Whereas the provincial government plans to require only zero emission vehicle sales in British Columbia by 2040; And whereas northern and rural communities may not have the necessary infrastructure, capacity building ability, and related upgrades necessary to support the provinces objective for zero emission vehicles: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to recognize the challenges in northern British Columbia and outline their plan for supporting capacity building, improved infrastructure and other upgrades in northern British Columbia to meet zero emission vehicle sales targets.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Government recently introduced amendments to the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act to accelerate new light-duty vehicle sales targets - 26 zero-emission vehicles ZEVs in 2026, 90 in 2030, and 100 in 2035. British Columbians are already adopting ZEVs at high rates, across all regions of BC. ZEVs use cleaner energy, improve air quality, and cost dramatically less over time to fuel and operate. The ZEV Act amendments will help ensure automakers are providing these vehicles to BC for British Columbians. The Provinces suite of complementary Go Electric programs help make ZEVs more affordable for British Columbians, and help spur investment in outreach, infrastructure, skills training, and economic development in the growing ZEV sector. To support this transition to ZEVs in northern British Columbia: - The Province is investing in capacity building programs such as the Go Electric Emotive and Community Outreach Incentive Program, and training for upskilling of automotive technicians. For example, Go Electric outreach funding has supported videos on ZEV performance in northern climates and ride-and-drive events throughout northern B.C. Seven colleges around the province now offer training on ZEVs for automotive technicians, including the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, and the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook. - In the Roadmap to 2030, the Province committed to complete the Electric Highway in 2024, enabling ZEVs to travel every highway and major road in the province. Approximately 72 of the Electric Highway is now complete, and plans are in place for the remaining stations to be complete in 2024. - The Province is also working with other levels of government, utilities, and industry to meet the Roadmap goal to have 10,000 public charging stations across the province by 2030. - Lastly, in response to input received from northern communities, the ZEV Act also allows for the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, providing an option to British Columbians for whom range and charging might still be barriers.