As we approach the end of 2019, it’s a good time to look back and celebrate the successes we’ve seen in the sales of EV’s and clean vehicles. They are becoming an ever-popular mode of transportation for British Columbians, as consumers look to lessen their carbon footprint with more sustainable vehicle options.
When it comes to EV’s the sale numbers are impressive. The government issued a news release, celebrating the fact that there are now 30,000 EV’s on the road in BC. This huge milestone came just a few days after a study by Electric Mobility Canada, confirming that 10 percent of all passenger vehicles sold in the province are clean energy vehicles.
BC’s New Car Dealers have done extensive work with the government to encourage consumers to move toward green vehicles. It is part of the reason why British Columbia is known around the world for being an environmentally progressive province. In partnership with the Province, New Car Dealers established the CEVforBC™ program which makes clean energy vehicles more affordable.
Through CEVforBC™, the NCDA has also created competition between dealerships across the province to determine who can reach the highest level of sales of clean energy vehicles, across all brands. Recipients of the prestigious CEVforBC™ Green Star Dealer Awards® will be honoured at the annual 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show (March 25-29). The Auto Show will also show case the latest EV technology, and visitors will be provided the opportunity to test drive a variety of clean energy vehicles and learn more about this growing consumer option.
Further solidifying the importance of EV’s to British Columbians, is the introduction of the EV Maintenance Training program at BCIT. The program is intended to ensure that the automotive workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to support more EV’s on the road.
In a resource-based province as diverse as British Columbia, EVs are not an option for every family – but new gas vehicles with better fuel efficiency are. Issues such as affordability, range anxiety, and the fact that electric vehicles do not yet come in pick-up truck models which individuals may be dependent on continue to limit a broader EV adoption, particularly in rural and remote areas.
For those whom an EV is not an option, it’s important to recognize that newer model gasoline powered vehicles can also play an important role in reductions. Manufacturers continue to unveil new internal combustion models that are much more fuel efficient – and this will continue in years to come as we see more technological advancements.
There are several options to choose from when looking at cleaner gas driven vehicles. Whether you need a pick-up truck, SUV, or something smaller, there are many choices available to you from dealers across the province. 2019 really was an incredible year for the introduction of new models that are more environmentally friendly.
British Columbia remains at the forefront of environmental awareness and consciousness and this is especially apparent in the vehicles consumers in this province choose to purchase.
I look forward to the year ahead and continuing to work with the Province on programs and policy decisions that will continue to encourage consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices.
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. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
