Clarington has opened seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Bowmanville to support clean energy and EV use in our community. Five charging points are now open for use in the parking lot at 33 Division Street, and two other charging stations are open at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex on the west side.

“We know that transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Durham Region. By building these charging stations, we are working to support a greener community and residents who have invested in low carbon electric vehicles,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

The charging stations were funded in part through a partnership with the Region of Durham and a grant received from Natural Resources Canada Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). The funding received in January 2020 covered 50 per cent of the costs associated with the purchase and installation of EV charge stations in Clarington and Durham Region.

Charging fees will apply and will cover the cost of the operation, maintenance, and replacement of the charging stations. Fees are based on three-hour charging increments with a daytime/nighttime fee of $1.50 per hour. If charging surpasses three hours, the cost is $4 per hour. For more information on the charging stations, visit www.clarington.net/EVs.

The Municipality is focused on promoting a green economy and is budgeting to convert its vehicle fleet to environmentally friendly EVs where possible. Clarington is also developing a Municipal Electric Vehicle Transition Plan – a framework that will map out a corporate transition to EVs over the next five years. Earlier this summer, Clarington partnered with the Region of Durham on an educational initiative called E-mission, promoting electric vehicle use. Residents can still test drive an electric vehicle at any of the participating dealerships Region-wide. Visit www.durham.ca/E-mission for more information.

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