The New Brunswick government is investing nearly $64 million through its climate change fund to support 72 projects, including three that will expand the province’s electric vehicle charging network.
According to a media release, the Department of Environment and Local Government (ELG), the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC) have partnered to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help transition to a greener economy.
“Adding more electric vehicle chargers to the network is a positive step towards achieving our 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target and our goal of being net zero by 2050,” Gilles LePage, Environment and Climate Change Minister, said in the media release.
The project will add 16 fast chargers and 29 total ports for $5 million.
The Department of Energy and NB Power plan to install new fast-chargering in areas where the private sector has not invested, while adding capacity at existing high-demand charging locations, according to the release.
“Growing New Brunswick’s network of electric vehicle chargers — especially fast-charging ports — is key to reducing range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers,” René Legacy, Energy Minister, said in the media release. “NB Power does a great job of managing the network of public chargers, which is essential in cutting down reliance on fossil fuels, and reassuring for those who are considering making the switch to electric.”
According to the release, DTI plans to build regional charging hubs in Moncton, Saint John and Miramichi. The project is part of a $955,000 investment to expand the province’s electric vehicle fleet and includes the installation of additional charging stations at provincial fleet locations.
“New Brunswick remains committed to ensuring the vehicles in its government fleet are both modern and environmentally sustainable,” Chuck Chiasson, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister, said in the media release. “This additional funding will help us continue this trend, by expanding upon our existing inventory of electric vehicles and increasing the fleet’s charging infrastructure across the province.”
The province is also directing $100,000 toward expanding EV charging infrastructure at three provincial parks, according to the media release. New charging stations will be installed at République Provincial Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park and Herring Cove Provincial Park, adding to the charging options already available at the sites.
“Electric vehicle charging stations help make New Brunswick a more welcoming destination for the growing number of travellers who drive electric vehicles,” Isabelle Thériault, Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister, said in the media release. “By expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure in and around our provincial parks, we are improving the visitor experience, encouraging longer stays, and supporting our vision of sustainable, regenerative tourism while showcasing the natural beauty of our province.”
