British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in the world to legislate a 100% zero emission vehicle sales target with the passage of the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEV Act) on May 30, 2019. The legislation requires automakers to meet tiered targets reaching 10% by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.
New numbers show the province has essentially reached their 2025 target five years early. It also shows BC has the highest rate of EV adoption in North America,
The figures were released today in the 2020 annual zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) update. The province says that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of passenger EVs remained steady through the year, leading to 9.4% of all vehicles sales being zero-emission.
“B.C. is quickly becoming a leader in the ZEV industry. In 2020, B.C. had the highest uptake of ZEVs in North America. New ZEV sales averaged 9.4% over the year despite the pandemic, and with more British Columbians choosing ZEVs, we’re investing in the supports needed to meet the increasing demand for ZEVs on B.C. roads while moving toward our CleanBC goals,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
In total there were 54,469 light-duty EV sales in 2020, more than double the number that were registered in 2018.
According to the government report, the Tesla Model 3 was the top selling EV in B.C., claiming the majority of the province’s $3,000 CEV for B.C. rebate.
With the high number of EVs on the road, the charging infrastructure has been able to keep up. With a generous rebate program that offers applicants up to $80,000 off the installation of a DC fast charger, the report says B.C. has one of the largest public charging networks in Canada.
