberta announced drivers of electric cars would soon be paying more to operate on Alberta roads.
As of Feb. 13, a new $200 per year tax will be implemented on the registration of electric vehicles.
The release notes the amount is "in line with what drivers of a typical internal combustion engine vehicle would be expected to pay each year in fuel tax."
"Owners of electric vehicles use the same roads as other Albertan drivers," said Dale Nalle, minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
"It’s only fair they contribute to public services including those that ensure the continued safety and upkeep of Alberta’s roads."
