VANCOUVER — The B.C. government’s decision to require new vehicles purchased in the province to be 100 per cent zero-emission by 2040 is a strong step for climate action, cleaner air and more affordable transportation choices, according to the David Suzuki Foundation.

The phased approach aims to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles (such as electric vehicles) in the province gradually — up to 10 per cent by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040.

“British Columbians increasingly want to do their part to fight climate change and reduce pollution in their communities, and this zero-emission vehicle law will help give citizens one more way to do that,” Foundation science and policy director Ian Bruce said. “We support this decision because it will help ensure British Columbians have more choices as they look for cost-effective, clean vehicles.”

“If a robust clean vehicle requirement like California’s is passed in B.C., this will ensure global automakers develop and offer more affordable, clean vehicles for British Columbians and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation in Canada,” Bruce said. “This will help tackle one of B.C.’s biggest sources of carbon pollution, the transportation sector.”

Another opportunity to shrink B.C.’s carbon footprint is to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas and liquefied natural gas sector, which represent the largest share of emissions from B.C. industry. The B.C. government is currently drafting regulations for the sector.

“Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so effective regulations will be key for a fair and effective provincial climate plan,” Bruce said. “We hope the B.C. government will seize the opportunity to pass a comprehensive strategy that re-establishes our province as a North American leader.”

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Background:

  • B.C. has the highest adoption rate of zero-emission vehicles in Canada.
  • In B.C., a recent survey commissioned by Natural Resources Canada found that 30 per cent of dealerships did not have a ZEV on their lot, and that 39 per cent only had one available on the lot. The most commonly cited challenge faced by sales representatives trying to sell EVs was inadequate supply.
  • Zero-emission vehicles help reduce emissions and pollution in our cities. They also help us take responsibility and leadership on climate action. Drivers save on fuel costs, and the vehicles are ideally suited for B.C.’s clean electricity grid.
  • BC Hydro calculated that while a Honda Civic driver spends $1,705 on gasoline annually, a Nissan Leaf owner would only spend $449 on electricity.
  • ZEV mandates are a proven tool. California and nine other states use them. Here in Canada, Quebec has also put a mandate into place.
  • A research team at Simon Fraser University found the ZEV mandate to be the “most effective, low-cost and transformative policy.”


For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Brendan Glauser, bGlauser@davidsuzuki.org, 604-356-8829