Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation have launched a new company to create the province's largest electric vehicle fast charger network. Owen Sound is among the planned locations for the fast-charger stations.
Ivy Charging Network™ will provide 160 level-3 fast-chargers at 73 locations across Ontario. It should help alleviate electric vehicle range anxiety, with locations less than 100 kilometres apart on average.
"Our government is committed to supporting innovative, green infrastructure projects that will bring us closer to a competitive, zero-emissions transportation sector," said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "Today's investment will ensure that Canadian-made solutions are at the forefront of solving the global climate change crisis, leaving our children and grandchildren with a healthier planet and cleaner air to breathe."
Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative kicked in an $8 million repayable contribution to help build the EV network.
"We play a critical role in energizing life in communities across Ontario. This fast-charger network will create a better and brighter future through a greener transportation sector while meeting the evolving energy needs of our customers and all Ontarians," said Imran Merali, Vice President, Customer Service, Hydro One, and Co-President of Ivy Charging Network. "By entering this growing market in partnership with OPG, Hydro One is expanding our product and service offering to deliver greater value for our customers, employees, communities and shareholders."
"Having delivered the world's largest single climate change action to date with the closure of our coal stations, OPG's clean power serves as a strong platform to electrify carbon-heavy sectors like transportation," said Theresa Dekker, Vice President, Corporate Business Development & Strategy for OPG, and Co-President of Ivy Charging Network. "That's why we're so pleased to be partnering with Hydro One on an initiative that will broaden the benefits of electrification, providing a reliable, integrated network while ensuring no additional cost to ratepayers."
Ivy Charging Network™ selected Greenlots, a member of the Shell Group as its service provider to operate and manage the network. Ivy Charging Network is a limited partnership with equal ownership between Hydro One and OPG. As an unregulated business, it can provide a new revenue stream for both companies while not affecting Ontario electricity rates.
Ivy Charging Network locations