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 is undertaking an EV Charging Strategy to inform our approach to providing EV and micromobility charge stations at City-owned facilities. This includes municipal buildings, parks, community centres, libraries, neighbourhood street parking, and more.

This Strategy is a key outcome of the Community and Energy Emissions Plan (CEEP), which targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Since transportation is the City’s largest greenhouse gas source, the CEEP identifies the development of a public charge station network as an effective way to support the shift towards low-emissions transportation.

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Public Consultation

The first Public Information Centre for the EV Charging Strategy was held on February 4 at Bayview Hill Community Centre. Residents were also able to join online. The presentation materials are available below:

• PIC 1 Presentation Slides

Additional public consultation will take place in Summer 2025.

An online survey for this Strategy was open from January 29 to February 19. The results will be used to inform the final Strategy recommendations, expected to be completed in late 2025.

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.