Toronto, Ontario – Ford receives its first round of funding for EV development in Oakville, the University of Acadia became the first Atlantic campus to have an EV charging station and the University of Guelph doubles down on their investment into EV infrastructure in this week’s EV/AV report.
Ford Funding Ford
Ford Motor Company’s Oakville, Ontario plant received their first round of government funding on Wednesday following an announcement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Unifor President Jerry Dias.
A total of $590 million is headed to Ford’s Oakville plant where EV and battery development will be prioritized. This move by both the federal and provincial governments is expected to be a foundational step in firstly, retooling the plant for EV development, but also in making good on environmental commitments made on the part of both Ford and the government.
“Today is an historic day. Today is about a vision…It’s about saying to young people that we have a plan for jobs not just for today, but more importantly for tomorrow,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President, speaking at a news conference at Ford’s Connectivity and Innovation Centre in Ottawa, streamed live on Unifor’s Facebook page.
“This level of co-operation and support for the auto industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles shows that as a nation we are taking a global leadership role in the development and manufacturing of battery electric vehicles and I commend the Prime Minister and Premier Ford for the leadership they have shown today,” said Dias.
EV Heading East
The federal government announced a $50,000 investment to support EV charging infrastructure for Acadia University and the surrounding community of Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The announcement was made by Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants Kody Blois on behalf of Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan. This is the first fast-charging station on a university campus in Atlantic Canada and further supports Nova Scotia’s plan to expand EV charging infrastructure across the province.
“Electric vehicles are an important part of our clean energy future. With the Atlantic Loop mentioned in the Speech from the Throne, Nova Scotia could be off its reliance on coal for electricity generation much sooner. These investments here at Acadia University and in the Town of Wolfville are an important foundation in supporting zero-emission travel and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Blois.
Guelph Going for the Green
Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, Ontario announced on Friday that the University of Guelph will receive an investment of $100,000 to improve their EV charging infrastructure.
The university plans to install 20 Level 2 EV charging stations on campus to add to the pre-existing 25 contributed by the school.
The University of Guelph is tacking on an additional $106,650 to government’s initial investment, which was provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
“Investments in green infrastructure are bringing us closer to a zero-emission future, in addition to helping Ontarians make greener choices, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to support the University of Guelph’s efforts to provide students, employees and residents with more options,” said Longfield.
