A decision by Vancouver City Council to increase the electric vehicle charging network throughout the city is being applauded by the New Car Dealers Association of B.C.

Vancouver City Council voted to approve recommendations contained in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem Program Update, which focus on accelerating EV adoption, growing the public charging network, and ensuring that EVs can be charged at all new residential parking stalls.

“One of the biggest obstacles that electric vehicle owners and potential EV owners face is a lack of adequate charging infrastructure where they live, work and play,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. “Electric vehicle sales are growing steadily and as more and more EV products appear on our roadways, we need to have the infrastructure to keep pace.”

Qualey is also challenging other communities across the province to follow suit. “Vehicle travel doesn’t observe municipal or regional boundaries and if this initiative to be truly meaningful, there needs to be a concerted effort by all communities to follow suit.”

There are currently over 250 electric vehicle charging stations across Vancouver, and the City owns and operates 72 of these public plugs. Over the coming years, there will be an increase in public charging infrastructure so that as more people choose electric, the expanded network is ready.

One factor facilitating the increase in electric vehicles is the incentive programs available to consumers including the CEVforBC program, which is funded by the Province of B.C. and administered by the New Car Dealers Association. CEVforBC offers up to $5,000 to B.C. residents who purchase or lease an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.