Automotive industry executives were quick to praise new B.C. government measures aimed at getting consumers to buy electric vehicles, which are considered to be more sustainable for the environment.
The B.C. government announced March 23 that it would provide $688,500 in incentives, which apartment building owners and strata councils can tap into.
Approved applicants may receive a rebate of up to 75% of the total, pre-tax cost of installing electric vehicle charging stations, up to a maximum of $4,500.
Victoria also announced that, in partnership with BMW Canada and BC Hydro, it will provide $276,500 to upgrade certain charging stations to broaden the range of electric vehicles that are able to be charged.
This is the latest in a flurry of recent announcements about incentives to buy electric vehicles and it follows griping from dealers that a lack of incentives in 2014 was stunting sales.
Earlier this month, Premier Christy Clark said her government would provide $6 million in incentives that flow directly to those who buy electric vehicles. She added that $890,000 in new money would go to expand public and residential charging systems.
Finally, she said that B.C. would follow Ontario by allowing electric vehicles to travel in high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes even when there is only one person in the vehicle.
“That will definitely make a difference in attracting buyers,” Ford Canada president Dianne Craig told Business in Vancouver March 23.
She then referred to the annual TomTom Traffic Index, which just yesterday found that Vancouver continues to be Canada’s most congested city and that the city ranks as the world’s 36th worst city for traffic congestion.
“When you have the traffic congestion you have in Vancouver, [being able to travel in HOV lanes] is definitely a perk. People appreciate it and it definitely helps in the purchase considerations.”
Ford’s strategy to increase electric-vehicle sales has recently been to reduce the price. In the past year, the company has slashed $3,500, or about 10%, off the price of its electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
That combined with government incentives means that the price of those vehicles is comparable to Ford vehicles that have gasoline engines, Craig said.
Still, sales for electric vehicles remain mired at about 1% or less of all auto sales.
Toyota is the top electric-vehicle seller in Canada with Ford ranking No. 2.
Craig said the biggest challenge to get people to consider buying electric vehicles is education.
“There is consumer confusion around electrification, plug-in hybrids versus gas engines and what’s the real difference from a cost-benefit standpoint,” she said.
“There’s a concern around the range because there’s not the needed infrastructure, which needs to happen, ultimately, for us to really grow the electric vehicle pool.”
