The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources announced yesterday the continuation of the CleanBC Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program, designed to help grow the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The ARC program will support the continued growth of the EV sector by funding the research and development, demonstration and commercialization of made-in-B.C. technologies, services and products.
“With British Columbia’s economic restart well underway, now is the time to decide the type of recovery we want to see in our province,” stated premier John Horgan. “The ARC program is part of CleanBC and the work our government has been doing since day one to power a more sustainable economy.”
Companies across all sectors of the EV supply chain can apply for the new $4.18 million in funds set aside for the program. According to stats from the B.C. government, the sector includes up to 250 companies in the province that provides 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and contributes $600 million to the provincial gross domestic product (GDP).
“Through CleanBC we are already seeing very positive results in the EV sector, and these investments will support expanded opportunity for companies, researchers and employees,” stated minister of environment and climate change strategy George Heyman. “We are always looking for new ways to build on the knowledge and expertise that exists in British Columbia supporting innovation to build cleaner, stronger communities.”
The fund was first created in 2018, and awarded $1.19 million to five different project last year. Applications for funding are reviewed by a panel that includes members from the provincial, local, and federal governments and BC post-secondary institutions.
The program supports the BC Zero Emission Vehicle Act, which requires automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching: 10% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.
You can find out more at the Advanced Research and Commercialization program website.
