B.C. Drives Industry Shift To Cleaner Heavy-Duty Transportation

Jul 11, 2023 - 2 years ago

British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.

B.C. Drives Industry Shift To Cleaner Heavy-Duty Transportation — *Possessed Photography / Unsplash*

“The future of transportation is clean, electric and carbon emission-free. British Columbians are embracing zero-emission vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada, but we know it can be more difficult for the commercial vehicle sector to make the switch,” said Premier David Eby. “Supporting industry with new heavy-duty charging stations and support to buy and develop zero-emission vehicles reduces emissions and means cleaner air for all.”

Three CleanBC programs are receiving new funding to encourage industry to move to zero-emission vehicles: the Commercial Vehicle Pilots (CVP) program, the Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge, and support for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging infrastructure.

“B.C. is already leading Canada in the switch to zero-emission vehicles for personal transportation, with a record number of British Columbians choosing to go electric,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Today’s announcement will ensure that B.C. businesses are leading the way in the emerging, rapidly growing market for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Provincial investments are helping to break down barriers and accelerate adoption, so we can power our economy with clean electricity instead of fossil fuels.”

Seaspan Ferries Corporation has received support to acquire fast-charging stations and two large-battery electric vehicles to move heavy cargo. The Seaspan project is one of 20 projects that shared $17.3 million under the CleanBC Go Electric CVP program to support buying electric vehicles, including hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles and charging ports. The CVP program has a budget of $89 million over seven years, which includes $40 million from Budget 2023.
“At Seaspan Ferries, we are proud to be considered a national leader in decarbonizing marine transportation and our investment in next generation battery-electric terminal tractors is an example of these efforts, made possible with support through CleanBC and the Port of Vancouver,” commented Derek Ollmann, president, Seaspan Marine Transportation. “Seaspan is also a Canadian leader in the use of battery and liquefied natural gas hybrid-powered ferries, and we are increasing our use of renewable fuels across our fleets by using biodiesel and renewable natural gas to minimize our fleets' greenhouse gas emissions.”

The CVP program encourages organizations to adopt medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to help decarbonize commercial vehicles, including on- and off-road medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, aircraft, marine vessels and rail. Every ZEV on the road, especially those replacing heavy, fuel-hungry big vehicles, means a reduction in pollution, resulting in cleaner air, cleaner water and quieter streets – and fewer fuel and maintenance costs, which helps businesses remain competitive.

“BCTA welcomes the government’s commitment to develop charging infrastructure at truck-only rest stops and create opportunities to adopt new technology as we work to decarbonize the commercial transportation sector,” said Dave Earle, president and CEO, BC Trucking Association (BCTA).

Under StrongerBC for the Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge, an additional $30 million will help address the technology gap in the hard-to-decarbonize commercial vehicle sector, while also creating economic growth, jobs and continued investment in a growing B.C.-based ZEV technology sector.

“Innovation is how we propel our province and our economy forward, as we work to create a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that makes a real difference in the day-to-day lives of British Columbians,” stated Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “With the introduction of the 2022 ZEVs, this important investment in new charging and hydrogen-fuelling infrastructure across the province is a crucial step forward for the continued growth of B.C.’s innovative ZEV sector.”

The Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge supports accelerating ZEV technology from the idea stage to market, helping innovators and entrepreneurs through the design and build phases of new clean technologies for the commercial vehicle sector, including medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, marine, rail and aviation. An expression of interest period is open for candidates specializing in ZEV technology.

“Decreasing trucking industry emissions and encouraging more efficient goods movement are crucial parts of our CleanBC commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation by a third by 2030,” stated Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our upcoming Clean Transportation Action Plan will build strong and resilient infrastructure that supports safe travel and goods movement that goes hand in hand with a net-zero future for all British Columbians.”

To support British Columbians’ transition to electric vehicles, $19.5 million is being invested in specialist medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging stations under the CleanBC Public Charging Program, allowing for 130 new medium- and heavy-duty charging stations throughout the province. This funding is in addition to $26 million previously announced for more light-duty charging stations throughout B.C.

“Many B.C. businesses are showing leadership in emissions reduction and accelerating the transition to cleaner technologies by replacing emissions-heavy gas-powered commercial vehicles with zero-emission vehicles in their day-to-day operations and across the shipbuilding industry,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Through the CleanBC Roadmap, our government is helping businesses make the switch by providing targeted financial supports to help drive innovation and adoption, and lower costs to industry.”

Quick Facts:

B.C.’s commercial transport sector accounts for approximately 60% of B.C.’s transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, and 25% of total provincial emissions.
The CVP program has two intakes for project proposals per year.
Zero-emission vehicles may be used interchangeably with electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles powered by electricity; fuel-cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen; extended-range electric vehicles with an electric motor and a battery recharged with a combination of electricity and gas; and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with an electric motor powered by electricity from a battery and a gas engine.

Source: Gov.bc.ca