Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s EV/AV report a parliamentary committee recommends that Ottawa should mandate productions and sales of electric vehicles. While Saanich, B.C. jumps on the green bandwagon by investing in electric vehicle charging stations. The EV Network also noticed an increase in demand for EVs in Canada.
EV Mandate
A parliamentary committee tasked with studying the most effective way to boost the purchase and production of electric vehicles said that Ottawa should mandate sales targets for electric vehicles in a recent report.
The vehicles, referred to as ZEVs, are viewed by the Liberal government as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help reach the net-zero target by 2050.
The committee recommended that Canada work with provinces and the automotive industry to “establish a national ZEV standard.”
The regulation would mandate companies and manufacturers to build and sell a specific amount of EVs by giving them credits and setting target goals.
These kinds of programs already exist in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec.
The final report says the creation of these programs would differ minimally depending on jurisdiction. It recommends any mandate be developed “”while respecting constitutional responsibilities and the deep integration of the North American automotive market,” according to the Canadian Press.
In April 2021, electric vehicles only occupied about 3.5 percent of the vehicles registered in Canada last year.
Electric Inclination
Toronto-based electric car retailer, electric vehicle network (EV Network) has raised its first seed capital from investment firm, EV Angels to make electric car ownership more accessible for everyone.
According to the latest survey by KPMG, nearly 70% of Canadians who plan to buy a new vehicle within the next five years are likely to buy an electric vehicle. Recognizing the mass market potential available in high-quality pre-owned electric cars, EV Network has created a customer-centric model around private consultations, test drives, and longer rental experiences – providing consumers with the unique opportunity to try out a wide variety of models and earn credit towards the sale of the electric car of their dreams.
A recent study also shows that low-income households could see significantly higher savings than other income groups by replacing at least one vehicle with an EV. This trend is only expected to increase over time.
Charging Saanich
The Government of Canada is building a clean energy future to strengthen the economy, create good, middle-class jobs and support workers in the natural resource sectors.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $110,000 investment to the District of Saanich to install 22 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at municipally owned sites.
The District of Saanich is matching the federal contribution, bringing the total project cost to $220,000. The investment supports the municipality’s own vehicle fleet and encourages adoption of zero-emission vehicles by giving British Columbians more options to charge and drive their vehicles where they live, work and play.
Federal funding is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which supports the government’s ambitious target to have all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada be zero-emission vehicles by 2040.
“We are giving Canadians the greener options they want to get where they need to go. This is how we get to net zero by 2050,” Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources .
Spinning into Canada
Spin, a micromobility leader owned by Ford Motor Company, launched in Edmonton, Alberta today, marking its first launch in Canada and fourth outside of the United States. A fleet of 450 scooters were deployed through Edmonton’s Downtown, Strathcona and Oliver neighbourhoods. Spin’s fleet of shareable scooters gives Edmonton residents and visitors a safe, socially-distant and sustainable mode of transportation as Alberta recently returned to Step 1 of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Edmonton is our fourth international launch in the past year as we continue to see heavier adoption of micromobility services around the world,” said Derrick Ko, CEO and co-founder of Spin. “We want to ensure people have multiple transit options available to ensure a seamless return to pre-pandemic routines. While we are kicking off in Edmonton, Spin also has plans to expand into other Canadian cities before the end of 2021.”
To celebrate Spin’s debut in Canada, free rides will be offered on all scooters in Edmonton from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT on Saturday, April 17. During this time, the $1.00 unlock fee and $0.35 per minute ride fee will also be waived.
