Victoria: B.C. government says it is accelerating its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets and helping more people go electric.
According to the province, If passed, the amendments to the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will help increase access and choice for ZEV car buyers, while new provincial funding will help expand B.C.’s charging network.
Under the ZEV Act amendments, automakers will need to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching 26% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 90% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
The province says it will be five years ahead of the original target.
“This updated ZEV target reflects the success of our measures to shift rapidly to cleaner transportation,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
“We’re taking action to encourage a cleaner British Columbia, while making headway on CleanBC’s mission to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. These changes also support rising demand for cleaner vehicles on the roads and will make it easier for more people to choose an electric vehicle,” he added.
Along with the ZEV Act amendmentsB.C’s Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program for homes, workplaces and multi-unit residential buildings has been recharged with $7 million in provincial funding to fully reopen the first-come, first-serve program.