Ontario's target is to become a world leader in building and driving electric cars.

The McGuinty government aims to have one out of every 20 vehicles driven in Ontario to be electrically powered by 2020. This would put Ontarians into cleaner, more efficient vehicles, and expand the electric vehicle market for manufacturers.

Under a plan announced today, buyers of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles will receive:

• Rebates of between $4,000 and $10,000 for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles purchased after July 1, 2010.
• Green vehicle licence plates that would allow drivers to:
  - Use less-congested High Occupancy Vehicle (carpool) lanes, even if there is only one person in the vehicle.
  - Access public charging facilities and parking at Ontario government and GO Transit lots.

Ontario will also add 500 electric vehicles to the Ontario Public Service fleet.

Expanding the use of electric vehicles by consumers and government will help create and sustain jobs in the auto sector and put Ontario at the forefront of the new, green economy in North America.