The County of Dufferin is making it easier to go electric with the installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network. The electric vehicle (EV) charging network is made up of 22 level-two charging stations and two level-three fast chargers at various municipal offices, and recreation and cultural centres.
The installation of the Charge Up in Dufferin network was led by the County of Dufferin, in partnership with local municipalities including Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne.
In addition, 20 more chargers will be available by the end of 2022 to help municipal vehicle fleets reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EV chargers will support the county’s corporate climate priorities, as its vehicle fleet accounts for almost 40 per cent greenhouse gas emissions. The availability of on-site charging will support the transition to electric fleets.
Natural Resources Canada, through its Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), provided a total investment of $289,000 to help Dufferin County build its EV charging network. The ZEVIP helps increase the availability of localized charging and hydrogen refuelling opportunities where Canadians live, work and play.
With transportation accounting for 49 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Dufferin, the Charge Up in Dufferin network also advances a key priority in the Dufferin Climate Action Plan by increasing the availability of local charging opportunities, a key barrier to electric vehicle adoption.
To incentivize their use for the first year, level-two charging is free for the first two hours, after which time, users will pay $2 an hour. Users of level- three fast chargers will pay $5 an hour.
A map of charging station locations and additional information about the electric vehicles and charging can be accessed at dufferincounty.ca/ chargeupindufferin.