EV ChargeON Program
ON, Canada
Funding to support the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Ontario communities outside of large urban centres.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 20, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The EV ChargeON Program, administered by the Ministry of Transportation, is designed to support the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Ontario communities outside large urban centres. The program offers competitive, application-based grants covering 50-75% of capital costs for Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations, aiming to improve EV network coverage, reduce range anxiety, and facilitate long-distance travel. Eligible applicants include public and private entities, and projects must be completed within 24 months.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas determined by the funding body. The eligible locations are targeted to align with community size and regional inclusion goals.
- Communities in Ontario with a population of 170,000 or less.
- Any Indigenous community in Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$390,000
Setting up 8 Level 3 charging stations to facilitate EV travel along Trans-Canada Highway
$285,000
Installation of 15 Level 2 EV charging stations at Brantford municipal buildings
$219,750
Implementation of 12 Level 2 charging stations at Stratford Festival Theatre parking lot
$206,250
Installation of 10 Level 2 EV charging stations's downtown core
$341,250
Deployment of 7 Level 3 fast chargers at the Sault Ste Marie transit hub
$303,750
Installation of 5 Level 3 fast chargers at the Kingston public library parking lot
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria relating to the organization type and the proposed project site.
- The applicant must be located and operating in Ontario.
- Eligible applicants include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipal governments, Indigenous communities, organizations, or businesses, and broader public sector organizations.
- The applicant must be the current owner of the site, or have written approval from the owner or Band Council.
- The applicant must commit to installing and operating the charging station for a minimum of 5 years.
- The project site must be publicly accessible 24/7.
- The project site must be located in a community with a population of 170,000 or less or in any Indigenous community in Ontario.
- The project must include certain types and numbers of EV charging ports with specified connector standards.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The program is open to eligible applicants located and operating in Ontario, which include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipal governments, Indigenous communities, organizations or businesses, and broader public sector organizations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Individuals and certain government entities in the federal, provincial, and territorial levels are not eligible to apply for this grant.
- Individuals
- Federal governments and their respective ministries, departments, entities, agencies, and Crown corporations
- Provincial or territorial governments and their respective ministries, departments, entities, agencies, and Crown corporations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The EV ChargeON program provides funding for projects aiming to enhance the electric vehicle infrastructure in Ontario's small and medium-sized communities. These activities focus on expanding the availability and accessibility of EV charging stations in eligible locations.
- Installation of publicly accessible EV charging stations with specified connector types and configurations.
- Development of charging infrastructure in communities with populations of 170,000 or less, or in Indigenous communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses that are directly related to the completion of the infrastructure project.
- Capital expenses necessary for the project.
- Professional services fees associated with project implementation.
- Rental or leasing fees for equipment or properties needed for the project.
- Licence fees and permits required for the project's execution.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the EV ChargeON Program include the completeness of the application and eligibility of the project. The merit of the project is also assessed based on several specific categories.
- Geographic Location: Consideration for gap-filling in Ontario's EV charging network
- Project Overview & Rationale: Detailed description, motivation, and alignment with program objectives
- Project Activities & Timeline: Realistic timelines, key activities, potential risks, and mitigation strategies
- Budget: Detailed project budget, sources of funding, and assurances of funding materialization
- Operations & Maintenance: Up-time targets, performance monitoring, regular maintenance, and financial plan
- Capacity to Deliver: Demonstrated ability, experience, and expertise of the project team
- User Amenities & Signage: Availability of nearby amenities, wayfinding, signage, and visibility
- Site and Technical Specifications: Electrical feasibility, payment methods, future-proofing, safety, security, and accessibility measures
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure eligibility
- Verify that your entity is eligible to apply (public or private sector legal entities incorporated or registered in Ontario).
- Ensure the proposed charging station location is in a community with a population of ≤170,000 or within any Indigenous community in Ontario.
- Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
- Proof of property ownership, access to the site, or Band Council support.
- Proof of preliminary electrical feasibility assessment if applicable.
- Proof of funding commitments.
- Step 3: Create Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) account
- Visit Transfer Payment Ontario to set up a My Ontario Account.
- Step 4: Complete the application form
- Fill out the Application Form available through the TPON platform.
- Ensure all mandatory fields are completed and required documentation is attached.
- Step 5: Submit application
- Submit the completed application form and all required documents via TPON before the deadline.
- Step 6: Await application review
- The Ministry will review, evaluate, rate, and rank applications based on eligibility and merit.
- Step 7: Receive Letter of Agreement
- If approved, you will receive a Letter of Agreement which must be signed and returned to the Ministry.
- Step 8: Project completion
- Complete the approved project within 24 months of receiving the Letter of Agreement.
- Step 9: Submit Project Completion Report
- Submit a Project Completion Report to the Ministry, including invoices and other required documentation.
- Step 10: Release of funds
- Upon approval of the Project Completion Report by the Ministry, the approved program funds will be released.
- Step 11: Annual Usage Reporting
- Submit annual usage reports showing the charging station usage data for the previous 12 months, starting on the first anniversary of the project completion date, for a five-year period.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The EV ChargeON Program is administered by the Ministry of Transportation and aims to expand the public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Ontario, particularly in areas outside large urban centers. The program provides post-construction rebates of up to 50-75% of capital funding for eligible EV charging projects based on the type of applicant and charger output.
- The program is open until January 31, 2024, with a competitive application process.
- Approved projects must be completed within 24 months of receiving the Letter of Agreement.
- Recipients must submit annual usage reports for five years following project completion.
- Eligible applicants include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and broader public sector organizations located in Ontario.
- Projects are eligible if they are in communities with populations less than or equal to 170,000 people or any Indigenous community in Ontario.
- Applicants must provide various documentation such as proof of property ownership or access, proof of funding, and preliminary electrical feasibility assessment if needed.
- The Ministry's contribution is capped at one million dollars per project but an applicant can submit multiple applications.
- Funding can be stacked with other government funds but cannot exceed 75% of total project costs for businesses and 90% for other applicant types.
- Projects will be evaluated based on geographic location, project rationale, activities and timeline, budget, operations and maintenance plans, capacity to deliver, and site specifications.
- Successful applicants must adhere to detailed reporting requirements including a project completion report and annual usage reports.
- Transfer Payment Ontario is the online system used for applications.
- Recipients may be required to install Ontario Builds signage during and after the construction period.
grant_single_labels|contact
evchargeon@ontario.ca
416-325-6691
Apply to this program
Expanding Ontario's Electric Vehicle Charging Network
The EV ChargeON Program offers financial assistance to communities across Ontario, aiming to integrate them into the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This initiative is geared towards making EV charging stations more accessible and widespread, promoting the shift to electric vehicles by addressing both availability and affordability concerns.
Detailed Overview of the EV ChargeON Program
Ontario's EV ChargeON Program serves as a pivotal effort to enhance the availability of electric vehicle charging stations in smaller communities beyond the main urban centers. This program underlines the province's commitment to a sustainable transportation future by providing substantial funding support to eligible applicants, including businesses, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous communities, and broader public sector organizations. The primary focus is on expanding the network of publicly accessible EV chargers, thus incentivizing more residents to consider electric vehicles as a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines.
The program, now closed to new applications, sought to ensure that approved projects come to fruition by Spring 2024. It underscores a commitment to environmental goals while also enhancing the economic vitality of communities with populations under 170,000. Crucially, the program supports site development that must allow 24/7 public access, thus removing barriers that potential EV users often face regarding the accessibility of charging facilities.
Funding from the EV ChargeON Program is structured to cover a significant portion of a project’s cost, with caps established per applicant type and charger type. For instance, municipalities and Indigenous organizations can receive up to 75% of the total project cost, while other applicant types may receive up to 50%. Additionally, the funding takes into account the technical specifications and output capacities of the chargers proposed, offering a maximum of $1 million per project.
To align with infrastructure standards, the EV ChargeON Program mandates specific amenities and capacities for charging sites. These sites need to be equipped with a minimum number of charging ports and include various connector types meeting industry standards, like SAE J1772 and CCS connectors. The focus on robust infrastructural requirements ensures that the program not only increases the number but also the effectiveness and longevity of charging stations deployed under its auspices.
In supporting sustainable growth, the program provides a comprehensive funding solution that covers capital expenditures, professional services, and other related expenses. This holistic support model allows projects to not merely commence but sustain operations for a minimum of five years, with the possibility to integrate additional funding from other governmental sources to further enhance project viability.
Ultimately, the EV ChargeON Program represents a forward-thinking approach to reducing Ontario's carbon footprint by nurturing a supportive ecosystem for electric vehicle adoption. By strategically financing infrastructure that closes regional gaps in charging availability, it sets a precedent for decarbonization efforts and equips local communities with the tools needed to actively participate in the green economy. As successful applicants prepare their implementations, the program's long-term impact will be seen in a dramatically transformed landscape of transportation in Ontario.