Langley, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of BC is encouraging the provincial government to leave the door open for a flexible approach to Zero Emission Vehicle Act regulations – because existing rules may have unintended consequences that ultimately slow the adoption of clean energy vehicles.
In 2019, the BC Government proclaimed the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, requiring automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases. The province has now confirmed that it will accelerate those targets, requiring 26 per cent of light duty vehicle sales in the province be ZEV by 2026, 90 per cent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2035.
The legislation includes a penalty structure through which automakers face the prospect of a significant penalty for every vehicle sold under the ratio along with a corresponding reduction in the number of vehicles available for sale in this market. New Car Dealers fear a combination of financial penalties and reduced inventory have the potential to drive up the price for all vehicles, both new and used.
“Government and New Car Dealers share the same goal of reducing greenhouse gases by transitioning British Columbians to clean energy vehicles – and we are on a path that has produced very positive results,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA. “However, there are several issues that may impact the current trajectory. Post-pandemic supply issues continue to affect inventory. Even with incentives, ZEVs are still unaffordable for many British Columbians, and we lack a comprehensive charging network, particularly in the Interior and the North.”
“By building flexibility into the regulatory regime and penalty structure, we stand a better chance of collectively meeting the kind of success we all want, and in doing so creating a cleaner, greener future for all British Columbians,” added Qualey.
The NCDA suggests an ongoing commitment by government in new public, fast-charging stations and a funding top-up for the Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program are important steps in building the infrastructure required to keep pace with the adoption of electric vehicles.
The NCDA has proudly administered the Clean BC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program on behalf of the provincial government since its inception in 2011. During that time frame, BC has become a leader in ZEV adoption on a per capita basis in Canada – and among leading jurisdictions in North America.
For more information about the NCDA, visit newcardealers.ca
About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) represents over 400 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia who directly employ 27,000 British Columbians and are responsible for close to $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail automotive industry and advocates on legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.
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Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231
[email protected]
