Legislation to guide transition to electric vehicles in B.C.

BRITISH COLUMBIA— New legislation aims to reduce climate pollution by phasing out gas-powered light-duty vehicles and making zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) more available and affordable for British Columbians.

If passed, the zero-emission vehicles act will require the sale of all new light-duty cars and trucks be zero-emission vehicles by 2040. The legislation will require all new light-duty vehicles to be zero-emission vehicles by 2040. The target will be met using a phased-in approach, with 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The annual automaker requirements will start for the model year 2020.

“British Columbians are eager to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles, but price and availability can be barriers,” says Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Michelle Mungall. “To reduce those barriers, we are providing rebates as part of CleanBC, and now we are bringing in legislation that will improve availability.”

The zero-emission vehicles act is based on legislation already in place in Quebec and California. It was informed by consultation with British Columbians, manufacturers and key stakeholders.