Although Ontario has the largest population, in 2021 it lagged behind both Quebec and British Columbia as the province with the third highest new Battery EV and Plug-In Hybrid EV registrations. With Ontario having just over half (19,726) of Quebec's (36,800) new registrations, much more can be done to support EV growth in the province.
Rebates and Resources
One factor that directly affects new EV purchases and registrations is cost. Both Quebec and British Columbia have provincial rebates that offer more funding and flexibility compared to Ontario:
Quebec: up to $7000, new purchases
BC: up to $3000, new purchases
Ontario: $1000 used eligible EV, additional $1000 for scrapping internal combustion engine vehicle
More Mature Mandates
EV charging infrastructure availability is another factor that current and prospective EV owners. British Columbia has over 20 municipalities that have mandated varying percentages of new building parking to be EV ready since 2018 and Quebec with one municipal mandate in effect since 2020. In Ontario, Toronto is the only city with municipal mandates for EV charging ready parking spaces in new buildings with the Toronto Green Standard version 4, which only came into effect in in May 2022.
Ontario's Future: Filling the Gap
The province is overdue for end-consumer and building owner support/mandates to bring it up to speed in EV adoption. With planned investments into infrastructure, Ontario could be one EV incentive program or development away from a major increase in EV sales/registrations. It is important to take advantage of existing and potential funding programs to future-proof your building against the growing demand for EV charging.
Current Opportunities: ZEVIP
The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) from Natural Resources Canada aims to increase the amount of EV chargers and refueling stations across the country in public places, workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, on-street charging, and commercial and public fleets. It is currently receiving its second wave of RFP intake now until August 11, 2022, with funding decisions planned to be sent out October 2022.
How We Can Help
Mann Energy Solutions (MES) is a professional consulting engineering company that specializes in electrical and energy solutions, including engineering and implementation. Our experienced electrical engineers can help work with your building’s unique profile to identify spare electrical capacity, energy saving opportunities, and design the best system for you. Our firm has hundreds of installed electrical and power projects and we have been in business since 1983. Some of our services include:
Free site walk-through by our experienced engineers and technicians to provide an initial site assessment
Engineering feasibility studies
Incentive study and application
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for a turnkey project
For more information or a complimentary assessment contact us through the main site, info@mannenergysolutions.com, or call (905) 597-5855.
Sources and Further Reading
Statistics Canada: New motor vehicle registrations: Quarterly data visualization tool
Gouvernement du Québec: New vehicle rebate
Government of British Columbia: CleanBC Go Electric
Plug 'N Drive: Used Electric Vehicle Incentive
Plug 'N Drive: Scrappage Incentive Program
Electric Autonomy: High-rise headaches: EV charging in Canada’s condos, apartments and MURBs a mixed experience
Natural Resources Canada: Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program