Electric vehicles (EVs) run on motors that are either partially or completely powered by electricity. EVs produce less air pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Richmond Hill supports the electrification of motor vehicles for the environmental benefits.

Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

Richmond Hill's Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy was endorsed by Council on December 11, 2025. The Strategy will guide the implementation of public electric vehicle charge stations at City-owned facilities, including municipal buildings, large parks, community and recreation centers, and libraries.

The Strategy is a key outcome of the City’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP), which targets net-zero community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Since transportation is the City’s largest source of emissions, developing a public charge station network will help support the shift to low-emissions transportation.

Two rounds of public consultation were held in 2025, including Public Consultation Sessions and an online survey. Community feedback helped shape the final recommendations and priority actions in the Strategy.

Read the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

City Charge Stations

There are two Level 2 EV charge stations located in the public parking lot at the Main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road) and one Level 2 EV charge station located in the public parking lot at the Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Road East).

All City-owned EV charge stations:

• Are available for public use, free of charge, 24 hours/day
• Operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are not tied to a specific EV network
• Have a 3-hour monitored limit; vehicles may only park and charge for 3 hours (By-law 402-89) 

Basic instructions for using our EV charge stations and charge station etiquette are available on site. 

Other EV Charge Stations

You can find other charge stations in Richmond Hill, the GTA and beyond using apps from PlugShare or ChargeHub (iOS/Android or Mac/PC). 

Why choose an EV?

• Save money on fuel and maintenance costs.
• Take advantage of Ontario's Green Vehicle licence plate program which permits you to drive in HOV lanes as a single occupant.
• Help make your community more sustainable and healthier through reduced emission of harmful greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
• Recharge easily at home or at public charging stations.