Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy

In Toronto, vehicles generate more than one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Given that passenger vehicles, such as cars, vans, trucks, and SUVs, account for 79 percent of transportation emissions, Councillor Robinson has spearheaded initiatives and policies to encourage more sustainable forms of transportation. Building on these efforts, the City of Toronto has developed its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy to support electric mobility.
 
Ward 15 – Don Valley West is home to the highest number of EVs in Toronto. To support the continued uptake of EVs, Councillor Robinson has consistently advocated for the implementation of key infrastructure improvements on our City streets. For example, the implementation of on-street charging stations will address challenges faced by residents who do not have access to on-site parking and must rely on the City permits for on-street parking.

Councillor Robinson at the launch of the first TTC eBus, June 2019

In 2016, Councillor Robinson directed City staff to include EV charging stations as a mandatory requirement under the Toronto Green Standard (TGS). To complement the performance measures for sustainable building design set by TGS, Councillor Robinson requested additional measures to support EV infrastructure. As TTC Chair, she also launched the TTC's first battery-electric bus last year, which has zero tailpipe emissions and is charged with 100 percent clean energy.
 
To support the TransformTO goal of making Toronto a zero-emission City by 2050, the EV Strategy identifies ten actions under four key objectives: to increase charging availability, address cost and convenience barriers, increase public awareness and education, and create opportunities that will benefit the local economy. Over 100 stakeholders – automakers and manufacturers, EV charging infrastructure suppliers, EV technology companies, other municipalities and levels of government, non-governmental organizations, oil and gas companies, building owners, developers, and educators – were consulted to develop the Strategy.
 
Transitioning to electric vehicles is an important step forward and Councillor Robinson will continue to support initiatives that encourage sustainable transportation in Toronto. On January 29, 2020, the EV Strategy was adopted by City Council. More information on the City's ongoing efforts to support the adoption of EVs can be found online, here.