Red Deer County recently purchased an electric vehicle (EV) and two charging stations with major financial assistance provided by the Province through two programs administered by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC).

The MCCAC’s Electric Vehicles for Municipalities (EVM) program and Electric Vehicle Charging Program (EVCP) provides funding to municipalities to assist their transition to be more efficient and lower greenhouse gas emitting electric vehicles.

In 2021, one County fleet vehicle had to be replaced, research indicated that grants were available that would significantly reduce the cost of not only purchasing an EV but also the necessary charging station(s). The County applied for both the EVM and EVCP grants and were awarded $14,000 for the purchase of a 2022 Kia Niro EV;and $14,000 towards the purchase and installation of two Flo Level 2 EV charging stations.

In addition to the Provincial MCCAC grant funding, the Federal government currently provides $5,000 towards the purchase of a new EV. As a result of these three funding sources the County was able to replace one of it’s internal combustion engine vehicles with one that is environmentally friendly and at a very reasonable cost.

“The County is pleased to receive funding for both of these projects and looks towards new opportunities to increase efficiencies in reaching our environmental goals,” remarked Mayor Jim Wood of Red Deer County