Hydro One Limited and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) recently announced the launch of Ivy Charging Network, which is set to become Ontario’s largest and most connected electric vehicle fast charger network. The federal government provided an $8 million repayable contribution through Natural Resources Canada’s Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative to Hydro One and OPG to help build the EV network.

“We play a critical role in energizing life in communities across Ontario. This fast-charger network will create a better and brighter future through a greener transportation sector while meeting the evolving energy needs of our customers and all Ontarians,” said Imran Merali, vice president, customer service at Hydro One, and co-president of Ivy Charging Network.

Ivy Charging Network plans to install 160 level 3 fast chargers at 73 locations across Ontario by the end of 2021, with the aim to help alleviate EV vehicle range anxiety, as Ivy’s locations will be, on average, under 100 kilometres apart.

“Having delivered the world’s largest single climate change action to date with the closure of our coal stations, OPG’s clean power serves as a strong platform to electrify carbon-heavy sectors like transportation,” said Theresa Dekker, vice president, corporate business development and strategy for OPG, and co-president of Ivy Charging Network. “That’s why we’re so pleased to be partnering with Hydro One on an initiative that will broaden the benefits of electrification, providing a reliable, integrated network while ensuring no additional cost to ratepayers.”

Ivy Charging Network selected Greenlots, a member of the Shell Group and provider of EV charging and management solutions, as its service provider to operate and manage the network. Ivy Charging Network is a limited partnership with equal ownership between Hydro One and OPG. As an unregulated business, it can provide a new revenue stream for both companies while not affecting Ontario electricity rates.