BC Ferries updates policy to allow immobile and undamaged EVs

For electric vehicle (EV) owners living in British Columbia’s coastal and island communities, getting a non-drivable car to the mainland has been a frustrating challenge. That’s now changing, as BC Ferries has rolled out a new policy that will finally allow immobile EVs with little to no damage on board its vessels.

Starting May 19, the ferry operator says it will allow immobile EVs that are either undamaged or have only minor cosmetic issues to travel on its vessels. The decision comes after months of consultations with Transport Canada and industry stakeholders, and marks a notable shift in how EVs are handled in marine transport.

A Major Issue for Island Residents

For many island residents, this change addresses a major pain point. A policy introduced in 2025 restricted the transportation of damaged EVs, including those with only minor damage, over concerns their high-voltage batteries could pose a fire risk, something no one wants to deal with in the middle of open water.

That created logistical headaches for owners who needed to transport their vehicles to the mainland for repairs where ferry travel is the only viable connection to those services. This left owners with either facing an extremely large bill for a private barge, or no option at all.

What’s Allowed Under the New Policy

Now, under the revised rules, immobile EVs will be accepted as long as there is no structural or battery-related damage. Vehicles with cosmetic issues, such as minor body damage that does not impact the frame or high-voltage battery, are now considered safe for transport, provided they are towed or carried on board.

“We understand the importance of this policy for ferry-dependent residents and EV owners,” said Darren Johnston, Vice President of Marine Operations at BC Ferries. “Our revised policy recognizes the challenges they face while at the same time ensures that we comply with laws and regulations and continue to keep our focus on the safety of all our passengers and crew.”

Safety Concerns Still Remain

The update brings clarity to what had been a confusing and, at times, frustrating situation. Ferry crews are not equipped to assess battery integrity, and until now, the lack of a standardized inspection framework meant erring on the side of caution—often to the detriment of customers.

That caution isn’t going away entirely. EVs with suspected battery damage, or where battery integrity cannot be confirmed, will still be restricted from travel unless the battery has been removed in accordance with federal dangerous goods regulations.

Still, the policy change is a move in the right direction as it strikes a reasonable balance between safety and practicality, especially as EV adoption continues to rise across British Columbia.