Hamilton Begins Public Consultation on Electric Mobility Strategy

Hamilton has begun the first round of public consultation on an Electric Mobility Strategy and Action Plan supporting the city's goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The strategy examines electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, transit and shared mobility, as well as the infrastructure needed to support these options.

The city's modeling indicates that Hamilton may need approximately 18,000 or more publicly accessible charging ports by 2050.

Topics Discussed

ELECTRIC VEHICLE GROWTH AND CHARGING NEEDS

Hamilton has approximately 496,000 registered vehicles, including about 7,500 electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The city projects that more than 400,000 vehicles could be electric by 2050.

Hamilton currently has 165 publicly accessible charging ports. Level 2 chargers are concentrated mainly downtown, while DC fast chargers are primarily located along highway corridors.

The presentation stated: "Hamilton currently has 165 publicly accessible charging ports. Based on future EV adoption and charging demand, our modeling indicates that approximately 18,000 or more publicly accessible ports may be required by 2050."

ACCESS TO CHARGING IN MULTI-UNIT HOUSING

About 37 per cent of Hamilton homes are in multi-unit residential buildings, including apartments, condominiums and rental housing.

The presentation identified charging access as a challenge for residents who do not control how infrastructure is installed in their buildings. It also identified vehicle and equipment costs as barriers for lower-income households.

"Residents in apartments, condominiums, and rental housing may have less control over whether and how charging infrastructure is installed," the presentation said.

CURBSIDE AND GEOGRAPHIC CHARGING NEEDS

The city is examining curbside charging options for residents in Hamilton's Lower City, where street and laneway parking are common.

The strategy also distinguishes between urban, suburban and rural charging needs. Residents in suburban and rural areas may travel longer distances and have fewer existing charging locations.

TRANSPORTATION EMISSIONS

The presentation stated that replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles will not, by itself, meet the city's transportation emissions targets.

"Reducing transportation emissions will require more than simply replacing gasoline vehicles with electric ones," the presentation said.

The strategy will consider reducing unnecessary vehicle trips, shifting shorter trips to walking, cycling, transit, shared mobility and electric mobility, and transitioning remaining vehicle trips to zero-emission technologies.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The city is conducting its first round of public engagement through an online survey. The survey seeks feedback on barriers to electric mobility and the priorities residents believe the strategy should address.

A second round of engagement is planned after the city completes its technical analysis. That round will present findings and draft recommendations for public feedback.

Motions

• No motions were mentioned in the presentation segment.
• No file or agenda numbers were mentioned.

Attendees

• No councillors or other attendees were identified in the presentation segment.