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Province Sets ZEV Goal For 2040

Province Sets ZEV Goal For 2040

Apr 10, 2019 | 2:43 PM

BC’s NDP government has introduced legislation that calls for the gradual phase-out of gas-powered light duty vehicles, while making zero-emission vehicles more available and affordable.

If passed, the bill would require the sale of all new light-duty cars and trucks be zero-emission by 2040.

Energy Minister Michelle Mungall says the government will be providing rebates to make Z-E-V’s a more realistic option for car buyers.

“British Columbians are eager to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles, but price and availability can be barriers. To reduce those barriers, we are providing rebates as part of CleanBC, and now we are bringing in legislation that will improve availability,” says Mungall.

Mungall says the 2040 target will be met using a phased-in approach, with 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.

The annual automaker requirements will start for the model year of 2020.

“I am thrilled that BC is adopting a rigorous zero-emission vehicle mandate,” says Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green caucus. “Climate change is the biggest threat facing our province, and, after B.C. NDP just doubled down on the crisis by adding 3.45 million tonnes of emissions from the first phase of LNG alone, we must do everything we can to decrease our emissions elsewhere. This legislation is one way CleanBC empowers each of us to do our part. Transportation makes up 40 per cent of B.C.’s household emissions. By improving the affordability and accessibility of clean vehicles we are helping support British Columbians who make the shift towards zero-emission vehicles.”