By Oli Herrera

ZEV ACT CHANGES

100% of car sales must be zero-emission by 2035; BC Hydro building more EV charging stations

Jul 6, 2021 | 4:59 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–In 2019, the B.C. government enacted the Zero-Emission Act that requires manufacturers to make all new cars and passenger trucks to be 100% zero emission by 2040.

The ZEV Act is in conjunction with Quebec and 10 U.S. states. But now, there’s been a big change.

Last week, Canada announced that it will require that all provinces to reach that zero-emission goal by 2035.

“When Minister Wilkinson said we are moving from voluntary to mandatory. That’s a big change. It’s a huge change actually.” said Daniel Breton, CEO of Electric Mobility Canada.

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The new Zero-Emission Act is being fast tracked by five years. This change is part of Justin Trudeau’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030. Electric Mobility Canada says this decision is a great move because it make sures that drivers have ZEV options before buying a new vehicle.

“What were seeing is that more and more buy electric vehicles. but there are some regions in the country where just getting your hands on one is real problem right now.” said Breton

Breton says it’s not just the availability of ZEV vehicles at the dealership that’s a problem. There are also not enough charging stations in the country.

Right now, BC Hydro has more than 70 charging stations in the province. Here in the north, BC Hydro is looking to expand that number to make travelling to the coast and other regions much easier.

“This summer we’re building in Fraser Lake and also Smithers and other locations. We’ve already got Prince Rupert and Burns Lake online. Vanderhoof as well we’ll be adding, and then we’re moving up north. Mcleod Lake, Mackenzie and into the Peace Country next year.” said Bob Gammer, Community Relations Manager, BC Hydro.

With the addition of ZEV passenger trucks, Breton believe it will motivate more Canadians to switch over from gasoline powered ones.

“More and more EV’s coming to market will be SUV’s and pickups. It’s gonna be a huge game changer because let’s face it right now, Canadians like a lot more light-duty trucks than cars.” said Breton.