Toronto, Ontario -- The federal government is investing over $10 million to expand electric-vehicle charging and support research to make electric motors cheaper and more efficient.
The announcement was made in Fredericton by David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature), on behalf of Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. More than $9 million will go through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to install more than 1,200 chargers in public places, workplaces, on-street locations and multi-unit residential buildings. Most of these chargers will be deployed in New Brunswick, Alberta and Ontario.
A separate $1.4 million investment will support a University of New Brunswick research project developing magnetic materials that could lower the cost and improve the performance of EV motors.
Hodgson said the investment is intended to build charging infrastructure and promote domestic innovation. “We are driving the installation of electric vehicles chargers where Canadians live, work and travel and supporting Canadian innovation and research. It’s time to build more resilient supply chains and a cleaner, more secure and more competitive economy.”
Myles said the added infrastructure will help Canadians feel more confident choosing electric. “With today’s announcement, we are helping enable the transition to zero-emission vehicles with the installation of additional EV chargers across Canada, many of which will be located in New Brunswick. Canadians can choose electric vehicles with confidence, knowing they can get where they need to go. We are also proud to support innovative research from Atlantic Canadians that makes EVs more affordable and efficient.”
Green Economy Canada — a national non-profit that supports businesses in reducing emissions — is one of the organizations receiving infrastructure funding. Senior business sustainability manager Luke Robertson said the demand for support has been strong.
“Green Economy Canada received overwhelming demand for the funding we were allocated for delivery through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Canadian businesses are clearly looking to be a part of the transition to electric vehicles, and we expect to see continued growth in adoption rates in tandem with decarbonization of our electrical grids.”
The New Brunswick Power Corporation, the province’s public electric utility, will also install chargers. Its president and chief executive Lori Clark, said expanded charging access will make EV driving more practical for customers.
“This funding is about more than just money — it is about helping New Brunswickers in their decision to reduce emissions by eliminating range anxiety, ensuring they can reliably get to where they are going and making their EV experience more convenient. By significantly expanding our charging network, we are putting the customer experience at the centre of our clean energy transition, modernizing the utility and making it easier than ever for New Brunswickers to drive worry-free.”
The University of New Brunswick, one of Canada’s oldest public research universities, will receive support for EV-motor research. President Paul J. Mazerolle said the federal contribution will help advance homegrown innovation. “I am proud to see University of New Brunswick researchers leading work on EV technology and contributing their expertise to this complex, challenging topic. This support from the Government of Canada enables Dr. Clodualdo Aranas and his team to work on paving the way for a more sustainable, made-in-Canada transportation future.”
The federal government says the investment is aimed at expanding charging access, strengthening Canadian EV research and encouraging more drivers to switch to electric vehicles.
