Electric vehicle chargers are coming to Ontario grocery stores

Grocery stores across Ontario will soon provide more than just fresh produce as FLO, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) company, is gearing up to install EV chargers at select Metro and Food Basics locations throughout the province. According to an official press release, this team-up will yield 500 fast-charging EV stations between Ontario and Quebec by this August. 

According to information provided by FLO, this partnership is purpose-built to integrate EV applications in more day-to-day scenarios throughout Canada. This will then, in turn, help the country move further towards its goal of an eventual emissions-free transportation sector. 

“By establishing fast charging stations at more than 130 grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario, we’re laying the groundwork to accelerate this transition,” said President of FLO Louis Tremblay in an official statement.

However, funding for this incentive is only coming partially out of FLO’s pockets, as the EV charging initiative has launched in tandem with finances provided by the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) — a federal body that supports infrastructure built with public interest in mind. 

“The CIB is investing in critical EV infrastructure which meets drivers’ needs for the future, in communities big and small, across the country. Grocery stores are essential for our daily necessities and thriving communities. By combining high-speed charging options for EV drivers in the places they frequent the most, we are moving closer to ending EV owners’ range anxiety,” said Canadian Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory in an official statement.

This initiative is also not limited to Ontario and Quebec, as the CIB partnership is generating $235-million to help bring 1,900 EV chargers to Canada by 2027. According to FLO, these chargers will be compatible with most EV models and can charge them to 80 per cent capacity in 15 minutes. 

At the time of this article, no word has been released on when these coast-to-coast chargers will begin their installation process.