Electric vehicle drivers will be able to charge up at ONRoute stops on Hwy. 401 in Tilbury now.
On Friday, two new chargers opened at the Tilbury North ONroute stop. Stations at the Tilbury South location will open no later than Monday.
They are among five new stations opening up at rest stops along Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 400. The others are in Woodstock, Ingleside in Eastern Ontario, and Innisfil near Barrie.
"With EV fast chargers now available at 11 ONroute stations along our province's busiest highways, it's even more convenient than ever for workers and families to grab a coffee or a meal while charging their car," said Energy Minister Todd Smith.
Last December, the Ontario government announced plans to open fast-charging stations at all 23 ONroute locations. Each will have at least two. The busier stops will have more.
The fast chargers cost 30 cents a minute, and most drivers can get 150 km of charge for as little as $7, depending on their model.
The stations are pay-per-use and serve all electric vehicle types.
Encouraging drivers to buy electric will help the province lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Smith has also asked the Ontario Energy Board to give him options for a new ultra-low overnight Time-of-Use rate to help families charge their vehicles overnight at a lower cost.
As of last month, there were over 75,000 electric vehicles registered in Ontario. By 2030, one out of every three vehicles sold in the province will be electric.