EV ChargeON Program: Intake Two Now Open for Public EV Charging Projects Across Ontario

Expanding Public EV Charging Capacity to Meet Ontario’s Growing Demand

Ontario is taking another significant step toward a cleaner, more connected transportation future with the launch of the second intake of the EV ChargeON Program, now open and accepting applications until December 15, 2025. This intake offers substantial support for organizations looking to develop publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly in communities that play a key role in enabling reliable long-distance EV travel.

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the province, the need for durable, widely available charging infrastructure continues to grow. EV ChargeON provides the funding and structure needed to expand this network, helping communities, municipalities, businesses, and public-sector organizations bridge critical gaps in charging accessibility.

Program Overview

The EV ChargeON Program focuses on supporting projects that deploy Level 2 and Level 3 (DC Fast Charging) stations in locations open to the public. The program is designed to improve driver confidence, extend the reach of EV travel, and reduce charging deserts across Ontario.

Projects must comply with specific infrastructure requirements to ensure reliability and redundancy at each installation site.

Eligible EV Infrastructure Requirements

To qualify, project sites must meet the following minimums:

Level 2 Charging Stations

• Minimum of four (4) Level 2 Ports per project site.

Level 3 Charging Stations

• Minimum of one (1) Level 3 Port if installed alongside Level 2 ports,
  or

• Minimum of two (2) Level 3 Ports if not co-located with Level 2 ports.

Redundancy is required. A single multi-port DC fast charger does not meet eligibility on its own; tandem installations are necessary to satisfy the program’s minimum standards.

All charging stations must be:

• New and purchased after the program launch date

• Certified for use in Canada

• Commercially available

• Installed according to all applicable local and provincial codes, including AODA, building and electrical codes, zoning regulations, parking standards, and environmental requirements

• Maintained in full operation for at least five years

In addition, applicants must designate one dedicated parking space per charging port. For example, a site installing four Level 2 ports must allocate four specific parking spaces for these chargers.

Funding Details

The EV ChargeON Program provides funding support of up to:

• 75% of eligible project costs,

• To a maximum of $1 million per project.

Eligible Expenses Include:

• Capital Costs: Charging hardware, battery energy storage, networking infrastructure, site preparation, and finishing

• Professional Services: Engineering, design, project management, and technical expertise

• Construction Equipment Rentals: Machinery and tools required for installation

• Permits and Approvals: Municipal, provincial, or federal licences and authorizations

• Environmental Assessments: Studies, impact statements, and required consultations

Important Note:
Funding is issued on a reimbursement basis. Applicants must be prepared to secure financing for 100% of total project costs upfront. Reimbursement occurs only after expenditures have been incurred, submitted, and verified.

The Eligible Expenditure Period begins once the funding agreement is executed (after April 1, 2026) and continues for 12 months.