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Rules in place for 100% electric vehicle sales in British Columbia by 2040

July 31, 2020 | By Anthony Capkun


Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, says Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulations are in place, which outline the switch to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2040 in British Columbia. Photo courtesy Government of British Columbia

July 31, 2020 – Regulations are in place outlining how British Columbia will make the switch to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2040.

The regulations follow the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act that was passed last year, and fulfils the CleanBC commitment to implement a ZEV standard, says the province.

“Today we are one step closer to ensuring that in less than 20 years, every new car sold in B.C. will be a zero-emission vehicle powered by clean electricity,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Passed in 2019, The ZEV Act requires automakers to meet increasing annual levels of EV sales reaching 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The new ZEV regulation sets phased-in annual targets and other compliance requirements, ensuring automakers increase the number and type of EVs that they sell in B.C. to meet consumer demand.

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EV sales in B.C. made up 9% of light-duty vehicle sales in 2019, as well as in the first half of 2020, says the province. Budget 2020 invested an additional $20 million in point-of-purchase rebates to make EVs more affordable.

CleanBC’s Go Electric program offers point-of-purchase rebates of up to $3000 for the purchase or lease of a new battery EV or plug-in hybrid EV, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (for vehicles less than $55,000).


Price comparison : fuel vs. electric

Chevrolet Spark (fuel) 2L CVT FWD – base trim
MSRP $19,298.00

Chevrolet Bolt (electric) LT FWD – base trim
MSRP $45,918.00.00

* Information from General Motors of Canada Co. (July 31, 2020)


A ZEV advisory council will be established to provide input into the ministry’s EV programming and policies, including the ZEV regulation, added the province. The advisory council will consist of industry, environmental NGOs, local governments, First Nations, infrastructure providers and academics.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the CleanBC Go Electric program, the public charging network and EV rebates.


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