Dufferin County Celebrates New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Nov 30th, 2021
By tchan
Electric Vehicle plug in

Improving the way we power our vehicles is a big step in tackling climate change. The County of Dufferin is making it easier to go electric with the installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network. The electric vehicle (EV) charging network is made up of 22 level-two charging stations and two level-three fast chargers that will be available to the public by November 30, 2021 at various municipal offices, and recreation and cultural centres.

The installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network was led by the County of Dufferin, in partnership with local municipalities including East Garafraxa, Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne.

In addition, 20 more chargers will be available by the end of 2022 to help municipal vehicle fleets reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These EV chargers will support the County’s corporate climate priorities, as its vehicle fleet accounts for almost 40 per cent greenhouse gas emissions. The availability of on-site charging will support the transition to electric fleets.

Natural Resources Canada, through its Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), provided a total investment of $289,000 to help Dufferin County build their EV charging network. The ZEVIP helps increase the availability of localized charging and hydrogen refuelling opportunities where Canadians live, work and play.

With transportation accounting for 49 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Dufferin, the Charge Up in Dufferin network also advances a key priority in the Dufferin Climate Action Plan by increasing the availability of local charging opportunities, a key barrier to electric vehicle adoption. 

To incentivize their use for the first year, level-two charging is free for the first two hours, after which time, users will pay $2 an hour. Users of level-three fast chargers will pay $5 an hour.

A map of charging station locations and additional information about the electric vehicles and charging can be accessed at dufferincounty.ca/chargeupindufferin.

 

Test-Drive Launch Event

In celebration of the Charge Up in Dufferin network, the County of Dufferin invites the public to attend a launch event on December 7, 2021 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the back of the Orangeville Courthouse, located at 44 Elizabeth Street.

Residents will have the opportunity to learn about electric vehicles and charging with the expert staff from Plug’n Drive and get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle for a test drive.

The launch event will be livestreamed on Climate Action in Dufferin’s Facebook page (@climateactionindufferin) at 1:00pm. Those wishing to reserve a 30 minute test-drive appointment can contact the Climate Division at climate@dufferincounty.ca or call 519-941-2816 x 2500. Test drive participants will be required to show a valid driver’s license and proof of vaccination to Plug’n Drive staff.

 

Quotes

“We’re making it easier for people in Dufferin County to drive electric. This is a critical part of lowering emissions in the transportation sector and achieving our climate targets.”

Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.

 

“This is an important stepping stone on our path to net-zero by 2050 in Dufferin. We are gearing up for the future of electric transportation.”

Darren White, Dufferin County Warden (Mayor – Melancthon)