Zero-Emission Vehicles Act passed in British Columbia

An act has passed in British Columbia to ensure the continued take-up of clean energy vehicles.

The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEVA), which passed on the 29th of May, will mean that all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in British Columbia will be clean energy by 2040.

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, said: "By requiring that a percentage of vehicle sales in B.C. be zero-emission models, automakers will respond to the demand by offering consumers more choices. Along with greener options like transit, the increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles will help lower emissions in our transportation sector."

SEE ALSO:

• British Columbia introduces legislation that would require new cars to be zero-emission by 2040

• Government of Canada to invest $4.4mn in clean water technology

• Ontario set to establish clean technologies fund in order to meet Paris Climate Agreement

• Read the latest issue of Business Chief, Canada edition, here

The definition of zero-emission vehicles includes battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The government said that such vehicles already made up over 6% of new light-duty vehicle sales in British Columbia. British Columbians were said to buy the most zero-emission vehicles per capita in Canada, aided by the existence of government rebates.

"With federal and provincial rebates now in place, switching to an electric vehicle is more affordable than ever," said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. "The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will make sure British Columbia continues to be on the forefront of the clean energy revolution."

The act’s targets will ramp up over time. 10% of sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The act is based on similar laws instituted in Quebec and in 10 U.S. states.