Electric Vehicles

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Person charging electric vehicle

What is an electric vehicle?

An electric vehicle, also known as an EV, is a car that is powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. An EV uses energy that is stored in its rechargeable batteries which are recharged by common household electricity.

Electric vehicles are quiet, cheaper to operate than gasoline powered cars and most importantly, do not have tailpipe emissions. The electricity used to charge EVs in Ontario is much cleaner since the provincial government phased out coal-fired generating stations, resulting in limited greenhouse gas emissions from the grid (from natural gas peaking plants).

Public EV Charging Stations

In August 2015, the City of Burlington installed its first public electric vehicle charging station with two ports in the parking garage at 414 Locust St. in downtown Burlington. In 2017, a second charging station was added in the same location allowing four vehicles to charge at once.

In 2018, 23 more public EV charging ports were added to the downtown core - 18 of which were through the Workplace EV Charging Incentive Program (WEVCIP). A condition of the WEVCIP funding is that the parking spots must be designated for workplace employees during working hours. However, the public can use the charging stations outside working hours.

All of the city’s public charging units are Level 2.

Where are the city’s downtown public EV parking spaces located?

Address	When can I plug in?	# ports
Lot 5 – 391 Brant St.	Anytime	2
Lot 13 – 426 Brant St.	Anytime	1
Garage Level 1 a – 414 Locust St.	Anytime	4
Garage Level 6a – 414 Locust St.	Anytime	2
Garage Level 6a - 414 Locust St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	6
Lot 2 - 446 Burlington Ave.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2
Lot 3 - 533 John St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2
Lot 4 - 421 John St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2
Lot 6 - 430 Brock St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2
Lot 7 - 500 Locust St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2
Lot 10 - 1371 Elgin St.	After 6 p.m. and on weekends	2

Where are other charging stations located?

There are many publicly accessible EV charging stations located throughout Burlington. Find out where you can charge your EV.

Who can park in the EV parking spaces?

As per Parking and Idling Bylaw 39-2016, a $47 ticket can be issued if you don’t abide by the following:

Only EVs may park in designated EV parking spaces
EVs must be plugged in
EVs must move within four hours of parking.

Is there a cost to charge my EV?

There is no fee to charge a vehicle, however the city's parking rates ($1.75/hour) will apply. Note that parking is free on weekdays after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

Learn more about the City of Burlington's commitment to sustainability.