Building an Zero Emission Vehicle Ecosystem
Imagine Design by GoDoGood
““Cutting our transportation emissions is one of the most readily achievable and economically beneficial paths Canada can take on the road to net-zero emissions by 2050. That’s why we are committed to aligning Canada’s zero-emission vehicles sales targets with those of the most ambitious North American jurisdictions. We will work with the United States to harmonize performance-based greenhouse gas regulations and greenhouse gas emission standards. We’re investing in consumer rebates, charging stations, business tax breaks and industry transition costs to make the shift to zero-emission vehicles as seamless as possible for drivers, workers and entrepreneurs.” ”
April 2022 -
Rose Beltran Umlas; Project Manager
ECW’s Project : Village Car Share initiative launched its very first event for the Zero Emissions Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) titled Introduction to the EV Ecosystem on March 21st, 2022. Local community leaders, professionals, and green transportation supporters shared their perspectives on what makes a healthy electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and our individual roles in building a climate-friendly transportation network.
The panel members of this event include - Tom McLean (NB Electric Vehicle Owners), Nick Cameron (Saint John Transit Commission), and Tracey Somers (NB Power).
Our overall goals for this panel included:
Identify the key players that make a healthy EV Ecosystem;
Discuss current opportunities and challenges as we transition to zero emission vehicles.
To better understand upcoming changes s we move forward with the ZEV adoption in our rural communities
To understand our community roles
Panelists spoke about the current transportation issues in our rural communities and how the shift to a completely electrified fleet won’t be easy or happen overnight.
Tom McLean, a representative from the NB EV Owners group, spoke about the necessary changes in the behaviour of potential EV users. Tom noted, that in a healthy EV Ecosystem, charging vehicles start at our homes. Everyone agreed that charging your car at home was much more convenient than traveling to a local gas station to fuel up! In this fast-paced world, we love the idea of convenience and cost savings.
Nick Cameron, the Chair of the Saint John Transit Commission, brought in his transportation planning expertise to discuss space allocation, land-use planning, and optimal location spots for charging stations. He felt that there was a great opportunity to align good planning principles, like optimal asset installation, with nature and recreation based activities like hiking, and nature walks.. He also shared his experience in his project for active transportation and for municipalities to consider the walkability and accessibility of charging stations closer to restaurants, nature trails, and other communal recreation spots.
“New Brunswick has significant needs and gaps in transportation policies and service that impact the ability of citizens
to meet their needs.”
Tracey Somers, a representative from NB Power, agreed that the support for the local government and other organizations such as NB Power play an important role in building a ZEV-friendly community and transportation network. She highlighted the ongoing initiatives and programs led by NB Power that will increase ZEV awareness and interest in changing over to electric vehicle use.
Overall, this event opened an opportunity for our audience to ask important questions and connect with our panel members to assist them further in understanding the progression of green transportation. For those who missed this event, here is the full video coverage of the panel discussion.