In the fight against climate change, British Columbia has amongst the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets for 2030 (40%), 2040 (60%) and 2050 (80%) in the world. These targets are essential for the provincial government to deliver on its commitment to reduce climate pollution and one our sector has a large role to play.
Medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) commercial vehicles are responsible for approximately 50% of GHG emissions from BC’s road transportation sector. These emissions have continued to rise and are projected to increase as the number of MHD vehicles on the road grows to meet the increased demand for the services they provide, which is why the BCTA is committed to its environmental stewardship efforts. Through our Sustainability Committee, we advocate for outreach and incentives for carriers to adopt fuel efficiency technology and regulation to support the adoption of zero emission technology. By identifying measures our sector can take to reduce our sector’s carbon footprint, BCTA is determined to evolve to a clean energy future.
One such measure to lower GHG emissions is our recommendation for a province wide zero and low emission vehicle mandate for BC’s commercial road transportation sector. To accelerate the adoption of these vehicles, BCTA is going to seek support from the Government of BC to legislate a mandate for all new medium-duty vehicles (>4,527 kg, <11,794 kg) sold in BC to be zero or low emission vehicles by 2050, and for all new heavy-duty vehicles (>11,794 kg) sold in BC to be zero or low emission vehicles by 2060.
BCTA recognizes that reducing our industry’s risks and concerns surrounding zero emission vehicle (ZEV) technology (such as operational reliability, range capacity, and charging time/refueling options) is critical in achieving this goal, as is expediting industry’s adoption of these vehicles recognizing the price differential between a ZEV and a conventional diesel vehicle is likely to remain significant for the next decade. By asking for support from the provincial government for this mandate, we hope to send a strong message to our industry that carriers need to be thinking about turning over their fleet to greener vehicles, and to facilitate discussion with all levels of government to address the many challenges that exist with an emphasis on identifying solutions that will help accelerate the uptake of zero and low emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Background
CleanBC Roadmap to 2030: Read BCTA November 1 2021 Bulletin Province of BC Releases its Plan to Achieve Emission Targets in the Fight Against Climate Change
