2019 proved to be another record year for electric vehicle (EV) sales in British Columbia, as the trend towards electrification continues.
Under the CleanBC Program which provides a point of sale incentive of up to $3,000 from the Provincial Government, administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, CEVforBC™ applications almost doubled in 2019, surpassing 2018’s record.
While EV sales have steadily increased through Canada, there is no question that BC has assumed a leadership position. Not only does the province have a history of being environmentally focused, but it’s providing opportunities to make the change to greener transportation options easier. With the continued success of CEVforBC™ and the SCRAP-IT® Program, along with investments in vehicle charging infrastructure, many British Columbians are finding that switching to a full or hybrid EV is not only possible – but an attractive option.
For many consumers – right behind the issue of price – the issue of range anxiety, remains a major concern – particularly those who many live outside of well populated areas where charging stations are becoming more common-place. And while building the infrastructure is a process, it’s worth noting that today there are over 1,000 charging stations in BC with that number increasing in 2020.
Although it’s true that many of these charging stations service the southern part of the province, investments are being made in other areas of the province to create a more extensive network. As an example, the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) in Prince George has committed $192,000 towards the creation of EV charging stations across central and northern BC and aims to establish a network of 47 Level 2 charging stations throughout the region. 100 Mile House has also just opened their first electric charging stations, which really shows that more communities are working to make EV’s more accessible.
While it’s encouraging to see an increase in charging stations along major highways and driving routes, ensuring charging stations for consumers at their home is also an important part of the equation. Well, if you chose to install a Level 2 charger at your house there’s an incentive program for that! Customers are eligible to receive a $350 rebate from the BC government for making the switch. You can visit https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/#rebates for more information.
According to data released by Electric Mobility Canada, 10% of all vehicle sales in British Columbia were zero-emission vehicles at the end of 2019. Bringing the overall total of EVs on B.C. roads to approximately 31,000. Amongst the top sellers in Canada were the Tesla Model 3, Toyota Prius Prime and the Chevrolet Bolt.
In an effort to combat climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, the provincial government passed legislation last April that requires all new vehicles sold to be emission free by 2040. The transition will take time. After all, the vast majority of all passenger vehicles and trucks sold in Canada continue to be gasoline or diesel powered. Here in BC, the fleet average is approximately eleven years old, underlining that the move to EV’s won’t be a quick one.
Turning over our older fleet on BCs roads, even to newer much more fuel-efficient gas vehicles, remains a huge opportunity for BC to meet its CleanBC targets. Programs such as BC Scrap-It® encourage British Columbians by paying an incentive to scrap their older, more polluting gas vehicle when they purchase a new qualifying EV.
The NCDA wants to ensure consumers or potential consumers are armed with the best and most up to date information so they can make the most educated choice possible. When it comes to the purchase of electric or any other new vehicle, the support and encouragement dealers provide goes a long way towards fuelling the growth of clean energy vehicle adoption, and in doing so, reducing emissions and improving air quality.
For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.
The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase yours here: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
