The Halifax Regional Municipality officially adopted their Municipal Electric Vehicle Strategy this week. The Strategy includes direct and indirect actions to accelerate the transition to EVs for the east coast city.
First and foremost, the city is committing to additional public charging infrastructure. They will install 1,000 level 2 ports and 100 direct-current fast-charging ports by 2030. The city will lead the installation with Natural Resources Canada funding.
Additionally, the city will recover any operating costs associated with the chargers, presumably by charging a small fee.
Secondly, the city will meet net-zero municipal operations by 2030. To assist in that goal, the city will transition their 550 light-duty fleet vehicles to EV.
Once completed, emissions by Halifax fleet vehicles will reduce by 65% based on current grid forecasts.
Finally, the Strategy looks to call on some changes to Municipal and Provincial laws and partner with local foundations to provide education. Some of the changes include changing the Building Code Act to require EV Ready parking stalls at new builds.
In addition, the Strategy calls on the Mayor to request the Premier of Nova Scotia to strengthen the ZEV mandate to align with HalifACT. The Strategy also calls for the city to partner with Clean Foundations ‘ Next Ride’ to encourage education around EVs.
The Municipal Electric Vehicle Strategy is a big step for Halifax. However, questions remain as for increased adaption to happen; the city needs the support and action of the Province.
