In its annual Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Update, the province of British Columbia says it has the highest percentage of ZEV adoption of anywhere in North America.
“With the highest uptake rates of ZEVs in North America making 13% of new light-duty vehicles sold in B.C. and more than 79,000 light-duty ZEVs on B.C. roads today, we are quickly becoming a leader in the industry,” says Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
Currently the province also has 3,000 public charging stations and four hydrogen fueling stations.
The ministry also says reiterated the details of The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, released in 2021, which details a range of expanded actions to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future and achieve B.C.’s legislated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets.
These actions include strengthening the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act to require 26% of light-duty vehicle sales to be ZEVs by 2026, 90% by 2030 and 100% by 2035 – five years ahead of the original target.
Blair Qualey, the President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC credited the high adoption rate to what it calls the “Three Pillars”: point of purchase rebates, access to charging stations in places where people live, work and play, and ongoing education and awareness about the benefits of EV ownership.
“Another key aspect of our success is the level of partnership and collaboration that has been created with industry, government, utility companies including charging station suppliers and energy producers. An ongoing commitment to the three-pillar approach will be a key aspect of encouraging ongoing ZEV uptake by BC consumers.
“More than a dozen years ago, the notion of ZEVs making a dent in BC’s new car market was unthinkable,” says Qualey . “Today, the province is a leader, thanks to a thoughtful and strategic approach that has guided our efforts.”
Minister Ralston also says the adoption is also delivering for the economy.
“B.C.’s EV sector continues to deliver jobs and significant economic opportunities across the province with an estimated 274 B.C. companies that provide 6,300 full-time jobs and contribute $622 million to the provincial gross domestic product.”
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