We are thrilled to announce a significant policy win for the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)! Recommendations from OSPE’s 2024 Pre-Budget Submission, targeting funding for the widespread deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, have been adopted by the provincial government.
On July 3rd, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation made an announcement that the province is now accepting applications to build EV charging stations in 15 new underserved and remote areas. This expansion will make EV charging more accessible and convenient for drivers outside of large urban centres, reduce range anxiety of early adopters and thus support the growing electric vehicle manufacturing industry in Ontario.
This marks a pivotal step towards promoting cleaner transportation options and fostering a more sustainable future for Ontario.
This policy win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members and the engineering community. We thank the Ministry of Transportation for recognizing the importance of expanding EV charging infrastructure and for taking decisive action to support this initiative. As we continue to advocate for innovative and sustainable solutions, we are excited about the positive impact these developments will have on Ontario’s transportation landscape.
Let’s celebrate this achievement and continue to work together towards a greener, more sustainable future!
Looking Ahead
As we see increased EV use OSPE’s advocacy team is also looking forward to:
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Educating Consumers on Sustainable Charging Practices
OSPE emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the benefits of overnight EV charging. Leveraging the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Electricity Rate Plan, we can encourage drivers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, thus promoting cost-effective and sustainable charging practices.
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Promoting the Responsible Disposal of EV Batteries
OSPE recommends allocating funds for the responsible disposal of EV batteries to ensure safe handling at the end of their lifecycle. For more information on this, read Canada Desperately Needs an EV Recycling Plan.
For further updates and insights from OSPE on issues impacting the engineering profession, follow OSPE on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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