B.C. Making It Easier To Buy Zero-Emission Vehicles

British Columbia is set to accelerate its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets.

“With the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, our government was the first in the world to put an EV sales target into law,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

“British Columbia is the leader in Canada on the switch to electric vehicles, and thanks to the success we’ve seen, we’re accelerating our work so we can hit our 100% EV sales target five years earlier. The actions we’re taking today will make it easier for drivers to choose electric when they make their next vehicle purchase, with even more choices available to reduce pollution and contribute to cleaner air.”

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.

The province says under the changes, they’ll be able to hit their 100-percent EV sales target five years earlier.

The ZEV Act amendments will require automakers 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, five years ahead of the original target.

So far in 2023, electric vehicles made up nearly 21% of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in B.C., the highest percentage for any province or territory in Canada.

The province is also spending another $7 million on a first come, first serve rebate program for homes, workplaces, and multi-unit residential buildings.

The program’s funds were exhausted earlier in the year due to higher-than-anticipated demand. Applications for single-family homes and workplaces will reopen next Tuesday.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.