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March 24, 2016 by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff

A report from Electric Mobility Canada outlines steps to implement an electric vehicle infrastructure.

MONTREAL—Electric Mobility Canada (EMC), a national not-for-profit organization that promotes electric mobility, says it is time to establish a strong national policy to bring EVs from an early adopter’s market to a mass market in Canada.

And with the measures included in the 2016 federal budget, the group may get its wish.

Currently, there are close to 18,500 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in Canada, five years after they were introduced to market. Still, EMC says Canada has half the number of EVs per inhabitant compared with the United States.

“EMC is ready to take an active role in the implementation of electric transportation in Canada,” said Catherine Kargas, Chair of EMC. “We are committed to rigorously monitoring broad scope fields such as autonomous vehicles, and on ongoing projects such as electric school buses and taxis in order to accelerate this energy efficient form of transportation.”

Recommended Measures

  • Implementing a National Resource Centre and a Test Driving program, in conjunction with a National Awareness Campaign, is the first measure is to raise public awareness for EVs
  • Provide federal financial incentives to EV buyers to increase their return on investment by at least 1.5 years,a move forecast to have a significant impact on EV adoption. EMC says incentives should also be offered to employers to support workplace charging as the second most important location for charging, after home charging.
  • Purchase and install 150 direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations to complete a national EV highway.

EMC recommends a national industry-academic consortium dedicated to EV research, development and innovation. For public transit, the sharing of results from electric bus demonstration projects, and the adequacy of these buses on transit routes will help determine the required projects needed for a concrete action plan.

“These recommendations are complementary to ongoing actions initiated in part by the private sector, utilities, EV drivers associations and governments”, said Chantal Guimont, President and CEO of EMC. “They represent an important lever to put in place in order to work closely with all actors in the EV field.”

EVs are four to six times cheaper to operate and result in reduced greenhouse gases, especially when “fuelled” by Canadian electricity from clean sources, says EMC. They also contribute to stimulating a green economy and represent a ready and available solution to Canada’s emerging energy and environmental issues.

The report has been prepared under the direction of EMC and developed in consultation with EMC members and various stakeholders, with the financial support of Natural Resources Canada.

Source: http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/