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BC Sets Targets For Zero-Emission Vehicl

BC Sets Targets For Zero-Emission Vehicles

Nov 20, 2018 | 1:46 PM

The BC government has set a goal to require all new light-duty cars and trucks to be zero-emission vehicles by the year 2040.

Premier John Horgan says it’s a move aimed at reducing air pollution and tackling climate change.

The NDP government, with support of the Green Party, will introduce legislation next spring to set phased in targets for zero emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, and ways to make those vehicles more affordable.

“This legislation will set targets of 10% ZEV sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040, while government will take additional steps to make ZEVs more affordable,” says Horgan. “There’s nothing more important than taking care of the place we call home. As a province, we need to work together to put B.C. on a path that powers our future with clean, renewable energy and reduces air pollution.”

Horgan outlined a three-point plan to kick-start and fuel the rollout of the ZEV standard:

1. Expanding the size of the province’s electric vehicle direct-current fast-charger (DCFC) network to 151 sites, with 71 already completed or underway and, leveraging federal and private-sector dollars, another 80 in the works.

2. Increasing the provincial incentive program, administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, by $20 million this year to encourage more British Columbians to buy clean energy cars now. This will bring the incentive program up to $57 million in total.

3. Reviewing the incentive program with an eye to expanding it over time, so buying a ZEV becomes a more affordable option for middle- and lower-income British Columbians.

“Everywhere I go, I hear from British Columbians who are excited to embrace electric vehicles,” said Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green caucus. “As an EV owner myself, I can attest to how good it feels to save fuel and repair costs, while doing my part to reduce emissions. The B.C. ZEV mandate is an exciting development that will support British Columbians as we make the shift to the low-carbon economy.”

British Columbia already has charging and fuelling infrastructure networks – electric and hydrogen fuelling – with 12,000 clean energy vehicles registered, which the