Regulations are in place outlining how British Columbia will make the switch to 100 per cent electric-vehicle sales by 2040.
The regulations follow the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act that was passed last year and fulfils the CleanBC commitment to implement a ZEV standard.
“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,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
The ZEV Act, passed in 2019, requires automakers to meet increasing annual levels of EV sales reaching 10 per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030, and 100 per cent 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 nine per cent 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.
