Transportation accounts for more than half of our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Changing the way we move around is key to mitigating our greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the worst impacts of climate change.
Transportation and Carbon
Choosing to travel on foot, by bike, or by bus not only helps to reduce our emissions, but also improves local air quality, reduces traffic congestion, is more affordable, and is healthy for us. Active transportation is the most environmentally friendly choice.
Transitioning from fossil fueled vehicles to electric and other low-emission vehicles also plays a role. Local and senior levels of government have enacted policies to encourage and require this important transition. The Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act, passed by the provincial government, requires automakers to sell more ZEVs each year. By 2040, all new light-duty vehicle sales will be zero-emission vehicles.
We can also reduce our transportation emissions by choosing to take vacations locally. There is a lot to explore right here in our region!
Choosing to walk, bike, or take public transit to significantly reduce your greenhouse gas emissions! It is also good for your health and can save money on gas and parking.
- Learn about the many benefits of active travel [PDF/145KB]
- Find up-to-date maps of bike lanes and paths to plan the safest and fastest route
- Explore how you can use the regional trail system for commuting and recreation
- Participate in GobyBike Week. Get motivated to start cycling to school or work by bike and win prizes!
- Find out if your school participates in Walk and Wheel to School Week, a kick-start campaign held in schools during the first week of October, to encourage year-round active school travel across the region
With no tailpipe, battery electric vehicles (EVs) produce no harmful greenhouse gases, which are bad for air quality and the climate. They also save you money over the lifetime of the vehicle with significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs.
- Find out where you can charge your EV using PlugShare or Charge Hub
- Explore the makes and models of EVs available in BC
Rebates & Incentives
Looking to make your next vehicle an electric one? Want to install a charger in your house or building? Plug In BC provides a central source for information rebates and incentives that will support our community in its transition to electric vehicles.
BC SCRAP-IT Program includes incentives to replace higher polluting vehicles with new or used EVs.
Live in or manage a condo or apartment building? The Multi-Unit Residential Building Charging Program provides incentives and support for installing charging stations for multi-dwelling buildings.
As part of our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within corporate operations, the Capital Regional District (CRD) is undertaking a Zero Emissions Fleet Initiative (ZEFI), within its vehicle fleet.
Resources for fleet owners:
- Many BC fleets are going electric. Plug-in electric vehicles can save substantial money on fuel, reduce maintenance costs, and improve an organization’s environmental impact.
- West Coast Electric Fleets is an initiative of the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC), a joint initiative of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia to accelerate the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles in public and private fleets.
Learn more about the power of EVs
Electric vehicles can save you money and they are becoming more affordable everyday.
Watch the video: Electric Vehicles Save You Money
Electric vehicles make financial sense when considering the total cost of ownership - accounting for the operating and maintenance costs in addition to the purchase price. With no belts or spark plugs, oil or exhaust, maintenance is a breeze for an EV. Plus, charging costs approximately 75% less than fueling up with gas or diesel. In 2018, BC Hydro published a report illustrating that several battery electric vehicles were already cheaper to buy, fuel and maintain over the first 5 years of ownership than their gas-powered counterparts.
While there is currently a premium to buy electric, up to $8,000 in rebates from the Provincial and Federal governments are helping residents offset the difference. The BC Scrap-It Program offers an additional $6,000 for a new EV or $3,000 for a used one when you trade in your gas or diesel-powered vehicle.
Electric vehicles are better for the environment and produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional vehicles.
Watch the video: Electric vehicles reduce emissions
Electric vehicles run on electricity, which in BC is generated using 97% renewable energy sources. Personal vehicles are one of the largest contributors to community greenhouse gas emissions in the capital region. By shifting to EVs, we can significantly reduce our community emissions and help reach our climate targets. And the good news gets better: EVs outperform gas-powered vehicles even when accounting for total lifecycle emissions.
Because EVs store power in large lithium-ion batteries, which are material and energy-intensive to produce, their emissions at this early manufacturing stage can exceed those of conventional vehicles. In the operations stage, however, EVs in BC generate 99% fewer emissions than their gas-powered counterparts.
Electric vehicle ranges are increasing and are more than enough for everyday driving.
Watch the video: Electric Vehicles Can Go the Distance
Most new electric vehicles have a range of 250 to 600 km per charge. In Victoria and Saanich, residents drive just over 16 km per day on average – that means that most EV drivers could go more than two weeks on a single charge with an EV that has a 300 km range. If starting in Victoria, a 300 km range can get you all the way to Campbell River on a single charge. See how far an EV can take you by using this app to map the range of various EV models to help you choose what is right for you!
Read the factsheet [PDF/241KB]
There is a robust and growing network of EV charging stations in the capital region and throughout BC.
Watch the video: Charging Stations in BC
Electric vehicle charging stations are popping up all over BC - including rural areas. The capital region has the highest rates of EV ownership in the country and we have the public charging network to go along with it. There are nearly 2,000 Level 2 and 375 DC Fast Charging outlets available to the public throughout BC, with more coming online all of the time! Public EV charging stations are easy to find using apps such as PlugShare and ChargeHub.
Read the factsheet [PDF/0.9MB]
The Victoria region has the highest percentage of EVs in the country! With a growing EV market, you’re sure to find one you love in your price range.
Video: Electric vehicles are going mainstream
In choosing an EV, you won’t be alone. The Victoria region has the highest percentage of EVs in the country! We have the highest percentage of zero emission vehicles in Canada, with 13.4% of total new vehicles registrations being electric in early 2020.
Electric vehicles are not just luxury cars, they come in many different makes and models and at many different price points. EVs are not just for city drivers, rural communities have a growing charging network and are going electric too. EVs are not just for running errands close to home, go on and take a road trip! With over 500 different EV models expected on the market by 2022 and a growing used EV market, you’re sure to find one you love in your price range. Check out BC Hydro’s EV search tool to find your next ride.
Read the factsheet [PDF/209KB]
Don’t let a cold snap or a trip to Mount Washington put you off, electric vehicles are tough and stand up in extremely cold (or hot) weather.
Watch the video: Electric vehicles are ready for winter driving
Electric vehicles are proven to be as tough as winter and are ready for driving in freezing cold (and smokin’ hot) temperatures in BC. Temperature extremes do affect battery range, so it’s good to be aware of how that may impact your trip. For EVs, the temperature ‘sweet spot’ is about 21°C, where vehicles actually achieve about 115% of their rated range on average. At -15°C, an EV may drop to about 54% of its rated range, so a car rated for 402 km will get an average of 217 km. Check out this Temperature Range Tool for EV Range to find out the specific impact for your model, then get planning your weekend getaway to your favourite BC ski hill!
Read the factsheet [PDF/162KB]
