How much funding can be received?

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

Yes, there are various project or activities eligible for this grant.

Purchase of EV charging equipment
Site preparation and finishing
Installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment
Costs for networking equipment
Professional services related to project implementation
Rental or leasing costs of necessary equipment
Obtaining necessary licenses and permits
Marketing and distribution activities

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$285,000

Brantford

Installation of 15 Level 2 EV charging stations at Brantford municipal buildings

$390,000

Thunder Bay

Setting up 8 Level 3 charging stations to facilitate EV travel along Trans-Canada Highway

$219,750

Stratford

Implementation of 12 Level 2 charging stations at Stratford Festival Theatre parking lot

$206,250

Kitchener

Installation of 10 Level 2 EV charging stations's downtown core

$341,250

Sault Ste. Marie

Deployment of 7 Level 3 fast chargers at the Sault Ste Marie transit hub

$303,750

Kingston

Installation of 5 Level 3 fast chargers at the Kingston public library parking lot

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The EV ChargeON Program supports the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Ontario communities outside of large urban centres. Here are the eligibility criteria for the grant:

Both public and private sector entities (i.e., legal entities incorporated or registered in Ontario) are eligible to participate.
Must be the current property owner or provide proof of access to the site, or provide written evidence of Band Council support for a minimum five-year period.
Eligible entities include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations, or broader public sector organizations (e.g., hospitals, universities, colleges, school boards) located and operating in Ontario.
Entities that are not eligible include individuals, federal, provincial or territorial governments, and their respective ministries, departments, entities, agencies, and Crown corporations.
Charging Stations must be in Ontario and be publicly accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Eligible locations include communities with populations less than or equal to 170,000 people and any Indigenous community in Ontario.
Level 2 Charging Stations must have a minimum of four Level 2 Ports per site.
Level 3 Charging Stations must have a minimum of one Level 3 Port if co-located with a Level 2 Port, or a minimum of two Level 3 Ports if not co-located with Level 2 Ports.
Commitment to performing work in accordance with local and provincial codes.
Installation must be done by a licensed electrical contractor in compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Chargers must be new and purchased (not leased) after the program launch date.
Payment must include at least one method of payment that does not require a charging network account, membership, or app.
Chargers must be networked and Open Charge Point Protocol compliant (version 1.6 or higher).
Charging Stations must comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, its standards, and requirements of local codes and regulations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, both public and private sector entities that are legal entities incorporated or registered in Ontario are eligible to participate in the EV ChargeON Program. This program includes a variety of business types and organizations.

Businesses
Not-for-profit corporations
Municipalities
Indigenous communities
Indigenous organizations
Broader public sector organizations (e.g., hospitals, universities, colleges, school boards)

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

Eligible expenditures for any project must be directly related to, and necessary for, the implementation and conduct of the project. Refer to the list below for details on eligible expenditures:

Capital expenses
Professional services
Rental fees or leasing costs
License fees and permits
Salary and benefits
Reasonable travel costs
Environmental assessments, permits and authorizations
GST, PST and HST net of any tax rebate
Overhead expenses up to a maximum of 15% of total project costs
In-kind support
Land costs
Legal costs
Ongoing operating costs

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for the EV ChargeON Program include communities in Ontario with populations less than or equal to 170,000 people, and any Indigenous community in Ontario.

Communities with populations less than or equal to 170,000 people
Any Indigenous community in Ontario

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

EV ChargeON Program: Boosting Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Ontario

Introduction to the EV ChargeON Program

The EV ChargeON Program is a competitive, application-based grant initiative in Ontario that supports the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in communities outside of large urban centers. Managed by the Ministry of Transportation, this program aims to improve the coverage of EV fast chargers, thereby reducing range anxiety and promoting long-distance travel.

Program Objectives and Overview

The primary goal of the EV ChargeON Program is to expand the network of public electric vehicle charging stations in Ontario's smaller communities, addressing the critical issue of range anxiety. By ensuring that reliable EV fast chargers are available outside major urban areas, the program aims to support seamless long-distance travel and increase the adoption of electric vehicles. The program offers substantial capital funding through post-construction rebates, covering up to 50-75% of project costs depending on the type of applicant and charging infrastructure. This financial support is designed to mitigate the initial capital expenditure required for installing EV chargers, making it feasible for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other entities to participate.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the EV ChargeON Program, applicants must meet specific criteria: 1. **Eligible Applicants**: The program is open to both public and private sector entities registered or incorporated in Ontario. This includes businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, and broader public sector organizations such as hospitals and schools. However, individuals and federal, provincial, or territorial governments are not eligible to apply. 2. **Eligible Project Locations**: Charging stations funded through the program must be publicly accessible 24/7 and located in Ontario. Eligible locations include communities with populations of 170,000 people or less and any Indigenous community within the province. 3. **Site and Infrastructure Requirements**: - **Level 2 Charging Ports**: A minimum of four Level 2 ports per site. - **Level 3 Charging Ports**: A minimum of one Level 3 port if co-located with Level 2 ports, or a minimum of two Level 3 ports otherwise. If there is another public Level 3 charger within 5 km, the redundancy requirement can be waived. - **Charger Specifications**: Chargers must be new, permanently hard-wired, certified for use in Canada, and must meet specific standards such as SAE J1772 for Level 2 and various standards for Level 3. 4. **Expenditure Eligibility**: Eligible expenditures include equipment purchase, professional services, rental or leasing costs, license fees, permits, salaries for direct project staff, travel expenses for project-related activities, and more.

Funding Details

The Ministry of Transportation offers funding up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per project. However, applicants can submit multiple applications if the combined total exceeds this cap. The percentage of funding provided varies depending on the type of applicant and the type of charging infrastructure: - **Level 2 Chargers** (3.3 kW to 19 kW): Up to 50% of the total project costs, with a maximum of $5,000 per port for businesses and up to 75% of total project costs, with a maximum of $7,500 per port for municipalities and Indigenous applicants. - **Level 3 Chargers** (20 kW to 49 kW): Up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum of $15,000 per port for businesses, and up to 75% for municipalities and Indigenous applicants. - **Higher-Power Level 3 Chargers** (50 kW to 99 kW and above): Funding scales up based on output, with maximum contributions of up to $100,000 per port for the highest output chargers.

Application Process

The application period for the EV ChargeON Program runs from October 20, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted online through Transfer Payment Ontario. 1. **Required Documentation**: Applicants must provide proof of property ownership or access, confirmation of funding contributions, a preliminary electrical feasibility assessment (for projects over 50 kW), and any required community or council support documents. 2. **Project Evaluation**: Applications are evaluated based on eligibility and merit. Merit criteria include geographic relevance, project rationale, detailed activities and timelines, budget justification, operations and maintenance planning, and evidence of the applicant's capability to deliver the project. Preference is given to projects that fill gaps in the EV charging network, serve a large number of potential EV drivers, and are strategically located to support broader community goals.

Post-Approval Requirements

Upon approval, recipients will receive a Letter of Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the grant. Projects must be completed within 24 months of this agreement. Post-completion, recipients must submit a Project Completion Report, including invoices and usage data, to receive reimbursement.

Reporting and Accountability

Recipients are required to submit annual usage reports for five years following project completion. These reports must detail the charging station's usage, including session counts and kWh drawn, to ensure ongoing compliance and operational sustainability. This data will help the Ministry of Transportation assess the program's impact and make data-driven decisions for future initiatives.

Benefits and Impact

The EV ChargeON Program is poised to significantly impact Ontario's shift toward greener transportation by: - **Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure**: It fills critical gaps in the charging network, especially in underserved areas, promoting confidence among EV owners to travel longer distances. - **Reducing Range Anxiety**: By addressing the fear of running out of charge, the program supports broader EV adoption. - **Economic and Environmental Benefits**: Encouraging EV use contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and supports the growth of sustainable technologies and businesses in Ontario.

Conclusion

The EV ChargeON Program represents a significant step towards building a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network across Ontario's diverse communities. By providing substantial financial incentives and ensuring rigorous project evaluation and accountability, the program is set to enhance the province's transportation infrastructure, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

EV ChargeON Program

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