The total ChargeON investment rises to $180 million; while Ontario budget commits to bolstering EV supply chains

Ontario is earmarking $92 million within its $232.5-billion 2025/2026 budget for a top-up of its public EV charging infrastructure program, ChargeON.

With the new investment, Ontario will have invested a total of $180 million in improving EV charging station coverage in the province.

“The additional investment will ensure continued deployment of EV chargers in key areas across the province,” reads the budget.

The investment’s aim is to “improve EV charging infrastructure, reduce range anxiety, fill gaps in underserved areas, and build a more affordable and connected charging network.”

Funding streams

The ChargeON program will continue to disburse funds to charging providers through two channels: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream.

The former “is a competitive, application-based grant program for eligible private, public and non-profit sector entities and Indigenous communities,” according to the budget document.

On the other hand, the second stream “supports the installation of public EV charging ports on government sites along key provincial corridors and destinations, including highway rest areas, Ontario Parks sites and carpool lots.”

The government states that more than 270 companies (installing upwards of 1,300 chargers) are currently being supported by the top-up of ChargeON, while another 15 provincial government sites are receiving funding for charger installation.

Protecting investments

The overall theme for Ontario’s 2025/2026 budget is protecting the provincial economy, including $46 billion in investments into strengthening the province’s EV and battery supply chain.

“The imposition of U.S. tariffs has highlighted the urgent need to bolster Ontario’s economic resilience,” states the budget. “In the face of economic uncertainty, the government is doubling down on its plan to build.”

In addition to recharging ChargeON, the government is contemplating a partnership with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) — an Ontario government initiative that invests in provincial automotive and mobility technology companies.

The budget document also mentions a range of other EV-industry investments. These include a $500-million investment in critical mineral processing and the construction of a new interchange near Windsor, Ont., that will improve access to a NextStar battery factory, a lynchpin of the province’s EV supply-chain strategy, currently under construction.