Victoria to implement large-scale clean energy vehicle program

2009 Vancouver InternationalAuto Show image by Deggan

The phase 2 of Clean Energy Vehicle program in Victoria BC will see $7.5 million in point-of-sale incentives for electric and hydrogen cell vehicles.

The energy minister Bill Bennett has announced this during the opening ceremony of Vancouver International Autoshow.

The phase one of the program has seen the sale of 915 electric cars followed by establishment of 1,000 charging stations, said the minister.

This initiative caused reduction in nearly 57,000 tons of direct emission reductions in the region.

The budget has allocated a total of $10.6 million for the next three years to promote the sale of clean energy vehicles, stated the minister.

A major portion, nearly $7.5 million will be used as incentives for buying or leasing an electric vehicle.

In addition, up to $5,000 will be offered for plug-in hybrids and battery electrics and up to $6,000 will be kept aside for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Further, B.C.’s newly announced Scrap-It Program will provide those who retire their year 2000 or older cars up to $3,000 towards the purchase of a new electric car.

Out of these funds, the province is also budgeting $1.59 million for creating more charging and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure in the province.

Approximately, $1 million is allocated for commercial fleet purchasing incentives and $500,000 for research, training, and public research on clean energy transportation technology.

The minister acknowledged that the higher cost of purchase on electric cars as well as the more limited driving range can hold people back from purchasing and the second phase of the program is designed to combat those concerns.

Already 550 public charging stations have been installed across the province. Around 350 level 2 stations have been tracked and charging sessions doubled at those stations in last one year.

Authorities hope that expanding on B.C.’s network of charging stations will enhance all electric travel to become more feasible.

Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]