EV sales in B.C. made up 9% of light-duty vehicle sales in 2019 and in the first half of 2020 – the highest sales rate in Canada

REGULATIONS are in place outlining how B.C. will reduce pollution and make the switch to 100% electric-vehicle sales by 2040, the Province announced on Thursday.

The regulations follow the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act that was passed last year and fulfils the CleanBC commitment to implement a ZEV standard.

“British Columbians are eager to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, help reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs, but price and availability can be barriers,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Today we are one step closer to ensuring that in less than 20 years, every new car sold in B.C. will be a zero-emission vehicle powered by clean electricity.”

The ZEV Act, passed in 2019, requires automakers to meet increasing annual levels of EV sales reaching 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The new ZEV regulation sets phased-in annual targets and other compliance requirements, ensuring automakers increase the number and type of EVs that they sell in B.C. to meet consumer demand.

EV sales in B.C. made up 9% of light-duty vehicle sales in 2019, as well as in the first half of 2020 – the highest sales rate in Canada. Budget 2020 invested an additional $20 million in point-of-purchase rebates to make EVs more affordable, helping British Columbians choose cleaner transportation options and save on fuel costs.

“Growing numbers of British Columbians are switching to electric vehicles and benefiting from an improved driving experience, zero air pollution and much lower fuel and maintenance costs,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We’re supporting this transition by making electric vehicles and charging more affordable and available around the province. These changes will help us to build a cleaner, better future where all new vehicles are zero emission.”

The ZEV regulation was informed by engagement and consultation with stakeholders, including the auto industry, local governments and environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). Following comments received during consultation, a technical review of the ZEV regulation will be held at regular intervals to review market trends, receive input from stakeholders and allow for any necessary adjustments.

A ZEV advisory council will be established to provide input into the ministry’s EV programming and policies including the ZEV regulation. The advisory council will be comprised of industry, ENGOs, local governments, First Nations, infrastructure providers and academics.

Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, said: “The B.C. ZEV mandate is an exciting development in British Columbia’s shift toward the low-carbon economy. The ZEV sales requirement was a key part of the CleanBC plan that I worked in collaboration with government to build, and I’m pleased that this important milestone has been achieved.”

Adam Olsen, Green Party of B.C.’s interim leader and MLA for Saanich-North and the Islands, added: “Electrifying our transportation network is critical to building a sustainable future. We are proud B.C. is leading the way with an ambitious and legislated 100% zero-emission vehicle target. However, the key to our success going forward will be ensuring equitable access to both electric vehicles and charging infrastructure across society – work we are keen to continue advancing.”

Quick Facts:

* With the passage of the legislation, B.C. joined a growing number of jurisdictions with EV standards, including Quebec, California and nine other U.S. states, and became the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate a 100% EV target.

* Zero-emission vehicles include battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles.

* CleanBC’s Go Electric program offers point-of-purchase rebates of up to $3,000 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle for vehicles less than $55,000.