BC truckers lobbying for zero emissions mandate

by Inside Logistics Online Staff

The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) wants the provincial government to legislate a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate for B.C.’s commercial road transportation sector.

BCTA is advocating for a mandate that all new medium-duty vehicles (between 4,527 kg and 11,794 kg) sold in B.C. be zero or low emission vehicles by 2050, and all new heavy-duty vehicles (over 11,794 kg) be zero or low emission vehicles by 2060.

Through BCTA’s Sustainability Committee, the association advocates for outreach and incentives for carriers to adopt fuel efficiency technology and regulation to support the adoption of zero-emission technology.

British Columbia has among the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in the world at 40 percent below 2007 levels by 2030, 60 percent by 2040, and 80 percent by 2050.

As medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) commercial vehicles are responsible for approximately 50 percent of GHG emissions produced from BC’s road transportation sources, the sector has a large role to play toward the provincial government delivering on its commitment to reduce climate pollution.

Limiting factors

While the use of electric and hydrogen units for return to base and regional lanes is imminent, it is limited by the large price differential, range concerns, operating temperatures, BC’s mountainous terrain, and refueling and charging infrastructure.

The removal of barriers to ZEV adoption requires immediate attention, said Dave Earle, BCTA president and CEO.

“As the availability of heavy-duty zero emission vehicles continues to grow we need to address the challenges affecting uptake if we want to decarbonize our sector and do our part to build a cleaner, stronger economy for BC,” said Earle.

“It is essential that more action is taken to support the transition, and we hope our recommendation will facilitate the discussion that is urgently needed. We look forward to working with all levels of government to identify solutions that will accelerate the adoption of green vehicles to our industry.”