BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) is seeking support from the Government of BC to legislate a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate for BC’s commercial road transportation sector.
In the fight against climate change, British Columbia has among the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in the world at 40 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030, 60 per cent by 2040, and 80 per cent by 2050. As medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) commercial vehicles are responsible for approximately 50 per cent of GHG emissions produced from BC’s road transportation sources, the sector has a large role to play toward the provincial government delivering on its commitment to reduce climate pollution.
Emissions from MHD vehicles have continued to rise and are projected to increase as their numbers grow to meet the increased demand for the services they provide, which is why BCTA is committed to its environmental stewardship efforts. Through BCTA’s Sustainability Committee, the association advocates for outreach and incentives for carriers to adopt fuel efficiency technology and regulation to support the adoption of zero-emission technology. By identifying measures, the sector can take to reduce its carbon footprint, BCTA is determined to evolve to a clean energy future.
One measure to lower GHG emissions is the recommendation for a province-wide ZEV sales mandate for BC’s commercial road transportation sector. To accelerate the adoption of these vehicles, BCTA is advocating for a mandate that all new medium-duty vehicles (>4,527 kg, <11,794 kg) sold in BC be zero or low emission vehicles by 2050, and all new heavy-duty vehicles (>11,794 kg) sold in BC be zero or low emission vehicles by 2060.
While the use of electric and hydrogen units for return to base and regional lanes is imminent, it is limited by the large price differential, range concerns, operating temperatures, BC’s mountainous terrain, and refueling and charging infrastructure. The removal of barriers to ZEV adoption requires immediate attention, and Dave Earle, BCTA President and CEO, wants industry and government to take action now.
“As the availability of heavy-duty zero emission vehicles continues to grow we need to address the challenges affecting uptake if we want to decarbonize our sector and do our part to build a cleaner, stronger economy for BC,” said Earle. “It is essential that more action is taken to support the transition, and we hope our recommendation will facilitate the discussion that is urgently needed. We look forward to working with all levels of government to identify solutions that will accelerate the adoption of green vehicles to our industry.”
