Mayor John Tory announced today that the City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro have officially launched the new on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging station pilot across the city.
The new 12-month pilot, delivered in partnership with Toronto Hydro, sees 17 on-street EV charging stations – made possible by Toronto Hydro through an agreement with charge station manufacturer FLO – installed and activated for public use at locations around the city.
On-street stations have been installed and activated in the following neighbourhood parking permit locations:
Stations have also been installed and activated at three other locations, including two downtown sites:
The charging station parking spots are open to all electric vehicle owners with a “Level 2” connection on their vehicle. Overnight, when permit parking regulations are in effect, only permit holders with an electric vehicle that is actively being charged (plugged in) can park in these spots. Users will be charged a rate to charge their electric vehicle. Toronto Hydro, in agreement with the City of Toronto, established the EV charging rates, which are competitive with the cost of other public charging stations in Toronto.
To use the stations, EV drivers can quickly register for an account online with FLO, Canada’s Largest EV charging network. Once signed up, users can download the app and order a FLO card that they will use to activate the station and charge their vehicle.
Locations were selected because they have enough capacity for dedicated EV parking spots which allowed for easy installation with minimal disruption to pedestrians and the community. In total, 11 residential parking permit spots in three City wards have been allocated for use by electric vehicles that are charging.
More Toronto residents than ever before own electric vehicles. In 2018, more than 6,200 EVs were registered in Toronto compared to just 1,600 EVs in 2016, and that number continues to increase. In a poll conducted in preparation for the pilot, 71 per cent of residents who participated were likely to purchase an EV in the next five years, and more said that they would consider purchasing EVs if charging stations were available.
The pilot will be measured against a variety of information including usage data, feedback from electric vehicle owners who use the stations, and feedback from the community.
In 2019, Toronto City Council voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency and adopted a stronger emissions reduction target: net zero by 2050 or sooner. The EV charging station pilot is one of many initiatives that will help the City advance that goal.
More about the EV Charging Stations Pilot and locations at torontohydro.com/evcharging
More about Toronto’s Council-approved Electric Vehicle Strategy
More about the City Council declared climate emergency
More about FLO including where EV drivers can register and order a card
Quotes:
“Addressing climate change has been a top priority for our city. By adopting emerging, sustainable and environmentally sensible technologies, Toronto has become a leader in its efforts in addressing the ongoing climate crisis. The EV charging station pilot is yet another example of our city’s ability to introduce programs that will make it easier for residents to become environmentally friendly and for our city to reduce its carbon footprint. While we continue to navigate the unprecedented times of a global pandemic, we must also remain diligent in our commitment to finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
– Mayor John Tory
“This is very exciting news for residents in the pocket in and around Westlake Avenue. Governments at all levels are adopting and testing electric vehicle technology, and more and more people own and drive EVs because they’re not only safe, they’re also the right choice for a better, cleaner environment. Every government has a role in creating pathways to EV ownership, this is a great step forward at the municipal level.”
– Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches-East York)
“Toronto Hydro is proud to have partnered with the City of Toronto to install these on-street electric vehicle charging stations. We’re working together to build an integrated electricity grid that will help power charging stations and electrify transit across the city.”
– Anthony Haines, President and CEO, Toronto Hydro
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.